We recently connected with Sloka Bharat Shah and have shared our conversation below.

Sloka Bharat , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

As a Technical Design Apprentice for Handbags at Kate Spade from 2022 to 2023, I had the opportunity to work on various collections across both outlet and mainline lines, each requiring a nuanced approach to design and development.

For the mainline collections, I focused on premium materials, craftsmanship, and intricate details that reflected the brand’s core identity. My responsibilities included collaborating closely with the design and production teams to ensure that creative concepts were translated into functional and stylish products. This involved creating technical sketches, developing tech packs, and working with manufacturers to maintain the quality and specifications required for high-end retail.

On the outlet side, the designs had to balance aesthetic appeal with cost-efficiency. Here, I worked on adapting core Kate Spade designs to more affordable versions without compromising the brand’s visual language. I participated in scaling down certain features and selecting more cost-effective materials, while still maintaining the overall style and functionality.

Each season brought its unique challenges, from incorporating new fashion trends to ensuring timely production. I contributed to the development of both seasonal collections and classic pieces, ensuring consistency in brand aesthetics across the board.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Sloka Bharat Shah, a passionate accessory designer specializing in handbags and footwear, with a keen focus on merging traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. My journey in design began in my hometown of Vadodara, where my early artistic talents were nurtured, leading me to refine my skills at the Mudra School of Fine Arts under Jayesh Kansara. From there, my curiosity and love for design only grew, pushing me to explore accessory design on a broader, global scale.

I hold a Master of Fine Arts in Accessory Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where my graduate thesis revolved around modernizing traditional Kutch crafts. This project gained recognition, and I received several prestigious awards for my innovative approach to preserving heritage through contemporary design. I also hold a Master’s Certificate in Fashion Footwear Design from Polimoda and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design from SCAD, as well as a Bachelor’s in Accessory Design from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU).

My work encompasses creating unique designs that tell stories, often drawing inspiration from cultural heritage and mixing it with modern aesthetics. I’ve designed both handbags and footwear, with a focus on sustainability, technical precision, and creativity. My design process is deeply collaborative, and I work closely with artisans, manufacturers, and clients to ensure that the final product is not only beautiful but also functional.

In addition to my technical expertise, I’ve gained practical experience through roles such as a Technical Design Apprentice for Handbags at Kate Spade, where I contributed to the development of both mainline and outlet collections. This position allowed me to dive deep into the technical side of design—working on tech packs, and material selections, and ensuring consistency across collections. My work in different seasons taught me the importance of balancing creativity with market trends and cost considerations.

What sets me apart in the industry is my ability to blend traditional techniques with cutting-edge design tools. My skills in software like Adobe Creative Cloud, Gravity Sketch, and SketchUp allow me to prototype and develop products efficiently while maintaining the soul of the design. Additionally, I bring a strong sense of cultural preservation to my work—many of my designs aim to celebrate and reinvigorate traditional crafts, making them relevant to today’s market.

I’m most proud of the Honorable Mentions I received at the Global Footwear Awards and International Design Awards, which validated my innovative design approach and dedication to pushing boundaries. These accolades also highlight my commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, which are at the heart of my brand Sloka Shah Designs.

For my clients, I offer creative solutions that blend fashion and functionality. Whether it’s designing a new handbag line, developing footwear collections, or providing branding and marketing solutions, I take a holistic approach to design. I understand the technical, creative, and business aspects of the industry, which allows me to solve a range of design problems—from concept development to production challenges.

If there’s one thing I want potential customers to know about my work, it’s that I believe in timeless designs that tell a story. My designs are not just products—they are crafted with purpose, whether to revive a craft, solve a functional need, or create something entirely new that speaks to modern sensibilities. Each piece I create carries a part of my journey, the skills I’ve honed, and the stories I want to tell through design.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My mom’s unwavering belief in my talent was pivotal. She always emphasized the importance of discipline and commitment. I remember coming home after school, tired but excited, and my mom making sure I completed my assignments, even when I didn’t feel like it. Those art lessons became the foundation for everything I would go on to pursue professionally. More importantly, she taught me to treat each piece of work like a puzzle that required patience, focus, and passion.

The practical application of those lessons has been a consistent thread throughout my career. Whether at SCAD, where I work as an Accessory workshop Manager, or at Kate Spade, where I was a Technical Designer for Handbags, those early teachings helped me approach every project with a sense of responsibility and creativity.

At SCAD, my role requires me to collaborate with students, faculty, and industry professionals, often managing multiple projects at once. I would supervise workshops and assist students, helping them refine their ideas while also balancing their academic and creative pursuits. The ability to manage diverse projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively was something I first learned during those childhood art classes, where attention to detail was key.

At Kate Spade, the challenge was even greater. I worked on both outlet and mainline handbag collections across different seasons. Each collection had its unique design language, and I had to collaborate with various teams – from designers and product developers to manufacturers. This required not just artistic skill but strong communication, accuracy, time management, and adaptability. The ability to switch between different projects and keep up with the fast-paced nature of the fashion industry was something I had unknowingly trained for since my childhood.

Success in those roles came from being able to understand the balance between creativity and practicality, something I first learned through those art lessons. My mom’s push to always “finish what you start” and do it with heart taught me resilience, focus, and the importance of teamwork. When I was faced with multiple deadlines at Kate Spade, handling different collections and working with so many people, it was that early discipline that helped me succeed.

These experiences have shown me that creativity when paired with dedication and collaboration, leads to extraordinary outcomes. Just like in art, every line or stroke in the professional world serves a purpose, and it’s through patience, persistence, and teamwork that you complete the picture.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my creative journey is deeply rooted in a mission to preserve and elevate Indian traditional crafts, which are in danger and is fading in today’s fast-paced market. For me, a tradition represents more than just a practice; it’s a conviction passed down through generations with immense symbolic value. The rich tapestry of India’s cultural identity is woven through these crafts, and seeing their importance diminish over time has been deeply troubling for me.

As the market becomes increasingly modernized, I’ve noticed that many craftspeople are struggling. Their skills, once highly valued, are now being overlooked due to reasons such as aging, low wages, and a lack of recognition for their hard work. It is also with the increasing need for fast fashion and mass manufacturing of these easily available products at a cheaper cost. The idea that these artisans might one day give up on their craft raises critical questions for me about the future of these traditions. If we lose these crafts, we risk losing a part of our cultural soul.

This concern is what drives me. My goal is to actively re-evaluate the market, to see where these crafts can find new life and value in modern contexts. I want to invest in the Indian traditional craft market and cultivate a global hub where these products can be appreciated both nationally and internationally. My work at SCAD and Kate Spade has taught me that with the right strategy, collaboration, and innovation, it’s possible to merge tradition with contemporary design, creating products that are both meaningful and marketable.

Ultimately, I’m determined to ensure that these crafts are not only preserved but thrive in today’s world, connecting the past with the future in new and exciting ways.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slokashahdesigns/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sloka-shah-03b102132/

Image Credits

Designer: Sloka Bharat Shah

Artisans: Aala Deva Handicrafts and Karan Handicrafts

Model: Archie Tyagi

Photography: Pranav Ghadashi and Sloka Shah

Special Thanks: Shital Shah, Bharat Shah, Pranshu Shah and Pulin Shah (family)
Darren Skull (Professor)