Balancing classic touches with innovative vision L’AFSHAR clutches have instantly become the luxurious piece to accessorize any ensamble. Its eye-catching logo was seen in many fashionable hands around the globe. ESMOD Dubai graduate Lilian Afshar found herself in designing accessories and started her own venture with clutches. MORE is LOVE is delighted to reveal designer’s unique experience as a traveler, some of her inspirations and what’s next for L’AFSHAR.

MORE is LOVE: Tell us a bit about yourself and what pushed you to get into designing bags?

Lilian: I was born and raised in London to Iranian parents. We then moved to Vancouver, Marbella, Tehran and Dubai. I was studying Fashion Design and Pattern Making, it was during my graduation collection where I felt my RTW collection was missing an accessory. After a 20 factory visits, the L'AFSHAR bug clutch was born. I like to call it a beautiful mistake.

MORE is LOVE: What does dragonfly and scarab beetle logo mean for you?

Lilian: The dragonfly and beetle create a beautiful harmony, if just dragonfly then it would be too soft and feminine and if just the scarab beetle then it would look too rough. The dragonfly itself represents wisdom of transformation and adaptability in life. It is also a spirit animal that is connected to the symbolism of change and light. To me, all these represent what L'AFSHAR defines.

Lilian: Sleek, sharp and neoteric.

MORE is LOVE: Where do you look for inspiration?

Lilian: Everywhere around me, when having your own brand you have to be like a sponge and absorb everything you see. I get inspired by palaces, chandeliers, murals, mosques, churches, nature, markets, cracks in a building, mosaics, skyscrapers, etc. The list goes on and on.

MORE is LOVE: Does your home country influence your work?

Lilian: Not as much as I would like it to. I am planning a trip around Iran to explore all the beautiful cities. Whatever I will expereince and see will definitely be translated in my future collections.

MORE is LOVE: Do you like experimenting with new materials? Which is your favorite one to work with?

Lilian: The reason I love working with acrylic is that you can use the most unusual textures into making a clutch. The marble is my favorite, we create the marble sheet specifically for the clutches. We mix the colors in liquid form to create the streaks and marble effect.

MORE is LOVE: What is your design process like?

Lilian: Creating a mood, concept and story. Then I move onto colors, textures and shapes.

MORE is LOVE: How does it feel to see your creations worn by fashionistas all over the world?

Lilian: It really is the best feeling I have ever felt in my life.

Lilian: On my SS15 collection and a very special collaboration. Stay tuned!

MORE is LOVE: Who would you like to work with?

Lilian: I would love to work with Dion Lee or Delpozo for a collaboration. And Natasha Goldenberg, she is my current style crush.

MORE is LOVE: What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an independent designer?

Lilian: Metaphorically speaking, I see the fashion world as an airplane runway. Huge airplanes like famous fashion houses landing smoothly. My journey so far was like flying with an airplane with one engine and lots of turbulence on the way, but the fact that matters is that i'm landing.

MORE is LOVE: The best advice anyone has ever given to you.

Lilian: Mistakes are merely steps up the ladder.

MORE is LOVE: Your life motto...

Lilian: Be humble, be kind and never stop moving.

MORE is LOVE: You travel a lot. Which are your favorite places and why?

Lilian: I love every city I go to. From LA to NYC to Capri to Tehran. Every city has something different to offer.

MORE is LOVE: What’s in your L’AFSHAR bag?

Lilian: Business cards, lipstick, Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey 30ml bottle.

MORE is LOVE: Where do you see your brand going in the future?

Lilian: Shoes!