Sarjaa: a homegrown, premium plant and fruit leather-based handbag brand made its debut. Becoming the first in the country to use apple skin leather, the brand uses plant-based and fruit leather as a sustainable alternative.

Functional, stylish, luxurious and, most importantly, sustainable, Sarjaa, a newly-launched eco-friendly brand, is an amalgamation of all this and more.

Started by dynamic entrepreneur, Anjana Arjun, daughter of South superstar Arjun Sarja, this venture is a labour of love for the 27-year-old fashion and art enthusiast. Combining her inclination for these two creative pursuits and the urge to launch her own fashion label, Sarjaa came to fruition after finding a gap in the market for high-quality, premium handbags made with ethically-sourced materials. It’s also a part of her philosophy of adopting a long-term sustainable lifestyle.

Each plant-based handbag is a work of art, uniquely handcrafted using fruit leathers such as apple skin—a first in India—pineapple and cactus leather, ethically-sourced silks and cotton, recyclable aluminium and prints designed by local artists, which are used in the inner lining of the bags. From classic and timeless designs to sophisticated, new-age styles, each handbag tells a story, caters to women of all ages and is supremely functional—be it a stylish tote or après-work clutch.

The name Sarjaa holds unique significance. For one, Sarja is the name of Anjana’s grandfather and is deeply rooted in their family tree. The brand’s logo, when flipped horizontally, is a sign of infinity, which is tied to her vision for a healthy and green planet for years to come. Additionally, Sarja is the name of the tree associated with Anjana’s celestial star, the ‘Moola Nakshatra.’ The tree is said to give the grower a long and happy life.

A style for every mood

Sarjaa is currently offering a range of six styles with a unique backstory to each handbag:

Pracheen

Translating as antique or ancient in Hindi and Sanskrit, Pracheen is a classic handbag with a timeless silhouette, drawing inspiration from the letter ‘S’ in the brand’s logo. Made with apple skin leather, the inner lining features ethically-sourced Eri silk while the print lining is sourced from the designs of a renowned henna artist in South India. Pair this bag with a formal or a classic evening outfit as the perfect accessory.

Sebu

This mini bag’s design is inspired by a bitten-into apple. Perfect for holding all your essentials and featuring gorgeous colours and blingy straps, Sebu, which means apple in Kannada is the ideal accompaniment for brunch or a dinner party. The bag itself is made with apple skin leather, the lining is organic cotton and the zips are made from 70% post-consumer recycled metal.

Dua

This spacious tote is your go-to work bag, designed to hold almost everything for your workday, including a 13-inch laptop. You have roomy zip compartments and pockets for your essentials to stay in place. The design also subtly features the infinity symbol. Carry this from day to night, from office meetings or a spontaneous weekend trip to a casual night out with friends. Dua is truly a blessing for those times you need to carry a bag that can fit in plenty.

Punya

Punya in Kannada means goodness. Stylish and contemporary, this can be used as a clutch or a cross-body bag and can be paired with both Western and Indian wear. Its magnetic closure button is made of recyclable aluminium and the inner lining of the bag is made of organic cotton.

Kala

Versatile, roomy and whimsical—this comfortable and chic bag can be used from day to night with its stylish strap, recyclable aluminium chains and other accents. Kala which means dream in Telugu is the perfect accessory to dress up your outfit. The bag features elements made with leather derived from fruit waste, along with other organic materials.

Kenti

This mini bag is inspired by the kettlebell with its form (ergonomic handle) and design and also draws inspiration from the Tamil word for the kettle, which is kenti. Fun, fresh and vibrant, this bag is soft to the touch and uniquely designed, making it a versatile addition to your formal or casual outfits. Use it as an evening bag or add a pop of colour to your attire.