What Is Mirror Work? A Guide to Shisha Embroidery and How to Style a Mirror Work Bag

Mirror work, also called shisha embroidery, is a traditional Indian craft in which small mirrors are stitched onto fabric using thread. It is closely associated with regions such as Gujarat and Rajasthan, and it has long been used on festive clothing, textiles and accessories. Today, the same craft is finding its way onto modern handbags.

How a mirror work bag is made

Every mirror is set by hand. An artisan places the mirror, then holds it in place with thread stitches and frames it with a ring of coloured embroidery. Because each mirror is worked individually, the process takes patience, and no two bags are exactly alike.

Our Darpan Mirror Work Beaded Shoulder Bag is built around this craft. Darpan means mirror. Hundreds of tiny mirrors are set into a hand-beaded base, each one framed in thread wrapped by hand in pink, yellow, turquoise, green and red. A border of red-and-white mirrored hexagons frames the flap, and a gold-tone clasp on a beaded tab keeps everything closed. The bag is handmade by women artisans in Noida.

How to style a mirror work bag

With a saree or lehenga. The colourful thread work picks up the shades in festive outfits, so a mirror work bag works as an accessory that ties the look together.

With a simple black outfit. A plain dress or co-ord lets the bag take centre stage. Keep jewellery minimal and let the mirrors do the talking.

With western evening wear. A beaded shoulder bag with mirror work adds texture and colour to a clean silhouette, and gives a classic evening look a handcrafted twist.

Tips to care for a beaded mirror work bag

• Store it in a dust bag, away from sharp objects.
• Avoid water and perfume spray directly on the beads and thread.
• Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth.

Explore more handcrafted bags

If you love handmade detail, browse our evening bags and clutch bags, designed to complete festive and party looks.