Anjana Arjun champions sustainability with Sarjaa, making bags out of fruit leather

Jade Crasto

Full grain leather, suede, faux, or synthetic leather are common types of leather that we have all heard of. But have you ever heard of or seen fruit leather, and not the edible kind? Then let us introduce you to Sarjaa: a homegrown, premium plant and fruit-leather handbag brand. Sarjaa has become the first ever brand in India to use apple skin leather. The newly launched eco-friendly brand is an amalgamation of style, functionality, luxury, and of course sustainability.

Created by rising entrepreneur Anjana Arjun, daughter of South superstar Arjun Sarja, this venture is a labour of love for the 26-year-old fashion and art enthusiast. Combining her inclination for these two creative pursuits and the urge to launch her own fashion label, Sarjaa came to fruition after finding a gap in the market for high-quality, premium handbags made with ethically-sourced materials.

Each plant-based handbag is a work of art, handmade using fruit leathers, ethically-sourced silks, cotton, recyclable aluminium and prints designed by local artists, which are used in the inner lining of the bags. From classic and timeless designs to sophisticated, new-age styles, each handbag tells a story, caters to women of all ages, and is functional—be it a stylish tote or après-work clutch. Sarjaa is currently offering a range of six styles with a unique backstory to each handbag.

Pracheen

 Translating as antique or ancient in Hindi and Sanskrit, Pracheen is a classic handbag with a timeless silhouette, drawing inspiration from the letter ‘S’ in the brand’s logo.

Sebu

This mini bag’s design is inspired by a bitten-into apple. Perfect for holding all your essentials and available in gorgeous colours and blingy straps, Sebu, which means apple in Kannada, is the ideal accompaniment for brunch or a dinner party.

Dua

This spacious tote is your go-to work bag, designed to hold almost everything for your workday, including a 13-inch laptop. You have roomy zip compartments and pockets for your essentials to stay in place. The design also subtly features the infinity symbol.

Punya

Punya in Kannada means goodness. Stylish and contemporary, this can be used as a clutch or a cross-body bag and can be paired with both Western and Indian wear.

Kala

Versatile, roomy, and whimsical—this comfortable and chic bag can be used from day to night with its stylish strap, recyclable aluminium chains, and other accents. Kala which means dream in Telugu is the perfect accessory to dress up your outfit.

Kenti

This mini bag is inspired by the kettlebell with its ergonomic handle and design. It also draws inspiration from the Tamil word for the kettle, which is kenti. Fun, fresh and vibrant, this bag is soft to the touch and uniquely designed, making it a versatile addition to your formal or casual outfits.

LuxeBook spoke to Anjana Arjun to find out more about Sarjaa and her journey with it.

What is Sarjaa’s main goal?

Sarjaa’s main goal is to increase awareness about highly sustainable plant-based alternatives to real leather and vegan leather. It is to show people that fashion can be luxurious and sustainable at the same time. That is the gap in the market I saw very clearly in India and wanted to bridge that through Sarjaa.

What drove you to start Sarjaa?

I had moved back to Chennai from New York and was looking for jobs in the sustainable fashion industry. Nothing good was coming my way, unfortunately, so I decided to do something meaningful and start my own company, making sure that I do not contribute to the fashion pollution aspect of the industry.

Why did you choose fruit leather, like apple skin which is not commonly heard of? How did you discover this new way of sustainability?

I went to Lasalle and Parsons in Singapore and New York before I started Sarjaa. I’m someone who is very close to nature and animals since I was a kid. Learning more about the cruel, toxic, and polluting aspects of the fashion industry, I was naturally inclined toward researching different kinds of sustainable materials, practices, and also ways of life in general. In college, all my projects revolved around sustainable materials and such. So I dove deeper into researching about fruit and plant-based leather and tried to introduce sustainability in a fun way through Sarjaa. And most of all I thoroughly enjoy doing what I do!

Apart from apple skin what other products are used for the bags and will we see new products being used in the near future?

We use apple skin, pineapple leather, and cactus skin. We are already working on incorporating more highly sustainable materials. It is a challenge right now but we are working on it! Sarjaa’s near future will definitely include apparel and hopefully home product as well.

What forms of research and production went into making the final products?

To put it in a simple way, two years’ worth of research and development went into making the products. These materials are extremely different from real leather or vegan leather. Testing of what needles, threads, adhesives, inner lining, branding imprinting, etc ( I can go on) went into the research aspect. Each of the materials we use have very different characteristics as well, so it was tough to incorporate each of the different leathers for each design. Thankfully, my manufacturing team loves a good challenge!

You have a range of six styles of handbags. Have they been designed for everyday use?

All our bags are carefully crafted to be very light-weight, and comfortable, and to fit all essentials even if it is a mini/ our smallest bag. The Dua is our tote, which is made to fit anything including a laptop. Our Pracheen, a classic bag, and Punya, a top-handle bag are very spacious, and can easily fit your everyday essentials from day to night. Our mini bags- sebu, kala, and kenti, are quite small but designed in such a way as to fit your basic necessities including a phone, wallet, keys, and other small goodies.

When designing the bags what was more important, style or functionality?

Both equally. Functionality and comfort were not a compromise at all. It took us a little longer to fit both needs and to make the bags so lightweight. so that our recycled aluminium bling chains don’t weigh down the bags. After a few challenges, we were happy with the outcome of the products!

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