This young SoBo bag couturier is the latest to take the accessories market by storm. A favourite of veterans like Malini Agarwalla, Shaan Khanna first began retailing at Oak Tree and was discovered by its owner Priya Ailawadi. Her passion for bags started when she was 15. After prodigal trips to her favourite handbag stores, her mother insisted she create her own with their tailor. And so she found her niche. “I love tradition and culture and being able to express my thoughts about India in my creations. “When I began designing, I had a very Indian look in mind. I did collections in brocades, maharajas studded with crystals and batuas. Her works have continually evolved from kitschy creations to animal prints, leather and patents that have all flown off the shelves. The enterprising 20-year-old isn’t content just designing. “I’m opening a multi-designer store, Art Decore, in Bangalore with bags, clothes, jewellery and shoes. I plan to take designers from Mumbai.”