If you haven’t heard of Nathalie Trad yet, stop everything you are doing and read this article. No, seriously, stop! You are about to see some real eye candy, but chances are you probably know who we are talking about, as style icons like Sienna Miller, Leandra Medine and Olivia Palermo are obsessed with her designs. And for good reason!

Courtesy of Nathalie Trad
Courtesy of Nathalie Trad

Lebanese luxury handbag designer Nathalie Trad is known for her signature asymmetric, architectural style clutches. Seeking inspiration in her environment, she differentiates her work by using natural materials, such as hard shell and wood, managing to create wearable art sculptures.

Born in Beirut and raised in Dubai, Nathalie grew up with creative parents, as her father worked in advertising and her mom had a flower shop. It is safe to say that she had an artistic upbringing, which later on determined her to move to Paris at 17 to study at the prestigious Esmod International Fashion School. Later on, she relocated to New York, where she studied Design and Management at Parsons. Nathalie went on to work under the mentorship of Proenza Schouler before launching her own label in 2013.

Through the years, she has managed to develop her own signature. She constantly strives to discover something new, to give innovative nuances to fashion and to reinterpret handbag design, inspired by her everyday life and surroundings. There is just a certain sculptural harmony between all the materials, textures, shapes and lines that is mesmerizing.

Courtesy of Nathalie Trad

Aside from her modern and unique approach, you will definitely observe her undeniable Middle Eastern touches, inspired by her culture, with luxurious materials and colorful patterns. She achieves a certain balance between what is contemporary and what is traditional, letting her personality peak-trough.

Courtesy of Nathalie Trad

You’ll notice she uses a lot of shell in her work, which she makes sure it is responsibly sourced. This is a really tedious process, as every part of the shell has to be carefully cleaned, cut and polished before her experienced artisans team can do its magic. This specific craftsmanship is something rare these days, as it’s more of a ritual passed from generation to generation. Each clutch is meticulously hand-crafted and requires at least two weeks to come to life.

Courtesy of Nathalie Trad

This attention to detail tells a story, as a customer buys not only the beautiful handbag art piece, but the passion and hard work put into it. Not to mention that the elemental combination of leather, woods, metals, and shell is a masterpiece itself.

Continuing this way, Nathalie Trad is set to become one of the most prominent handbag designers of her generation. Mark our words!

Check out all of her design on nathalietrad.com.