(July 22, 2025) The billion-dollar wedding of the world’s third-richest man, Jeff Bezos, with American journalist Lauren Sanchez will forever remain special for designer and founder of the Ahikoza label, Namrata Karad.
While the whole world had its eyes on the three-day extravaganza, Namrata was pleasantly surprised when Lauren Sanchez was spotted carrying the Ahikoza by Brahm signature Lilian bag to Venice, the venue of the high-profile wedding. “What a moment!” she exclaimed, in a chat with Global Indian. Namrata’s creations have been flaunted by several celebrities across the globe, but this one was special. “Lauren has no dearth of access to anything or any brand, so to be in that pool of choice of her brands was an honour, it’s definitely a career milestone,” smiles the designer.
Jeff Bezos’s wife Lauren Sanchez carried Ahikoza by Brahm signature Lilian bag to Venice
Favoured by the glam world
The 55-year-old Lauren picked a signature sleek black barrel-shaped clutch bag from the Indian luxury brand founded by Namrata Karad. “She paired it beautifully with her Alexander McQueen dress. She looked effortless,” says Namrata.
Both Bollywood and Hollywood celebrities have carried bags from Ahikoza. They include Pooja Hegde, Kate Hudson, Jenna Ortega, Mindy Kaling, Helen Mirren, Catherine O’Hara, and American Olympian Simone Biles. “We have a strong celebrity presence on home ground and internationally as well. What’s a lesser-known fact is that many of them are our private clientele also,” informs the entrepreneur.
A love letter to handbags
Ahikoza by Brahm was born from a deep appreciation and love for handbags. “My passion for handbags and love for geometry is what birthed Ahikoza by Brahm and the long journey behind it, one that was intentional, slow and heartfelt,” says Namrata, who ensures the use of treatment and hardware across her collection is kept to a minimum, keeping the primary focus on craftsmanship, design and premium raw materials.
The label draws its inspirations from the designer’s travels and her love for art. Its unique geometric design, handcrafted precision and quality is what draws fashionistas across the globe. What’s more, it even offers 360-degree customization, making it the perfect arm candy.
Among the many masterpieces offered by the label, the Sierra Minaudière, which is inspired by geometric installations, is the most intricate piece.
View this post on Instagram
Designing through the challenges
Namrata feels being a creative designer is one thing, but to translate that from paper or idea into a tangible product is the most challenging part. “You’re dealing with quality control, manufacturing processes, changes in consumer preference, a lot of moving parts. With vision, grit and discipline, anything is possible,” says the designer, whose handbags are made in Indonesia.
She firmly believes in growing with the consumers. “They are the roots of why and what I do. Celebrity glamour was never a goal, but a by-product. Today, we furnish every global red carpet,” says the entrepreneur, whose idea behind her brand was to create timeless pieces that embodied discreet luxury, without the fuss of loud logos or billboards. In the US and European overseas markets, the brand already has an exclusive clientele.
In short, says Namrata, one should never take the gas off the pedal of learning.
A designer of many talents
So what goes into making each piece a masterpiece? “On some days, I’ll have something in my mind so clear that I’ll be able to design, sketch, ideate and name a bag in a span of a few hours — which means it’s seamless and just flows,” she says.
On other days, she would go into consumer study, what features they enjoy, and getting a pulse of the market. “Entrepreneurship requires you to wear multiple hats, so it depends on what the day calls for,” she says. Ask her how Ahikoza by Brahm’s designs stand out in comparison with global brands, Namrata says she doesn’t compare herself. “But it stands out in general because of its defined DNA. Geometry very clearly speaks throughout the collection,” she points out.
View this post on Instagram
Victoria’s Secret and a career first
In 2017, Namrata became the first Indian designer to collaborate on a handbag with the American lingerie, clothing and beauty retailer Victoria’s Secret’s model when she co-designed a project with veteran model Barbara Fialho. “That was my first collaboration and we both connected on Instagram. Barbara loved the brand and when I proposed the idea, she agreed instantly,” recalls Namrata.
In the next three months, the handbag was ready. “It has made its mark at the Met Gala and TV shows,” informs Namrata, describing Barbara as a beautiful person. “I remember the first production piece we did was in pink, I still have it,” smiles the immensely talented designer.
A conscious step towards ethical fashion
Ahikoza is already taking a conscious step towards vegan and eco-friendly leathers, which are basically plant-based leathers. “I think it’s beyond the product — it’s also about processes such as minimizing waste, avoiding excess production, and sourcing ethically. When we think of ethical fashion, it’s usually through greenwashed terms like ‘vegan’, which, yes, is one aspect, but it goes much deeper than that,” says Namrata.
The entire Crystal range from Ahikoza is created with materials that are not derived from animals, even the lining. The plant-based leathers used by her are made from mushrooms and cork.
View this post on Instagram
A teenage collector turned designer
Namrata has been a collector of handbags since she was 16. “I got my first job in college at Hugo Boss (retail) so I could buy a Chanel bag! My dad said if I would earn half, he would match me,” smiles the designer.
She grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia and attended two international schools there after which she moved to Melbourne, Australia from where she did her undergrad in Media Communications and Fashion from Monash University and Melbourne School of Fashion respectively. “I was studious, more so in college where one has the freedom to structure the curriculum or subjects.”
She says Chanel is still her favourite. “It’s timeless. Recently, I added Bottega Veneta to my list of favourites. I have loyal patronage towards both,” says Namrata.
Made in India, admired worldwide
Namrata says it’s a matter of pride that Indian-made products are now competing with global brands like never before. “Our actresses have some of the most esteemed ambassadorships with legacy brands and designers are thriving on a global platform. India, with its rich culture, craft and legacy, and the word luxury are slowly becoming synonymous,” she says.
Namrata Karad
Future plans?
“I want to continue the journey of taking Ahikoza by Brahm to the world, one bag at a time,” says Namrata, who otherwise is passionate about yoga, meditation and art. She is an avid reader too. “Most recently, being a new mom – my son is the light of my eyes, and our time together is the most prioritized,” she says, signing off on a note of contentment.
- Follow Ahikoza on Instagram
ALSO READ: Ricky Vasandani: Making the world sparkle with lab-grown diamonds
