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Anamika Khanna draws inspiration from 16 of Mumbai’s vibrant neighbourhoods to create a limited-edition collection of versatile tote bags for Starbucks.
Fashion designer Anamika Khanna with the Starbucks merchandise celebrating the spirit of Mumbai.
Every time I think about Mumbai I think about the essence of its people, they form the essence of the city,” expresses Anamika Khanna, as she reminisces about her special connection with Mumbai and its people. And the love she has for the city, has been beautifully translated into the 16 limited-edition tote bags she has designed for Starbucks India to mark its 100th store in the city of dreams, Mumbai.
Crafted in one of AK-Ok’s favourite fabric, denim, Anamika Khanna seamlessly brings to the fore her signature aesthetic in the form of typography and a colourful photo montage featuring Mumbai’s iconic skyline, heritage and local culture. “I find it [denim] very versatile as a material. I also find it very interesting, how denim that has been associated with everything that is western, to bring it into India in different ways becomes like a story of my own to tell.”
“Tote bags are great accessories because…They’re hot!,” expresses Anamika Khanna. For Anamika designing the tote was fun. “I feel any kind of design comes to me as an extension of what we do. Designing this tote had a high fashion portion to it, so it was fun!”
When asked what’s her favourite design from the collection, Anamika says, “It’s so hard to pick one. But if I had to, the Mumbai bag has a little glimpse of all of my favourite places together, which makes it special for someone who has been continually inspired by various places in this city such as the iconic local trains or the favourite kaali peeli [taxis] or Mumbai’s skyline.
Anamika Khanna who hails from Kolkata, has a special connection with Mumbai. Sharing an anecdote about what makes the city and its people special, Anamika shares, “I got lost here as a child and my mom tells me the story of this gentleman, who stood with me until my parents could be found. Every time I think about Mumbai I think about the essence of its people, they form the essence of the city. It’s very special. Apart from that, I think going to Chowpatty and eating bhel, the Mumbai sandwich – those are fond memories, things I do even today.”
Beginning the year with this creative collaboration, Anamika believes that 2025 is a year of design challenges in every single area for her. “I’m really hoping that I’ll be able to not just design in a manner that is extremely innovative and experimental but push myself to a limit that I’ve never pushed myself to,” adds Anamika.
Decoding the Starbucks + Anamika Khanna limited edition tote bags:
From the old-world charms of Fort’s historical architecture to Bandra’s street art and graffiti, Andheri’s relentless hustle and Mumbai’s status as the city of dreams, each design evokes a different feeling. The other locations include Borivali, Chembur, Colaba, Juhu, Kandivali, Malad, Mulund, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Parel, Powai, Thane and Worli.
Designed with both style and functionality in mind, the tote bags are made from denim fabric featuring a photo montage of digitally printed images showcasing the iconic elements and vibrant character of the city.
The versatile tote bag in 16 designs features three handles, allowing you to carry it as a traditional bag, a tote, or a detachable crossbody.
The bag includes metal hooks for the detachable strap and snap fasteners on all sides to reduce the overall size of the bag when needed.
The interior is thoughtfully designed with two slip-in pockets for accessories and stationery, one slip-in pocket for an umbrella for the unexpected Mumbai rains or a bottle of water during the summers, and another zip-in pocket to securely carry your wallet and cards. Additionally, there’s a metal hook inside to keep your keys easily accessible.
TAKE 5 WITH ANAMIKA KHANNA
- What are the accessories you can’t live without?My 9 prayer bangles
- A fashion advice you would like to give the social media generation:Be original
- Your favourite colour:White
- A style hack that you swear by:A white shirt
- A song you would like to choreograph your fashion show on:Chalte Chalte Yunhi Koi Mil Gaya Tha from Pakeezah
