Our Story

Inspiration

The Name - LYLA

At LYLA, we believe that every handbag is more than just an accessory - it’s a story waiting to be told. Our brand name, LYLA, is inspired by the timeless collection of Middle Eastern folktales known as One Thousand and One Nights (Alf Laylah wa-Laylah), often known in English as The Arabian Nights.

Every great story has a beginning. Ours starts with an anthropologist, an entrepreneur and a craftsman.

The Anthropologist

She once immersed herself in anthropology, fascinated by how history lives on in art, architecture and artifacts. But life took her elsewhere—into the fast-paced world of international finance and development. For years, she left that passion behind, until a move to a new country awakened something in her. Now, as she rediscovers the love she once had, she brings it to LYLA—transforming forgotten stories into designs that lets everyone carry a piece of history.

The Entrepreneur

Ever the enterprising spirit, he has always seen opportunity where others hesitate. The anthropologist’s vision sparks a thought in him and so begins his search for the skilled artisans needed to bring these designs to life. To him, it’s about proving that old-school craftsmanship continues to have a place, and that LYLA can be a sustainable endeavor competing in a world taken over by fast fashion.

The Craftsman

His hands have spent a lifetime bringing intricate designs to life—each stitch, each pattern a reflection of centuries-old craftsmanship. However, a few years ago, he lost his Karachi workshop of 15 years to gentrification to make way for a mega mall. Losing his studio meant more than just starting over; it meant fighting to keep a legacy alive. Now, with LYLA, he is rebuilding—not just a business, but a future where artisans like him can thrive and where their work is valued.

The Process

The Anthropologist's Exploration
Her interest in Greek mythology leads her to ancient vases at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where thousands-of-years old epics were captured in border patterns and flower symbols. She includes those elements to design a bag that exudes resilience, strength and personal growth.
The Entrepreneur's Quest
His enterprising outlook brings the paper designs to life. He brings experts from various functions together to ensure the best quality products the customers will love get made and that the entire endeavor is financially sustainable. He pulls in fashion designers and users to create and stress test iterations until a high-quality and functional blueprint is ready to be manufactured.
The Artisan's Labor
He materializes the vision through rounds of prototyping until the bag takes its final look – exquisite and functional! His decades of experience guarantee the best handiwork and materials.