It was about a year ago that Yuliia set out to create women’s hand bags made of beads and pearls in multiple colours and shapes. Although she doesn’t have a physical shop, many customers in Macau turn to her Instagram page where the designer posts photos of all the styles and colours of bags she creates. It’s also possible to order any other design, and choose the colour and material so that “the bag is tailored to its future owner,” Yuliia shares.
The process of creating a bag takes about a week, but it all depends on the complexity of the style and the size, she explains, as sometimes she also has to “order material and wait for it to arrive”, in which case it can take two or three weeks.
Of the orders she has already received, one of the most challenging was for a whole suitcase with a perfume-shaped zip. “It was very difficult to connect the bag and the lid with a zip, but it turned out great.”
With prices starting at MOP350, similar to the cost of a good quality mobile phone case, Yuliia’s bags are all completely original designs, which makes them even more unique.
“Each bag is individual, created for a specific person, so no one else will have a bag exactly like it. Often a client wants to buy a bag but can’t decide on the design, so I look at a photo of her and create a bag that reflects her character and personality,” Yuliia explains.
With their striking aesthetic coming from the shine and texture of the beads, most of the designs are not for everyday use, but are more suitable for special occasions, as wearing them offers an original look.
“A bag like this can’t leave anyone feeling indifferent,” says the designer. Women, men and children alike use her creations, as “everyone likes really beautiful things that catch the eye”.
This is why Yuliia intends to keep using the same raw materials.
“There are many beautiful beads made from different materials and I have lots of ideas for other designs.”
As for the possibility of making other products or clothes with beads, she says that it is necessary to consider the weight, but she would still like to explore garments such as tops or a jackets.
Yuliia’s desire to create beautiful objects goes back to her childhood, when she enjoyed doing small crafts, sitting for hours on end weaving bead bracelets. She recalls the day she repaired a damaged suitcase by splicing it with beads.
“All my friends asked me where I had bought such a beautiful bag. I was about 14 at the time and now I realise that was really my first bag creation.”
Many years later, this forgotten skill came back to “haunt” her, she jokes, taking up this work again by hand and starting first to make bags for herself, and then for a friend.
“My hobby gradually grew into a brand, with the name inspired by my family name.”
The objects she creates now come from her strong desire to express the character of the person wearing them. For Yuliia, “the bags are not just a decoration, but reflect the individuality of each person who buys them”.
@priva_lova_handmade
