As a girl she used to catch tadpoles in muddy fields but self-confessed tomboy Tengku Nadia Azrina Tengku Amran says she also loves all-things feminine. No surprise why she's come up with a collection of handbags. But they are no ordinary purses for most of them are made from python skin! We talk to the Negri Sembilan royal about her serpentine satchels.

Malaysian Today: What made you decide to design bags?
Tengku Nadia: I've always liked drawing. I also used to sketch and design my own dresses and baju kurung. It was a natural progression with the bags. My bag brand is called saku (Malay for pocket).

MT: Did you study fashion/design?
TN: No, I didn't. I have a degree in business marketing. But I have always designed my own clothes was always drawing and designing from the time I was in school.I like the creative process of it and I like to input my personality in what I wear. The bags have become an extension of that.

MT: When did you start designing bags?
TN: It was a few years after university that I started with my sketches and that was probably about six years ago. It was also about the same time that I realised I was on my own with my bag purchases. No more parents to buy me my designer bags and fresh grads don't make all that much. And the bags I saw around me were all made from PVC and though some were well designed, nothing beats the feel of leather, suede and exotic skins. So I thought, there's a gap in the market, maybe I should start designing and making my own bags. I bought books, bought materials on trips abroad and even borrowed a family friend's industrial machine to try make them myself.

MT:How many have you designed so far?
TN: In total I have designed 11 bags. From wristlets to convertible laptop bags to clutches and shoulder bags.

MT: What's special about your bags?
TN: The bags are made in limited pieces and are designed for style and function. It's not only pretty to carry but it's also made from gorgeous high quality skins like python, lamb and calf. I only make and design bags that I myself would want to carry and I am very fussy, so the quality and the stitching has to be perfect.

MT: How do you come up with your designs?
TN: I get inspired by different things. It can be a person, someone I know or admire and other times it's when I'm away on holiday and being in a different environment. I observe a lot so I always have a notebook with me ready in my bag.

MT: Where are the bags made?
TN: They are made in Bali, Indonesia. Which is why the price range is  less expensive compared to snakeskin bags from upscale labels. And, I must say the quality of Bali-made products is excellent.

MT: From your observation, what do you think Malaysian women look for in a bag?
TN: Malaysian women are savvy shoppers. We are exposed to so many different brands and types of bags by just opening up a magazine or watching TV. We like buying beautiful things and everyone knows shopping for a woman is not always very rational. We like it we HAVE to have it. But I think we have also become more selective. The bag should be gorgeous but it also has to suit our needs, be it additional compartments, size, material. We have a wide choice out there and we have become very selective with our purchases. saku aims to cater to this selective crowd, the lovers of gorgeous, well-made bags that will serve them for a long time.

MT: What are the challenges when it comes to designing bags?
TN: Being a perfectionist it's always a challenge for me in making sure the bags come out exactly how I envision it.  I fret that the design wouldn't translate well. But thankfully they have turned out well and most times even better than I imagined them to be. 

MT: What kind of bag(s) do you like? How many bags do you personally own?
TN: I love clutches. My current favourite clutch is the saku Alexa oversized python clutch, which I carry with me everywhere I go and It's great because it goes from day to night for me. I don't think I own that many bags. Maybe close to 20 bags I think. 

MT: What is your ultimate goal for this venture of yours?
TN: To go international. Saku already has clients in London and Australia so it would be great for us to have a presence there too in the future.