Today, bags and clutches have moved beyond being stylish accessories to transforming into artisanal and artistic pieces, ones that signal to the world that you are wearing a renowned brand with a unique backstory. To hop on this trend, these are the brands that need to be on your radar:
Okhtein – The Sahra Clutch
When two intelligent sisters come together, they easily conquer the world, and that is the case with co-founders Mounaz and Aya Abdelraouf. The two sisters weaved together their passion for recreating and telling the stories of art and history through unique, handmade handbags.
You can see the Egyptian heritage and culture in every bag, whether it is the Fatima Embroided clutch inspired by the serene oasis of Al-Fayoum or the Puffed Oak on Striped Brass exemplifying the half-moon shape, which is of significant importance in Egyptian culture. And let’s bot forget their magnificent Sahra Clutch.
Nathalie Trad – Lucia Clutch
Sometimes, a handbag doesn’t necessarily have to abide by the conventional look that most bags go for. Things can get a little artistic, and that is the case of Nathalie Trad, a Lebanese luxury handbag brand known for using unconventional materials to create unique handbags.
For example, they have a honeycomb latticed square handbag called Rubin, which is made of mother pearl and Magenta resin.
The brand also boasts several clutches made with a Teal Hammer shell and Kabibe shell with brass detail. These clutches look similar to thin circus drums.
Lebanese designer Nathalie Trad, known as the clutch architect and alchemist, spearheaded the effort. She’s been successful at breaking the mold of what can be deemed a handbag.
NS By Noof – The Shoug
Combining together the spirit of architecture and the art of jewellery is talented Bahraini designer Noof Al Shekar who brought to life luxury handbag brand NS by Noof. In every bag, she makes sure to incorporate a kaleidoscopic mix of semi precious gemstones.
In her signature collection, you’ll find many cool bags, including the Shoug, an Arabic geometrical bag that combines timeless elegance with a modern twist.
Inspired by abstract architectural motifs, this bag includes an octagonal hard-shell leather minaudière encased in intricate 18k plated brass paneling, and two precious stones on a stand-out clasp. In all her bags, Arab heritage and architecture will scream through, and that is what makes her special.
Dania Shinkar – The Dana
Bringing an experimental approach to handbag design is Dania Shinkar, the Saudi/ Ireland-based contemporary and sustainable bag brand.
The designer of the bags, of the same name, always had a desire to churn out limited edition signature handbags that stand out amidst mass produced alternatives.
Using eco-friendly materials, Shinkar created bags as wearable objects with unexpected details. One of her coolest bags is actually one named after her sister. Known as “The Dana,” the collection consists of bags that are a modern interpretation of the classic frame bag, made with a twist.
All her bags include that twist to add a taste of unconventionality to modern fashion.
Marzook – Fan Bag
Just as with Okhtein, the masterminds behind the Lebanese handbag brand Marzook are also a sibling duo. When it comes to their handbags, they are inspired by Eastern and Western cultures and are made using precious metals, plexiglass resins, and Swarovski-encrusted spherical shapes and styles.
Bringing to life artistic bags, true works of art, they knew how to impress the crowd. One of their coolest pieces is their signature fan-shaped bag made with sustainable capitoné Italian Linen emblazoned with resin pearls.
By taking bits and pieces from real life and using them as inspiration for each handbag, the sibling duo defies the conventionalities of a traditional handbag.
Manar Laktinah – Al Tair
Everyone from Kim Kardashian to Kristin Cavallari donned Manar Laktinah’s luxurious handbags.
The brand was born of the passion of a Syrian Armenian living in Beirut. In her collection, every bag is made of genuine leather and superb colored stones with a supreme brass material and finish. Each bag is also crafted by some of the best Italian and Lebanese artisans.
Among the best sellers is a unique bag known as Al Tair. Named after the 12th brightest star in the night sky, Al Tair resides in the Aquila constellation. In Arabic, it means “eagle.” That is why it is shaped like a bird’s wing, crafted with exquisite gold-plated brass, and embellished with glittering smoked topaz stones.
When you take a proper and close look at each of these handbags, you can see the level of artistry and creativity infused in each piece. That is the work of a designer who cares about bringing to life artisanal pieces.