From Glass Slippers to Modern Icons: Lilian Afshar Talks All Things L’AFSHAR

Meet Lilian Afshar, the creative mind behind L’Afshar – a brand turning heads with its unique acrylic and resin handbags.

When you can spot a designer’s work from a mile away, you know it’s something truly special. That’s exactly the case with L’AFSHAR, a Dubai-based brand started by Iranian-born designer Lilian Afshar. Her handbags blur the lines between fashion, art, and architecture – and they’re like nothing you’ve seen before.

Lilian Afshar, Founder and Creative Director, L'AFSHAR

It all began back in 2013 when Lilian was working on her graduation project. She designed her very first L’AFSHAR box clutch as part of her coursework, and what started as an order for just five bags quickly turned into a full-fledged accessories brand. Talking about the inspiration behind that first piece, Lilian says, “That first bag I made as a student was a subconscious nod to a familiar reference that inspired me from an early age: the fictional glass slipper. In my eyes, it was a real objet d’art, a fantasy contrast of material, form, and function, something that existed outside of time and trend"

In 2020, L’AFSHAR expanded into home décor with a furniture and objet d’art line, and acrylic became Lilian’s material of choice. “I’ve always loved materials that feel both strong and delicate. Acrylic gives off this glass-like elegance, and it plays with light beautifully,” she told The Style List. “It captures that balance between structure and softness that I’m always drawn to.”

Lilian’s design sensibility is deeply shaped by her background. Born in the UK and raised between London, Vancouver, Marbella, and now Dubai, her travels and love for art have played a big part in her creative process. Her goal? To create bags that are compact, chic, and still practical – something that ticks all the boxes for today’s modern woman. So, she combined her love of accessories and art to create these must-have occasion wear bags, especially using acrylic and resin. A kind of design that one really hadn't seen before.

Back when most bags were either made of leather or covered in Swarovski crystals, Lilian did something completely different. She worked with materials like acrylic and resin, and it worked. From marble-like finishes to beautiful textures, her bags have caught the eye of global celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Jourdan Dunn.

Architecture has always fascinated her, and that influence is clear in her work. “To me, a handbag is like a mini building; it needs structure, balance, and emotion,” says Lilian. “I design each piece the way I’d approach architecture, thinking about the materials, the shape, and even how light bounces off the surface.”

What started as a handbag label has now grown into L’AFSHAR Studio – a homeware line that brings the same sculptural beauty to interiors. Think statement coffee tables, vases, trays, candle holders, and more, all made from her favourite materials, acrylic and resin. These pieces are made for people who love bold, modern design with a touch of elegance.

In a fun chat with The Style List, Lilian shared more about her design journey, working with AiSPi, and what’s next.

Where do you draw your inspiration from while creating unique bags?

I’m always looking around, because inspiration can come from anywhere — a water fountain, a tile, the way light moves across a surface, even a scent. I love getting lost in antique markets; they’re full of unexpected shapes and textures that spark new ideas. It’s all about staying curious and letting the small things inspire you.

Tell us a little about your design process.

It usually starts with a mood or idea, followed by exploring patterns and textures. From there, I dive straight into R&D and sampling. I experiment with different lamination techniques and always challenge myself to design new hardware each season, keeping the collections fresh and innovative.

How do you approach sustainability and conscious production while working with materials like acrylic and resin?

We’re careful about waste; we keep all our leftover pieces and turn them into homeware items. It helps us avoid waste and also gives us the chance to make something beautiful and useful. Plus, we don’t mass-produce. Every item is made with care and purpose.

Tell us about your latest collection.

We recently launched our new collection at AiSPi’s Wanderlust Diaries in Mumbai. It brings a jewellery-inspired feel to our bags, with touches like emerald baguettes, pearls, and an updated version of our signature crystal handles. It’s all about combining glamour with sculptural design, so each bag feels like a wearable piece of jewellery.

Why did you decide to foray into India?

India is a market with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, luxury, and design, which aligns perfectly with the ethos of L’AFSHAR. AiSPi shares our vision of curating emerging designers with intent, and we felt they were the ideal partner to introduce our brand to India.

What made you decide to collaborate with AiSPi for your presence in India?

We chose AiSPi for their ability to connect emerging designers with a refined, fashion-forward audience. Their focus on luxury and craftsmanship aligns perfectly with our vision for L’AFSHAR. Additionally, AiSPi has a strong presence in India, reaching not just one city but a wide, diverse audience, making them the perfect partner to introduce our brand to this dynamic market.

Which bags are your best-sellers overseas, and what can Indian shoppers expect to see?

Our best-sellers are the clutches, which have a minimalist, timeless appeal. People gravitate towards our bags because they’re unique, not just in design, but in the way they blend modern elegance with a sculptural glass look. For India, we’re bringing a curated selection that reflects this distinctiveness with AiSPi, offering pieces that stand out for their originality and craftsmanship.