The Eclectic Eye: How Tara Zadeh Blends Graphic Design and Global Style into Coveted Handbags
Some friends you simply love to cheer for. Tara Zadeh is one of those people—a woman I’ve had the joy of watching evolve from a quintessential NYC "disco queen" to a romantic bride in Puglia, and now, a formidable London-based handbag designer and new mother. To see her namesake brand become a coveted fixture on the arms of the style set is a thrill. Proud isn't the word; it's an inspiration.
Since its launch, Tara Zadeh the brand has become instantly recognizable. Her designs are a masterclass in balance: architectural, symmetrical shapes are punctuated by striking geometric hardware. She plays with a beautiful variety of textures, carefully selected materials, and a bold yet refined color palette. Each season is a highly anticipated event, not just for the bags but for the impeccable art direction of her campaigns, a skill honed from her previous life in graphic design.
From Art Direction to Accessory Architect
Tara’s path to design was both intentional and organic. "My background is in graphic design, that is what I studied at Parsons in New York," she explains. After working at a digital agency, a move to London in 2014 led to a key role as the Art Director of The Gentleman’s Journal for three years, followed by freelance work for Whitewall magazine.
But a lifelong passion was calling. "I’ve always loved handbags; they’ve always been my thing," she says. "I have been collecting clutches from all over the world since I can remember." This obsession, combined with her sharp graphic eye, naturally coalesced into the creation of her own brand.
A Melting Pot of Influences
It’s no surprise that a designer with such a distinct point of view draws from a rich well of inspiration. "I am inspired every day by my surroundings, my travels, the people I meet," Tara notes. Her multicultural background is a foundational influence: growing up between London, Paris, and New York, with frequent travels to her parents' homeland of Iran, has given her an innate, global sense of style.
This directly informs her personal aesthetic, which she describes as "eclectic." It’s a mix of strong bold colors and foundational black, oversized boyfriend jackets paired with unique vintage treasures from her mother’s wardrobe, like a coveted cropped Comme des Garçons jacket with transparent sleeves.
The Reality of Production: A Lesson in Perseverance
The glamorous end product belies a complex and often challenging journey. Tara is candid about the realities of building a luxury brand. She initially began production in Spain but faced significant hurdles with communication and deadlines.
"In the spring of 2019 I decided to move my production to Italy where I was introduced to one of the best. This experience for me has really been life-changing," she shares. This commitment to quality extends to her material sourcing, from discovering new textiles at premier fairs like Première Vision to maintaining a cherished relationship with a supplier who personally brings new materials to her London studio each season.
With icons like the fearless Cher, Rihanna, Adwoa Aboah, and Bella Hadid as her muses, Tara Zadeh is building more than a brand—she’s building a legacy of bold, artistic, and impeccably crafted accessories for the modern eclectic.
Q: Tara, How do you see the brand evolve with time.
I might do something else, Tara Zadeh can become anything. Only time will tell but I am very happy the way things are at the moment.
Congratulations on being a MOMPRENEUR, tell us more.
It is very empowering to be a mother and an entrepreneur, juggling the two is intense but also very exciting. I am lucky that I work from home, so I get to spend a lot of time with my son and see him grow, especially at this age (he just turned 4 months) something new happens every week. He just started grabbing his feet.
Favorite websites and social media handles you follow?
I love following Sita Bellan and Aureta, their style is so eccentric and am always intrigued by what they are going to wear next. Clara Berry, because she is the coolest girl out there.
I love the brand Area, I am obsessed with everything. Their social media is also on point.
Photography by Anya Sandul
