Nappa Dori

Nappa Dori is a tribute to quintessential Indian design sensibilities blended perfectly with contemporary interpretations in design, material and craftsmanship. The Indian love story being a global one, aspires everyone to the nostalgia, mysticism and romance of the historic landmarks, vibrant culture, landscape and a myriad collection of eclectic modern icons. 

The Nappa Dori name is firmly rooted in Indian origins and literally translated means ‘leather and thread’.  The luxury leather brand offers a unique mix of design and craftsmanship as it celebrates an era when every journey was glamorous. Every handcrafted piece of fashion accessories or luggage is an expression of fine individuality and elegance.

Nappa Dori is one of India’s foremost contemporary design brands that has captured our attention through its carefully curated product portfolio, design aesthetic and powerhouse craftsmanship that preserves Indian artisanal sensibilities with a modern minimalist approach. Behind the brand is the creative force of Gautam Sinha, Founder and Creative Director of Nappa Dori.

Having studied accessory design at National Institute of Fashion Design Delhi and spent the early years of his career designing fashion accessories for high-street brands.. Gautam Sinha developed a love for leather which led to launching Nappa Dori. With roughly ?4 lakh as investment and one employee in his workshop the young man aspired building a home-grown luxury leather brand for the urban Indian traveller who was proud to flaunt a made-in-India product made with the finest craftsmanship.

He tells The Style List: "Leather has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. For me, it’s the versatility of the material that truly takes the cake! Leather artistry is a field that feeds both my creativity and my curiosity as to how much I can push the boundaries of what can be achieved using this material!"

Renowned for his creative process that has propelled Nappa Dori from a single store in Hauz Khas Village New Delhi to over a dozen stores worldwide- Gautam Sinha's design approach is rooted in Indian heritage craft yet is a confluence of contemporary interpretations that align with international aesthetics. Per Voice Of Fashion: ‘Think of Nappa Dori and one thinks first of leather and luggage. The homegrown brand's carryalls, bags and accessories—with their sleek shapes, muted colours and no ornamentation—often spark comparisons with Scandinavian and Japanese designs. Gautam Sinha, founder of Nappa Dori, however defines it as Indian Minimalism.'

Inspired by minimalism and detail-oriented craftsmanship, Gautam Since is one of India's rising creative scions and is a testament to a new generation of Indian designers who are aware of emergent tastes worldwide that are truly world-class in quality and design. He is the driving force behind the success of Nappa Dori's diverse product portfolio including the popular cafe and concept store Café Dori which was conceptualised to give customers the experience of a fine global palette.

Per Voice Of Fashion: ‘The brand works with ethically sourced leather and used traditional artisanal practices; Sinha also highlights their small-batch production and fair wages. For the material itself he still sees a viable future. "Leather's functionality is proven" he adds… "We are exploring certain types of faux leather which we think fit our quality standards and aesthetic… We need to be with the times but we need to retain our essence."

Today Nappa Dori has flagship stores in India, Dubai and the United Kingdom, retails online and is also available at leading design stores including the Fortnum and Mason, Conran Shop, Selfridges and other reputable outlets. The leather brand is slowly diversifying into apparel with a clothing line for men and women that echos Nappa Dori's signature muted palette. Inspired by the Bauhaus art movement, the collection focuses on form and function. 

Sharing Indian heritage and craftsmanship with the world has always been the leather brand's mission and Gautam Sinha strongly feels that he has achieved this with the use of timeless traditional craftsmanship to handcraft fashion and lifestyle products with modern designs and a global appeal. 

NIFT alumnus Gautam Sinha envisions Nappa Dori as a contemporary luxury leather label that uses powerful Indian craftsmanship and heritage with a modern globally- relevant approach. The team does not function like a conventional fashion brand and do not believe in seasonal collections. Instead they work on timeless pieces which is the foundation and DNA for the brand.

Apart from travel steamers, trunks, handbags, wallets and laptop bags, the luxury leather brand offers a product portfolio of lifestyle items including bar kits, gardening tools, measuring tapes, Airpod holders, bracelets and wristwatch straps. The brand has recently added footwear to its offerings and more recently menswear—primarily available in the London store.