United Kingdom 
Sonya, UK
Textile Designer

Sonya Ahmed created Nahara in 2013. After working as a doctor for almost 15 years, she decided to pursue a lifelong interest in textiles and a passion for exploring the interface between traditional philosophy and contemporary design.  Sonya joined SPINNA Circle in 2014.
 
For the debut collection of scarves and clothing, Nahara collaborated with London-based calligraphy artist, Samir Malik to portray a contemporary and abstract interpretation of an ancient and sacred art form.  The first collection of clothing was made in a small workshop in London and the silk scarves were made in Italy.
 
Nahara’s upcoming collection uses geometric motifs inspired by the South Indian silver and metal craft of Bidri work, and incorporates both printing and embroidery. As the label develops, Nahara is developing links with weaving co-operatives and artisans and will promote the people who keep these crafts and traditional skills alive.

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Shilpa, UK
Fashion Designer

Shilpa Bilimoria is the designer and founder of label House of Bilimoria which debuted at London Fashion Week in 2008. Shilpar was born into a family of tailors. She has been immersed in the craft of tailoring from a very early age. Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Design for Fashion & Textiles in 2005. In her opinion the most valuable education has come from being exposed to many different cultures, this is what has had a profound effect on Shilpa's outlook on life and her work. Since graduating Shilpa has pursued her goals; she went on to design at a London based high-street retailer. Following this she took a couple of years to explore the industry and was designing, making and selling clothes at local London markets such as Portobello, Spitalfields and Camden.
​It was the British Sari Story, where she came in the top 10 finalists from the whole of the UK, which led her to having the opportunity to have her design displayed in the Victoria & Albert Museum in a workshop with the British Sari Story, and being part of the national exhibition that travelled nationally. She is also published in the V&A's book 'British Asian Style'.

She is passionate about the work of the east, and is infatuated with the vibrancy and textures of intricate embroideries and brings this into the pieces she works on.

Shilpa has a great future focus of supporting local communities and the revival of crafts, traditional skills and tailoring. Her aim is to one day be able to visit the communities less fortunate, and the greatest artisans in the world, and bring their magnificent crafts and traditional techniques to the light of the world’s stages.
Karin, UK
Leather Bag Designer

Karin Obihara-Duru was originally a management consultant in Nigeria, Karin left home 6 years ago to pursue her dream and passion of designing and making leather accessories. After coming to the UK, Karin founded 'By Karin', which is a very high quality line of luxurious leather handbags. The bags are all designed in London, made in Italy and Spain from environmentally friendly vegetable tanned leather. Having lived a very busy life herself, Karin realised that most women were looking for something that was ‪stylish, ‪affordable and yet ‪unique. Made for everyday or special use on occasions, these bags are luxurious yet affordable, ethical yet stylish and above all, made of leather that ages beautifully, creating a unique and personal story. 'By Karin' handbags come in a range of handbags from bold designs to classic business bags. These make the perfect luxury gift for you, and for those special women in your life.
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Katrina Wight, UK
Printed Concepts for Fashion, Home & Giftware

The Kat & Monocle is an independent business, based in Hackney, providing printed concepts for Fashion, Home and Giftware. It was established by Katrina Wight, a textile designer from North Yorkshire, to offer ‘fine, honest goods that make people smile’. As a vet’s daughter, she creates intricate, hand drawings of ‘gentrified’ animals, which are bursting with character and eccentric charm. These illustrations are often combined with pattern and applied to products such as dinnerware, greetings cards, t-shirts, and neckties. All of these products are printed in the UK, using environmentally sustainable materials and are truly British in style. 
 
Katrina also accepts commissions, such as bespoke greetings cards and wedding invitations, and has collaborated with brands such as the US Wallpaper company, Studio Printworks and Hackney Council

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