Ten months after launching her brand, Minza Khan debuts her collection on the Designers’ Premier runway during New York Fashion Week on Sept. 9 at the Stewart Hotel in New York City. The event gives the 25-year-old designer the chance to display her collection for the first time and the opportunity to collaborate with local designers.
The sold-out show produced by Fashion Gallery featured four designers. Minza Khan showcased her eponymous label, MINZA, by collaborating with Princess Faraj of Faraj Couture. Khan also had the opportunity work with Nitra Singh, a jewelry designer and owner of Glitter Trunk.
“Collaborating with other creative women has been an incredible experience. Sharing the runway with them was an honor,” Khan said. “Her dresses are beautifully intricate and she pays so much attention to detail. Faraj Couture and Minza represent luxury. It was the perfect fit. I wanted people to see the magic in my clutches. Photos never quite capture the beauty of our bags. The hues, shades, and the way our bags glisten against the light is far more superior in person and I wanted people to experience it first hand.”
Khan launched her company in December 2016 to provide quality handbags that are anything but ordinary. The brand is defined by its handmade aesthetic and incorporates the ideals of social responsibility. The embroidery and embellishments are meticulously hand-sewn by talented artisans. The bags’ leather is crafted locally in New York. Khan deconstructs and redefines the boundaries of fashion aesthetics by combining classic western silhouettes with South Asian craftsmanship.
“I started drawing and designing from an early age,” Khan said. “I was born and raised in America by Pakistani parents so I appreciate South Asian culture and handicrafts of the region. I aim to incorporate the beautiful ancient techniques into our handbags to create something special.
To preserve the character of each design, Khan produces limited quantities of each style. The brand’s signature elements include mirror-work, pearls, crystals, velvet lining, and the ancient technique of metallic thread embroidery known as zardozi.
“Each item is an art-piece to me and I like to treat it like that from start to finish. I aim to create pieces that won’t necessarily feel dated in ten years time,” Khan said. “At the same time, our concept is affordable luxury. We want our products to be affordable but without compromising beauty or quality.”
Khan has launched her online store with 15 unique designs; including one to aid the Syrian crisis. The Syrian bag depicts Syrian landmarks, some of which date back to the 11th century. Due to the conflict, many of these historic landmarks have been destroyed in the past five years. Khan donates all profit from the sale of the Syria bags to children in Syria through UNICEF.
“Many of the pieces in our line are inspired by eastern architecture,” Khan said. “Syria has some of the oldest churches and mosques in the world and it’s painful to see the destruction of these irreplaceable sites. What’s even more painful is to see innocent lives taken by this war, especially children.”
Khan seeks to use her platform to raise awareness and fund a better future.
“I want to cultivate a shopping experience rooted in a deeper purpose to make a difference by supporting causes my customers and I are passionate about,” Khan said.
Khan plans to launch messenger bags in the upcoming months and collaborate with other designers.
