When Gautam Sinha founded Nappa Dori in Delhi in 2010, his goal was simple yet profound: to craft contemporary leather goods rooted in Indian artisanal tradition. A National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) graduate, Sinha spent his early career designing for European high-street brands and crafting leather belts under his export label, Definite Design. But he soon realized his true calling lay in building his own brand.
From Leather Belts to Iconic Trunks
Sinha’s signature innovation came with his early leather trunks, vintage-style travel chests inspired by the rugged military trunks he saw as a child in Delhi Cantt . These trunks, priced initially at ₹8,500, became instant hits due to their craftsmanship and vibrant finishes. He made these trunks by hand in a small workshop in Hauz Khas Village. He used all his savings and vision to start the brand.
Design Philosophy & Brand Growth
Sinha’s design style combines simplicity, a sense of cultural history, and global minimalism. He focuses on timeless designs rather than temporary trends and often refers to Scandinavian and Japanese styles for inspiration.
Nappa Dori started small but has grown into a complete lifestyle brand.Today, it offers leather bags, stationery, home décor, and accessories, crafted by a team of around 200. Sinha remains at the creative helm, overseeing product design and retail experiences worldwide.
Scaling Globally, Rooted in India
Under Sinha’s leadership, Nappa Dori expanded to 12+ flagship stores across India, UK (Covent Garden), Dubai, and Sri Lanka, alongside global stockists like Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges.
The brand’s handcrafted aesthetic caught international attention early, such as Qatar Airways commissioning Nappa Dori for in-flight kits.
Café Dori: A Lifestyle Extension
In 2017, Sinha launched Café Dori, a hybrid retail-café blending artisan design with culinary delight. Located in Delhi’s Dhan Mill, and later expanded to Gurugram, Chandigarh, Mumbai, and London, Café Dori offers a sensory experience rooted in Sinha’s love for coffee and design.
Lessons from a Founder
- Passion over trend: Gautam Sinha reflects on his product-first approach.
- Balance creativity and commerce: Diagnosed with dyslexia, he channels creativity visually and emphasizes action over hesitation .
- Pride in Indian craftsmanship: Sinha sources Indian leather and hardware, positioning Nappa Dori as a premium yet rooted Indian luxury brand.
With steady annual growth, plans are underway for further retail expansion (including airports) and international presence in Europe . Despite global ambitions, Sinha remains anchored to his founding ethos: creating authentic, minimalist, heritage-inspired design, one handcrafted piece at a time.
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