[Photo provided to China Daily]

"You have a tree. You don't see the root. But the root is there. For me old Moynat is the root," he says.

His main goal is to cement the position of Moynat as a heritage brand with deep roots, and to build a brand with true values, leaning heavily on French savoir-faire, quality and elegance, he says.

Asked about new bags, Nair says there is no seasonal trend-based collection. It means that many of the styles can be traced back to the brand's history.

Many bags feature curves inspired by Moynat's rounded trunks that were designed to fit into the first automobiles.

"Moynat is not a fashion brand in the sense that we have no seasons or collections timed to coordinate with the fashion calendar. Moynat is something classic, timeless and truly exclusive," he says.

Nair's recent trip to Beijing was the first time the designer visited China.

The designer, who spent a few days in the new boutique, says he finds Chinese women "very elegant, very fashionable and with very strong character".

"We have had a few Chinese clients in Paris and London. They shop with their female friends and ask difficult questions. They are very sophisticated and knowledgeable. When we take out our bags, they look at them very carefully."