Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, unveiled a unique Emirati edition of FENDI’s iconic Baguette handbag at Al Hamriyah Studios in Sharjah. This collaboration, which features the work of Emirati designer Khalid Shafar and twelve artisans from the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, aims to blend traditional Emirati craftsmanship with contemporary luxury fashion.
Over two years, the artisans dedicated 435 hours to handcrafting the handbag, employing Talli, a traditional Emirati embroidery technique. This limited edition not only showcases the precision of Emirati artisans but also aims to elevate the region’s crafts on a global scale. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will support The Big Heart Foundation’s humanitarian initiatives, aiding refugees and vulnerable communities worldwide.
Celebrating Emirati Heritage
The launch event was attended by notable figures, including Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Businesswomen’s Council, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdulla Al Qasimi, General Director of Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators. The collaboration underscores Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council’s commitment to preserving Emirati crafts and empowering female artisans in the fashion sector.
Reem BinKaram, Director General of Irthi, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration with FENDI and Emirati designer Khalid Shafar represents an important step in our efforts to strengthen the presence of Emirati crafts within the global design industry.” She highlighted that traditional crafts are living forms of knowledge that can evolve and contribute to creative industries.
Design Elements and Cultural Significance
Under Shafar’s creative direction, the handbag’s design draws inspiration from the UAE’s cultural identity and natural environment. The artisans created Talli bands that are central to the bag, using their expertise in this traditional craft. The color palette reflects the deep greens of palm trees and the grey and light greens of the Ghaf tree, while mustard and gold evoke the blossoms of the Ghaf and the sunlight of the desert.
At the heart of the design is a reinterpretation of the Arabic letter, inspired by Kufic calligraphy, which is integrated into the Talli pattern. This connection between Arabic aesthetics and FENDI’s visual language exemplifies the collaboration’s innovative spirit. The handbag is further adorned with dark green silk fringes and a metal clasp featuring FENDI’s signature FF logo.
Khalid Shafar remarked on the significance of using Talli craftsmanship, stating, “Choosing Talli craftsmanship for this collaboration was a fundamental step, as it is one of the UAE’s longstanding traditional crafts.” He expressed pride in presenting the Baguette bag with a distinct Emirati identity while maintaining FENDI’s signature character.
Empowering Local Artisans
The project not only highlights the skills of Emirati craftswomen but also demonstrates how traditional techniques can inform contemporary design. Dima Hallal, General Manager of FENDI Middle East, noted that the UAE Baguette celebrates the exceptional craftsmanship and cultural heritage that connect different communities. This partnership aims to create a dialogue between heritage and contemporary innovation, supporting local talent and preserving artisanal skills.
Through this collaboration, Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council continues to expand the applications of traditional crafts, providing Emirati artisans with an international platform to showcase their skills. The partnership with FENDI exemplifies how traditional techniques can be integrated into modern luxury fashion, further enriching the creative economy in the UAE.
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