Brand Story
UnicaPelle: A Legacy of Strength
What remains when every ounce of strength has been challenged by the norms of society? What can grow out of a system where centuries have been spent rendering women voiceless? What can erupt out of the union of a mother’s determination to shine and a daughter’s passion for the aesthetic?
Perhaps Everything.
Welcome to the Journey called UnicaPelle. We craft exclusive premium-quality leather bags and some genuine heartfelt stories of struggle, courage, power and strength every single day. UnicaPelle is the brainchild of Ms. Kakali Basak: a loving mother and an ever-evolving entrepreneur and Ms. Rituparna Basak: a dedicated professor of engineering and an equally-dedicated co-founder.
Meet the Team!
The journey began more than three decades ago, a vision was born in the heart of Kolkata, where the rich tradition of leather crafting met a deep understanding of its art and science. With a passion for quality and a deep knowledge of the materials, a journey began to shape the future of leather. What started as a humble tannery soon blossomed into UnicaPelle, a name synonymous with timeless craftsmanship and innovation.
Born at a time when the world certainly did not look too kindly upon women entering the mainstream of society (let alone the ‘masculine’-seeming leather industry), Kakali was determined to prove naysayers wrong and her inner strength right. At a time when the world was slow to embrace change, her resolve was unshakable. Armed with a passion for leather and a desire to blend function with fashion, she set out to push boundaries. With a Post Graduate Diploma in leather processing from the prestigious Central Leather Research Institute in Chennai, Kakali’s expertise in antique marble, nappa, and Valentino leather set her apart, infusing every creation with her signature touch — a blend of efficiency, beauty, and the unexpected. In her personal time ,Kakali enjoys reading , planning her next trip.
Then came Rituparna, a visionary force driving UnicaPelle into the future with an innate understanding of design, branding, and business. After returning from the United States, she set out to transform UnicaPelle into a name that stands for more than just leather goods—she envisioned it as a symbol of timeless craftsmanship, elevated by a contemporary perspective. Her approach is simple yet sophisticated, blending tradition with modern sensibilities to create pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful.With a sharp eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to quality, Rituparna is redefining what it means to craft luxury in a way that speaks to both global aspirations and local roots. She’s not just building a brand; she’s curating an experience where each product is a testament to artisanal expertise, offering something unique to those who value authenticity and excellence.
Together, they form an unbreakable bond — bound by their love for leather, their commitment to quality, and their relentless drive to honour the past while shaping the future. UnicaPelle is not just a name, but a journey, a story told through every crafted piece, every detail, every passion-driven choice. It is a legacy carried forward with pride, strength, and an unyielding belief in the timeless art of leather.
The Soul of UnicaPelle
There were several setbacks and several stronger bouncebacks. Decades of experiential learning later, UnicaPelle was born. UnicaPelle was brought to existence to remedy the large gap in the Indian luxury market for handcrafted luxury leather goods made in India. In a bid to support goods made in India, UnicaPelle made two solemn promises to itself:to revive the demand for and supply of Indian leather goods and to support and regenerate employment networks among Indian weavers and craftsmen. UnicaPelle is a solemn but glorious attempt to revive the ancient handicraft skills of our
beautiful heritage and history and add to it the finish and finesse of leather products meeting global standards. Decades of industrial experience combined with the joy and vigour of youth define the spirit of UnicaPelle. Kakali was delighted to realise that she had successfully passed on her genes, especially the ones made of steel. UnicaPelle is not just a brand; it is a story of legacy, a story of strength and story of character— all of which reflect in each of its products.
We are proud to be one of the few Indian startups in the leather community supporting the Indian economy. We also sell internationally. Everyone deserves a feel of how wonderful India can be, right?