Banah: Handcrafted leather products with a conscience

In the ever-evolving world of fashion and accessories, local brand Banah has carved a niche for itself, setting new standards for luxury leather goods in Bangladesh.

Founded by North South University graduates Ena Ara Azad and Afif Bari, Banah is rooted in the philosophy of slow fashion and a vision that blends aesthetics with purpose.

The idea for Banah was born during Ena and Afif's undergraduate years when they identified a glaring gap in the market for premium-quality leather handbags for women. 

"As a handbag enthusiast, I was always drawn to globally renowned brands. But I struggled to find a trustworthy local alternative," said Ena.

"Despite Bangladesh being one of the world's top exporters of leather, the country lacked a dedicated women's luxury leather brand. While men had a variety of high-quality leather options, women mostly had to rely on synthetic materials or expensive foreign imports," she added.

Photo: Courtesy

Recognising this untapped potential, Ena and Afif launched Banah in March 2023. The name Banah, derived from Hebrew, means "to build" or "to create"—a perfect reflection of their mission to craft something meaningful.

The brand sources premium leather from renowned local tanneries that supply some of the world's most prestigious luxury brands. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Hemayatpur. Every leather scrap is repurposed, reinforcing the brand's sustainability commitment.

"We are trying to redefine how women perceive, cherish, and invest in premium leather handbags," she added.

Banah currently offers two signature designs: the Mini Wallet and the Classic Strap Bag, both of which have quickly gained popularity among fashion-conscious consumers.

The Mini Wallet has become Banah's bestseller, with over 200 units sold. Crafted from premium cowhide leather, this compact yet stylish wallet fits effortlessly into handbags, pockets, or can even be carried solo. 

The wallet is available in four colours—Sage Green, Wine Berry, Caramel, and Black and comes in dimensions of 3 x 4 x 1 inch. The wallet comes with a cotton dust bag for added protection and is priced at Tk1,550. The leather used in the wallet strikes a perfect balance, maintaining a sturdy structure while offering a soft, supple feel.

Photo: Courtesy

The Classic Strap Bag is priced at Tk3,750 (launch price). Its adjustable strap and structured silhouette make it an ideal companion for daily essentials, from a phone and wallet to sunglasses and more.

Available at: https://www.facebook.com/bybanah

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