As back-to-school season looms ahead (where did summer go?!), thoughts of early morning classes and long nights at the library haunt us. Between procrastinating finishing assignments and checking Facebook doing research, we all know that sometimes, style falls to the side. Though we swear we never make public appearances in sweats and sneakers that are reserved exclusively for the gym, we have those days when we sacrifice style for comfort. But being on-the-go doesn’t mean letting go — luckily for us, Micky London has a solution for us: the perfect accessory.
Founded by Kabir and Abba Manchanda, a brother-sister team, the accessories company, known for its creative scarves, offers a plethora of options for every collegiette™ from casual to elegant scarves. The Manchandas started Micky London in 2009 when the pair, recently unemployed due to a crash in the market, were distressed by the boredom of doing nothing.
“I was in real estate in Dubai and when the market collapsed, I came back to New York City where my parents live. My sister, Abba, was also out of a job because the French bank she worked for in New York City decided to close their U.S. trading desk,” Kabir explains. “So it was the two of us, initially enjoying doing nothing, then grasping with the reality of our savings depleting and the constant boredom of doing nothing.”
Kabir says the two spend days, weeks and months dreaming of career paths to take, coming up with “being a Hollywood producer, race car driver, a self-help guru, anything that would make me rich and famous over night.” Abba, he says, thought of being a politician, NYU professor, magazine editor, or a personal shopper.
“What we both realized was that we wanted to do something on our own but like most people, did not know how. So we picked an industry and just went for it,” he says. “My sister loved accessories, like all women do, I suppose it’s the same way men love cars. She thought she had an eye for what women wanted, and I felt that I could give a view point of what men like on women, not that women actually care what men think. So we created Micky London.”
The name comes from Kabir’s nickname, Micky, and the siblings’ place of schooling, London. Though the pair keep an eye out for trends in the market, they are inspired primarily by what is around them.
“For us, this season, like every season, is inspired by what we see on a daily basis: our friends, family, travels, food, fabric markets in Delhi, nightclubs in NY, the glamour of Dubai, cultures, magazines, television, people watching while having lunch…” Kabir says, listing the things that he and his sister are surrounded by every day.
Micky London is the company’s main brand; Kabir says it is the most creative and “represents what we believe is beautiful and original.” Two other lines — ML by Micky London and Soho 1998 — are similar in style aesthetic, he explains, but are the company’s more affordable lines.
Currently, Micky London scarves can be found at Nordstrom and Anthropologie, and will be carried by other high-end stores that Kabir says cannot be revealed at the moment. The jewelry line is growing quickly, he adds, and soon accessories will be sold online with the launch of mickylondon.com.
What makes these scarves so appealing and a staple for collegiettes™?
“They are trendy, unique, comfortable and more important of great quality,” Kabir says. “College students are always on the go whether it be to class, work or parties. Wearing a scarf  is an easy way to tie in a piece of fashionable flair when your outfit may be lacking.”
The wide variety, too, is what makes them a fashion must. With scarves featuring jewelry, beading and striking patterns, Kabir says the versatility of the scarves allows collegiettes™ to incorporate them easily into their wardrobes.
Her Campus got an exclusive look at some of Micky London’s newest scarves — and we’ve styled them to show you just how big of a difference they make to every outfit!
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Casual Day on Campus
Pair this plaid/peacock feather scarf with neutral colors so your statement accessory stands out. Everyday denim shorts and comfy-but-cute suede flats may look drab on their own, but an eye-catching accessory helps you go fab.
Urban Renewal Stripe Smocked Tube Top, $39, Urban Outfitters
AG Adriano Goldschmied Pixie Denim, $39, Saks Fifth Avenue
Lucky Suede Point Ballerina, $43, Asos
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Lunch Date
The Little White Dress has been popular all season, and coral is the new it-color this fall — combine the colors with Micky London’s pearl-beaded scarf, and you have a chic outfit that is perfect for a breezy outdoor picnic with your guy or brunch with the girls. The scarf helps to balance out the color of the flats — otherwise, wearing the pair with a white dress calls too much attention to your feet!
White Eyelet Dress, $31, Delia’s
Motown Suede Square Toe Ballet, $50, Topshop
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Dark was the NightÂ
Show off your sartorial side with this tie-dyed wrap scarf. Layer all your most fashionable pieces — a crop top, maxi, daring wedges and a leather jacket. The scarf brings color and texture into the ensemble.
Polar Explorer Top, $33, modcloth.com
Steve Madden Knit & Faux Leather Jacket, $39, Nordstrom
Jack BB Dakota: The Kris Skirt, $16, karmaloop.com
Enzo Angiolini Cruz Wedge Sandals, $50, Lord & Taylor
This fall, don’t hesitate to go under wraps — what’s your favorite look?