Raphael Lombardo collaborates with Aranyani for "Finding your Roots" collection

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Nov 8, 2018

The Italian bag technologist Raphael Lombardo has collaborated with the Indian accessories brand Aranyani on a collection of hand-painted and handloom bags entitled "Finding your Roots".

Lombardo spoke to The Hindu about Indian leather and working on his latest collaborative collection with Aranyani and said: “Each bag is made out of over 40 different patterns, many materials need to be combined. Each part of the bag has a different thickness, and strength.”

Lombardo has stated that he would compare the new Aranyani collection to bags made by the world’s largest luxury brands. The collection mixes strong, structured bag shapes with abstract and expressive painting techniques.

“India’s story is very old, most normal customers don’t know. The country has very nice leathers, one of the biggest tanneries in the world is owned by the Tatas,” said Lombardo. When comparing Italian and Indian leather, Lombardo said, “The only difference between both is that Indian leather has a basic finish.”

Aranyani has just taken part in The Menswear Festive Edit by House of Three. The event ran from November 2 to 8 at the House of Three Flagship Store in Bengaluru and Aranyani showcased a collection on men’s bags.

Lombardo has worked with a number of luxury brands including Cartier, Armani, and the LVMH Group and also teaches at the Italian Palazzo Pucci Fashion Academy in Florence, Italy.