Some days are for people watching, while others are for accessory spotting. But in Delhi, you can’t really separate the two. The capital’s appetite for designer everything is practically insatiable, and proof was in the the crystal-studded pudding (or handbag shaped like pudding) at Judith Leiber’s store at Delhi’s Chanakya Mall over the weekend. While the New York-based brand was present in India briefly in the 2010s, when it even collaborated with couturier Suneet Verma on a special line, this event marked a reentry into the country.
Well before XS bags claimed the trend cycle, Budapest-born Judith Leiber took whimsical objects—everything from cupcakes, merry-go-rounds and martini glasses to tigers and frogs—and turned them into bedazzled minaudières that are now pop culture icons, seen on everyone from Gigi Hadid and Kim Kardashian to Alia Bhatt and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja. The designer herself passed away in 2018, many years after selling her namesake business, but the brand continued to flourish. Its second innings in the country is courtesy a new partner, Delhi-based Sparsh India Couture. And this launch party was the perfect opportunity for sworn collectors to dust off these sparklers and bring them out for a well-deserved spin.
Of course, at an event like this, what better way to pass time than to play a little game of how many designer pieces could we spot? The answer: far too many—there were Chanel waistcoats, Bvlgari fine jewellery, Schiaparelli dresses, ostrich skin Kellys, Prada heels, and a never-ending parade of Leibers (naturally).
Chandni Agarwal, CMD and founder of Sparsh India Couture
This is one of how many Leibers you own? “Probably 15, but I’ve lost count. My mother-in-law introduced me to the brand during my wedding, about 14 years ago. Ever since, I’ve become a collector, and have many of their exclusive designs (such as the Ganesha and guitar)—many of which they don’t even make any more. Luckily, I live in a joint family that loves the brand and also loves to share—so I am never short on new Leibers to carry!”
Myanka Singh, talent manager
A Blazy era Chanel? Icon behaviour. “It was an early birthday present from my mom—she got it at the Chanel store on Fifth Avenue in New York about two weeks ago. It surprisingly holds a lot more than you’d expect it to, and I love the fresh minimal look as opposed to the signature chain strap—it is perfect for my style, I am more of a Bombay girl in my vibe, I feel. My mother is a big collector of Chanel and Hermès, and I am constantly borrowing from her. She also got herself slingbacks from this Matthieu Blazy drop, and a Jean Paul Gaultier-era Birkin from The RealReal on this trip.”
Diya Kumar, fashion lawyer
All about the tiny bags, are we? “This is the Hermès Constance wallet which I’ve DIY-d into a bag using a Twilly. This was a second anniversary present from my husband, who has also gifted me most of the accessories in my collection. I am a fashion lawyer, so safe to say, I am a complete fashion girlie. Got to go now, I want to order that Cosmopolitan Martini clutch before someone else cops it.”
Kokil Agarwal, homemaker
Are you big on Leibers? “I’ve been collecting for years, and I have so many—but I only buy exclusives and special order pieces, I am not drawn to the regular handbags at all. The last Leiber I got was shaped like the Eiffel Tower. How many handbags do I have? I’ve lost count (over 100, her son chimes in!). I get most of my limited edition bags from Milan, Paris, Dubai or London, I have SAs everywhere.”
Ayushi Ranchal, beauty entrepreneur
Did you buy this Leiber today? “No, this one is from 2022, I got it for a family wedding. People always ask me if I got this because I have a French bulldog. I don’t. I am not even a dog person, but my husband is, and he chose this bag for me.”
Nikita Vasdev, content creator
Cute arm candy. Tell us more? “I got this Leiber because it looks like my poodle, Doodle. It only fits a roll of cash and maybe a lipstick, but it’s so cute and sparkly. I am so obsessed with collecting bags, and have over 50 in my collection.”
Jyoti Agarwal, homemaker
Hold on… is that a Richard Mille RM 07-01 in Gold Carbon TPT, we spy? “Yes, I got this last year after a two year wait. I am not into fashion at all, but my family is full of collectors, so they keep me updated. I just told them I needed a new watch, and this is what they gifted me. We don’t buy matching pieces in the family—we have a WhatsApp group where we discuss our purchases, so we can share everything.”
Priyanka Jain, fashion podcaster
Cool heels. When did you get them? “I got these from the Gucci store in Rome about eight years ago. I was told these were a Rome exclusive, and only 20 pairs were made—but I don’t know if that’s true, so don’t hold me to it. I do love shoes, but I won’t call myself a collector. I am a value-driven shopper, and make sure my things last.”
Simran Agarwal, designer
We take it you love exotic skins? “I do. And this python skin Dior bag was an anniversary gift last year. So I better get something even more exclusive this year! Perhaps a Birkin 25 or a limited-edition Birkin 35 Tri-Color. I already have four, but one can never have enough, right? I am most keen on an ostrich skin one, let’s when that day comes! Until then, I just ordered the butterfly clutch from Judith Leiber—I already have a frog, dolphin, cage, rose and fan from them.”
Kaveri Garg, real estate communications
That Kelly deserves its own moment. “It was my first buy at Hermès’ Paris store about 14 years ago, back when things weren’t as crazy as they are today. I collect these bags out of passion, and I prefer leathers which have an old-world patina to them—nothing shiny for me, please. The diamond bag charms on this have been custom-made by Nupur Agarwal.”
