Sharjah:H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, has unveiled a special Emirati edition of FENDI's iconic Baguette bag at Al Hamriyah Studios. This edition is a collaboration between the Italian luxury fashion house FENDI and Emirati designer Khalid Shafar, bringing the spirit of Emirati heritage to a globally celebrated design.
According to Wam, twelve Emirati artisans from the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council dedicated 435 hours over two years to handcraft the details of the special edition, using Talli, the traditional Emirati art of interlaced embroidery. This collaboration unites traditional Emirati skills with FENDI's Italian design, resulting in a limited edition of the Baguette handbag that showcases the precision and mastery of Emirati craftsmanship.
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, alongside other dignitaries and FENDI representatives. The project also serves a humanitarian purpose, as part of the proceeds will aid The Big Heart Foundation's initiatives for refugees and vulnerable communities worldwide.
Reem BinKaram, Director General of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, emphasized the project's significance in strengthening the presence of Emirati crafts on the global stage and translating traditional skills into contemporary applications. The design, under Khalid Shafar's creative direction, features Talli bands crafted by Irthi's artisans, with a color palette inspired by the UAE's natural environment and cultural identity.
This collaboration not only showcases the potential of traditional techniques like Talli in modern design but also provides an international platform for Emirati craftswomen. Through such endeavors, Irthi continues to broaden the applications of traditional crafts and empower female artisans in the fashion sector.