Leather Bags From India - Tradition And Quality!
If you were asked would you buy leather bags from India a few years ago you would most probably have turned your nose up and said with disdain, "never"! These were my feelings too. When they first appeared they were viewed as poor quality, cheap and totally lacking in style. It was evident though, that it was only a matter of time before another of our traditional manufacturing industries was going to be devoured by all the millions of eager Indian workers ready to turn their hand at yet another western commodity. Always seemed a bit of a puzzle to me, the oxen being a sacred beast in India, and yet India has now become one of the world's leading manufacturers and exporters of leather bags. Initially leather bags made in India were indeed horrible. The leather was poor grade, the stitching wonky, the finishes, well to be perfectly honest, they were not very good at that either. But, people bought them. These bags were sold on price alone because that is all that they had going for them. You could find them at the cheap shops, discount stores and bazaars. Often the leather was delivered to India already tanned, ready to go. All they had to do was to turn the prepared leather into bags. This proved enormously successful for both India and their customers. It also provided the learning ground for Indians to practice and perfect their skills.
It would be unfair to say that India has not had a relationship with leather during its long history. Perhaps not in the manufacture of bags, but leather was historically an important item particularly for the warriors of Rajasthan whose horses and camels were decorated with hand embroidered leather saddlery. Embroidered leather shoes are even to this day made all over the country. Entering the worldwide leather market has provided a lot of these local artisans a means of showcasing their work much to the delight of those who buy them. Leather bags from India are now a serious force to be reckoned with. It is common for international designers to send their treated leather to India for manufacture. A great deal of Italian leather is now sent to India to be expertly turned into the designer bags that we are all so familiar with. It is then sent back to Milan for sale. It is very common to buy a bag which will have on the label "Italian leather, made in India". A great number of consumers don't really care, as long as their bag looks and feels good, the origins are unimportant. Don't expect a bargain either. A high quality leather bag from India through a retail outlet will represent better value for money, but don't expect it to be cheap. If you buy cheap, then expect poor quality and a disappointing outcome. If you are traveling to India then you will be able to pick up beautiful leather bags at great prices in Delhi. The Khan Market and the Santushti complex offer custom made goods from soft calf leather skirts, bags, jackets and even dresses. The Government emporias also stock a large range of leather bags as well as their traditional embroidered shoes.
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