About us
OUR STORY
Thoughtfully Designed. Beautifully Handcrafted. Made to Be Loved.
traditional craftsmanship and contemporary British design
ellyla is an independent British accessories brand, founded in 2019 with a simple belief: beautiful craftsmanship, thoughtful design and quality materials should be accessible without the designer price tag.
Founded by Sarika and Ian and named after our daughter, Ellyla, our brand began as a family venture and has grown into a collection of distinctive handbags and accessories, designed in the UK and handcrafted by skilled artisans in India.
With over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, we understand the importance of quality, individuality and timeless design. We wanted to create something different — bags that feel special, are beautifully made and offer genuine value.
Today, ellyla brings together traditional craftsmanship and contemporary British design, creating pieces that are as practical as they are beautiful.
OUR JOURNEY
A considered perspective on craftsmanship, material and the pieces that become part of everyday life.
The art of the everyday
Like many independent brands, our journey wasn't entirely planned.
What began with a small collection of bags soon caught the attention of the National Trust, opening the door to opportunities we hadn't imagined.
As the business grew, so did our passion for creating something of our own.
Working closely with our artisan partners in India, we began developing collections that celebrated traditional handweaving techniques, natural materials and distinctive design.
From those early beginnings, ellyla has grown into a brand stocked by independent boutiques and established retailers, while remaining true to the values on which it was founded.
We are still a family-run business, personally involved in the design, development and details of every collection.
And that is something we intend to keep.
THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
Traditional Skills. Contemporary Design.
At the heart of ellyla is a genuine appreciation for craftsmanship.
Each collection begins with our designs in the UK, before being brought to life by skilled artisans in India who use traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Many of our handbags feature intricate handwoven leather, a process that requires patience, precision and an experienced eye.
Unlike mass-produced materials, handwoven leather has a richness and individuality that cannot simply be replicated by a machine. Subtle variations in texture and finish are part of its character, making every piece beautifully unique.
We believe the details matter, from the way the leather is selected and woven to the finishing touches that make a bag both functional and distinctive.
Our aim is simple: to combine the skill of traditional craftsmanship with designs that fit effortlessly into modern life.
EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH CRAFTSMANSHIP
Every piece carries more than craftsmanship. It carries the skill and story of the hands that made it.
The People Behind Every Piece.
We believe beautiful products should also create meaningful opportunities for the people who make them.
Many of our bags are handcrafted by talented women from small communities in India, where traditional skills are combined with opportunities to learn, develop and earn an independent income.
Through our relationships with artisan partners, we seek to support working environments where women are valued, treated with respect and fairly paid for their skills.
For many of these women, craftsmanship represents more than making a handbag. It can provide an opportunity to build confidence, develop their talents and contribute to their families and communities.
We believe these skills deserve to be recognised and celebrated.
Behind every ellyla bag are real people, their experience, dedication and attention to detail.
QUALITY MATERIALS. HONEST PRICING.
Beautiful Leather, Naturally Different.
It's about quality materials, skilled craftsmanship and the pleasure of owning something beautifully made.
We take pride in the materials we choose.
Our leather collections use carefully selected chrome-free buffalo leather, valued for its natural strength, softness and durability.
Vegetable-tanned using a traditional process, the leather retains its natural character, with subtle variations in tone, texture and finish.
Rather than a perfectly uniform appearance, we embrace these differences as part of what makes genuine leather so beautiful.
With use, the leather softens and develops a natural patina, giving each bag its own personality over time.
By working closely with our manufacturing partners and focusing on thoughtful design rather than unnecessary mark-ups, we aim to offer exceptional craftsmanship at an honest price.
For us, luxury is not simply about a label or a price tag.
DESIGNED FOR REAL LIFE
A considered perspective on craftsmanship, material and the pieces that become part of everyday life.
We believe the best accessories should be both beautiful and useful.
Our collections are designed with versatility in mind, offering timeless silhouettes, practical details and interchangeable elements that allow you to make each piece your own.
From handwoven everyday bags to multiway styles with interchangeable straps and handles, we create accessories that can adapt to different occasions and personal styles.
It's our way of encouraging you to buy thoughtfully, enjoy your pieces for longer and discover new ways to wear what you already own.
One family
A FAMILY BRAND WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
A considered perspective on craftsmanship, material and the pieces that become part of everyday life.
ellyla will always be more than a business to us.
ellyla will always be more than a business to us.
Named after our daughter, it represents our family's creativity, ambition and belief in building something meaningful together.
We remain personally involved in the collections we create, the partners we work with and the experience we offer our customers.
As we continue to grow, our commitment remains the same: to create beautifully crafted accessories with integrity, individuality and care.
Thank you for being part of our story.
