UAE-Based Designer Behind Kylie Jenner's Custom Handbag Diamond Charm

2026-03-12 08:23:01

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) When new photos of Kylie Jenner circulated online earlier this year on Valentine's Day, fashion observers quickly noticed something unusual hanging from her rare Hermès Kelly bag. Alongside the classic handbag was a diamond charm featuring Jenner's Lip Kit logo and her initials, a bespoke piece crafted by Dubai-based jewellery designer Ashna Mehta.

For Mehta, the moment marked a milestone for a concept she has been quietly developing in the UAE, transforming luxury bag accessories into high jewellery pieces that can also be worn as pendants.

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“I've been designing my whole life,” Mehta said.“But the Ashna Mehta brand began organically. I started creating pieces for myself and my sister, Aria.”

Coming from a family deeply rooted in the diamond industry through Rosy Blue, one of the world's largest diamond manufacturers, Mehta grew up surrounded by the craft of jewellery making. That background gave her direct insight into sourcing, materials, and the trade, something that later shaped the direction of her brand.

The idea for what would become her signature collection began in 2024 while looking for a way to personalise the Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags she and her sister owned without damaging the straps or affecting their value.

“What started as diamond initials made for my sister Aria and me became Bag Bijoux by Ashna Mehta, the hero collection of my brand,” she said.

The concept merges high jewellery with fashion accessories. Each charm is designed as a multifunctional piece that can attach to a handbag but also convert seamlessly into a traditional pendant.

“For me, the future of jewellery is about movement and expression,” Mehta said.“Jewellery shouldn't just sit in a vault. It should travel with you, evolve with you, and become part of your everyday story.”

The piece worn by Jenner came about through a personal introduction. According to Mehta, a close family friend who knows the beauty entrepreneur showed Jenner the Bag Bijoux collection.

“Being an avid Hermès collector herself, the conversation developed from there,” she said.

The charm created for Jenner was designed specifically for her. It features the well-known lips logo associated with her cosmetics brand, crafted in 18-carat gold and natural diamonds. To recreate the design accurately, Mehta incorporated pink ceramic and brushed gold detailing to give the piece texture and dimension.

“The charm featuring her Lip Kit logo was exclusively made for Kylie Jenner, representing her brand wherever she goes,” she said.

Alongside it, Jenner also wore white gold and diamond initials reading“KJ”, pieces that are part of Mehta's existing Bag Bijoux collection and currently among her best-selling designs.

Although the piece quickly gained attention on social media, the designer first realised Jenner had worn it through her own team.

“My team showed me that she had worn it out with Kendall Jenner the night before posting it,” Mehta said.“We had been working on it for months, so seeing it worn publicly was such an exciting moment.”

Since the images began circulating across fashion and celebrity media, Mehta says interest in her designs has increased significantly.

“I think it really solidified bag jewellery as a new product category and highlighted me as the creator of it,” she said.“It helped with wider recognition, and I've had lots of inquiries for Bag Bijoux.”

Despite its international visibility, the piece was produced in Dubai, where Mehta runs her manufacturing operations.

“Most of my clients are based in Dubai,” she explained.“Having my production here allows me to maintain speed, efficiency, and the high-quality craftsmanship needed to cater to clients both in the UAE and globally.”

For Mehta, the viral moment also reflects the growing influence of designers working out of the region.

“Bag Bijoux is a concept born in Dubai,” she said.“It's not the first Dubai-born product to go global, and it certainly won't be the last. There's so much talent and innovation in the region.”

Beyond Kylie Jenner, Mehta's designs have also appeared on other well-known figures. Actress Mindy Kaling has been seen wearing pieces from the brand, while socialite and entrepreneur Paris Hilton wore Mehta's Flower Power earrings and necklace for a feature with Vanity Fair France, a piece she created together with her mother.

Mehta's portfolio also includes bespoke high jewellery commissions. Among them is a 54.47-carat“Barbie” necklace created for rapper Nicki Minaj, which was later featured at the American Museum of Natural History.

Looking ahead, the designer plans to continue expanding the Bag Bijoux concept while keeping the personal origins of the brand at its core.

“I want to expand the Bag Bijoux collection further, scale my brand to new heights, and continue creating from a personal perspective,” she said.

For now, one of those creations has already made its way onto one of the most-watched handbags in the world.