INTERVIEW
In a fast paced fashion world Rema Suresh has proved herself by her innovative and exclusive collection of leather handbags and pouches for women and has branded her products in the name of Soos Designs. She is passionate about design and puts her soul into her work while designing and making handmade leather bags. Soos Design run by Rema is unique in a way that all products are handcrafted without any machine work.In an interview to Sreeni K.R,, Rema Suresh, the Proprietor of ‘Soos‘, spoke at length about the new trends in leather handbags.
What is the importance of bags in todays life?
Earlier, bags were purely utilitarian, at least for the common people; though there were designer bags to match with clothes, which became popular through movies. Today in Cochin, the common crowd too is more aware of fashion and style and want accessories that project their personality. In this respect, bags today are not just utilitarian items but they also form a fashion statement. For instance those who are fond of ethnic products are inclined towards jute fabric, mirror work, etc. Leather has been an evergreen favourite at all times and I doubt whether it will ever go out of fashion.
What exactly does Soos stand for?
It’s just a name that struck spontaneously and was decided upon.
When did you seriously think of designing bags as a career?
This has been a hobby for a while now.Over the last couple of years I have been trying to get feedback on the bags by displaying them at exhibitions. The feedback has been extremely positive and encouraging and the decision to start this on a larger scale was taken.
What makes Soos Designs unique?
All the products designed by Soos are 100 percent handmade and extremely durable, with absolutely no involvement of machines or modern technology.
Explain the procedure involved in the designing and making of bags?
We have hand tools for each step of the process; we procure the finest quality leather and accessories. After the design has been finalized, sheets are cut manually and then hand braided/woven into the final product. The last step is fixing the accessories like zippers, buttons, etc and this is also done without machines.
Who takes care of the fabric used for making bags?
We choose the lining fabric in conjunction with the leather that is used, and ensure that the fabric is durable and aesthetic.
Where is your manufacturing unit?
Our manufacturing unit is at Mahakavi Bharathiyar Road,Ernakulam, Kochi.
How do you change the products according to the changing trends?
The feedback that we request from each customer or for that matter anyone who sees the bags has proved invaluable in adapting to the changing trends. What better way than to ask the end users themselves for what suits them the most! Besides this, a general watch on market trends, international designs etc give us an insight into what the trend is. It’s no different from how a common person changes his or her style in clothes from time to time.
Customers always want new products different from the rest. Who takes care of it?
Thats our USP. We dont manufacture these bags on a mass scale and duplicate designs indiscriminately. There are only very select pieces of each design and there is always a variation in colour, design and texture, which is why we like to call our bags exclusive.
You are producing bags for every age group.What things do you take care of for different age groups?
If you see our designs, there are small trendy bags with short straps for the teenagers, larger spacious bags for those who want to accommodate more items and even very small hand pouches. Here again we are very open to suggestions and requests on the design and utility.
Where can your bags be purchased from?
Earlier, bags were purely utilitarian, at least for the common people; though there were designer bags to match with clothes, which became popular through movies. Today in Cochin, the common crowd too is more aware of fashion and style and want accessories that project their personality. In this respect, bags today are not just utilitarian items but they also form a fashion statement. For instance those who are fond of ethnic products are inclined towards jute fabric, mirror work, etc. Leather has been an evergreen favourite at all times and I doubt whether it will ever go out of fashion.
What exactly does Soos stand for?
It’s just a name that struck spontaneously and was decided upon.
When did you seriously think of designing bags as a career?
This has been a hobby for a while now.Over the last couple of years I have been trying to get feedback on the bags by displaying them at exhibitions. The feedback has been extremely positive and encouraging and the decision to start this on a larger scale was taken.
What makes Soos Designs unique?All the products designed by Soos are 100 percent handmade and extremely durable, with absolutely no involvement of machines or modern technology.
Explain the procedure involved in the designing and making of bags?
We have hand tools for each step of the process; we procure the finest quality leather and accessories. After the design has been finalized, sheets are cut manually and then hand braided/woven into the final product. The last step is fixing the accessories like zippers, buttons, etc and this is also done without machines.
Who takes care of the fabric used for making bags?
We choose the lining fabric in conjunction with the leather that is used, and ensure that the fabric is durable and aesthetic.
Where is your manufacturing unit?
Our manufacturing unit is at Mahakavi Bharathiyar Road,Ernakulam, Kochi.
How do you change the products according to the changing trends?
The feedback that we request from each customer or for that matter anyone who sees the bags has proved invaluable in adapting to the changing trends. What better way than to ask the end users themselves for what suits them the most! Besides this, a general watch on market trends, international designs etc give us an insight into what the trend is. It’s no different from how a common person changes his or her style in clothes from time to time.
Customers always want new products different from the rest. Who takes care of it?
Thats our USP. We dont manufacture these bags on a mass scale and duplicate designs indiscriminately. There are only very select pieces of each design and there is always a variation in colour, design and texture, which is why we like to call our bags exclusive.
You are producing bags for every age group.What things do you take care of for different age groups? If you see our designs, there are small trendy bags with short straps for the teenagers, larger spacious bags for those who want to accommodate more items and even very small hand pouches. Here again we are very open to suggestions and requests on the design and utility.
Where can your bags be purchased from?
Presently they are displayed at “AHOM” Layam Road, near Woodlands, (opposite to Tandoor restaurant), Ernakulam. Shortly our products will be available in more outlets in the city. We are also planning to open an exclusive store in Ernakulam.
What is the future of bags in fashion industries?
It has always had a very huge place in countries like France, Italy and the US. With designers making products that can be accessible to the common people too, it has already made a place for itself in the Indian market as well. In future it can only expand further.
What is the average price of your bag?
What is the future of bags in fashion industries?
It has always had a very huge place in countries like France, Italy and the US. With designers making products that can be accessible to the common people too, it has already made a place for itself in the Indian market as well. In future it can only expand further.
What is the average price of your bag?
The price range is between Rs 100 and Rs 3000 per bag pouch.
What are your new products to come?
Fresh designs of handbags and pouches for ladies will definitely keep happening. Alongside, mobile pouches, gents’ wallets and perhaps belts are not far behind.
What are your hobbies and passions?
I am a housewife and have had interest in the arts, music, craft, etc. I hope to develop Soos designs into a full-fledged design store sometime in the near future.
What are your new products to come?
Fresh designs of handbags and pouches for ladies will definitely keep happening. Alongside, mobile pouches, gents’ wallets and perhaps belts are not far behind.
What are your hobbies and passions?
I am a housewife and have had interest in the arts, music, craft, etc. I hope to develop Soos designs into a full-fledged design store sometime in the near future.
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