Sophia by Shirley — handmade vintage obi-silk handbags, Kuala Lumpur

No two bags are the same. Each bag has its own unique and exquisite design. These bags are to die for!

— Carol Roy D'cruz

Love the fabrics and limited pieces. Each bag is made with so much care. I own 3 items already. It's challenging to say no to such pretty pieces. Easy to care for too.

— Sue-Ann

Crazy beautiful and exotic bags and purses! One can never get enough of her collections 😍😍😍 Best thing is that the materials are shipped in from Japan.

— Nastasshea Rozario

I like her special handmade obi silk bags. Everywhere I go will not meet someone holding the same bag with me. The best thing is I can customise and choose the obi and bags design accordingly.

— Pei Fong

Came earlier from my pilates session today to meet the lovely Shirley, whom I met almost 10 years ago and I have never met a more hardworking bag maker of Japanese obis. So beautiful and so original work, worth a lot more than she charges and of course the jades, chains and bracelets that she makes now, no words, I just so so so so love it!! Thanks for the birthday gift dear, love you loads!!

— Amarjit

Love her delicate handwork on every piece! When you use a clutch or bag made by Shirley, it's like adding the final touch to your outfit. Just brings out the confidence and adds to your look! Her kimono obi silk collection is just amazing. These are premium silk from Japan. Been an avid fan for years!!

— Stephanie Samuel

Shirley's bags are very well handcrafted - the kimono silk fabrics are of high quality and exquisite designs. Shirley is very responsive & obliging to my customized orders. I'm very pleased and super satisfied with the custom made bags I got from her. Makes great gifts too as every bag is unique.

— Huey Tan

Shirley's bags are beautiful & exquisite. My girlfriend loves it!

— Steve Lim

Shirley is friendly, accommodating and open to suggestions for customizing my bags. Exquisite fabric and good workmanship. One bag led to another, and I am proud to have a collection of them now!

— Chooi Lin

Beautiful, one off clutches and evening bags. Recommended purchase if you want something unique and affordable.

— Roselina Johari

I met Shirley at a bazaar where she was sitting behind her booth, stitching her own artwork. Amazed by her workmanship, I stroked a conversation with her and the rest is history! She is my 'go to' whenever I need to get a gift for a special someone. There are many bags handcrafted by talented Malaysian artisans but Shirley is definitely one who cares so much for her customers. She tries her best to cater to customers' specific requests (customised orders) and never hesitates to do minor repairs when clumsy customers come back to see her. This is why most of her customers have become her friends… Shirley is most certainly one of the best artisans I have come across during my stay in Malaysia.

— Cindi Lim Tessensohn

Clutches and purses are aplenty but none compare to Shirley's heartwork. From placement design of the fabric to the quality of the cloth, zip and finishing. It's top notch. Shirley's so pleasant to deal with and follows up on purchase status until delivery. Even if I have only a single piece from Sophia by Shirley, I consider myself lucky. More to come I hope 😍 Thank you Shirley!

— Talitha Patrick

So far, I've bought 4 bags and 12 coin purses from Sophia by Shirley. I have an outstanding order of 30+ coin purses to be sent to the US. Is that recommendation enough? Every time I see her post a new collection, my wallet trembles in fear 🤣

— Cecilia Lukban Wong