If you’re in the market for a handbag with some real character, Middle Eastern female designers are serving up just that—bags with style, storytelling, and a whole lot of local pride. These bags are made to turn heads while championing regional design, creativity, and, yes, to make an impact.
L’AFSHAR
L’Afshar isn’t your standard luxury bag brand. Lilian Afshar’s designs are crisp, daring, and unmistakably architectural, each bag an exploration of form and texture. Think polished acrylics and bold marble finishes—pieces that feel like art rather than accessories. Afshar’s approach is refreshingly raw, crafting bags that exude pure glamour with materials that play with light and space. Spotted on celebrities including Emily in Paris stars and Queen Rania, it’s clear she’s not designing for the trends but for those who appreciate structure and subtle drama.
Bazoo
Founded by Mina Bazoo in 2018, Bazoo started as a passion project rooted in Mina’s love for fashion design. Each Bazoo accessory is handcrafted from scratch, with Mina meticulously threading plastic and crystal beads in various sizes, colors, and shapes onto durable fishing-line wires.
Odeem
Odeem, founded by Fatma Al Otaiba, combines timeless luxury with a practical edge. Drawing inspiration from “Film Noir,” Odeem’s bags, like the Igor and Nikita, balance classic elegance with bold textures. Produced in South Africa with ethically sourced leathers, each bag is crafted for women who value style, versatility, and artisanal quality.
Veganologie
Veganologie, founded by Angana Maheshwari in Dubai, is a sustainable handbag brand that combines style with eco-conscious practices. Designed for the modern, planet-conscious consumer, Veganologie uses 100% recycled vegan materials, turning plastic bottles into durable, chic handbags, wallets, and accessories. Each crossbody bag repurposes about 11 plastic bottles, while the brand’s dust bags and packaging are entirely recyclable. The collection’s aesthetic reflects Maheshwari’s vision for practical, minimalist fashion with thoughtful features like key straps and exterior pockets, proving sustainable can be both functional and cool.
Nuaimi
Huda Al Nuaimi’s brand, Nuaimi, is as much a statement on individuality as it is on style. Known for bold colors and intricate hand-embroidery, Nuaimi’s accessories celebrate culture in a way that resonates today. Her approach is proudly eco-conscious, shown through collaborations with brands like Piaget, Waitrose and Tod’s, where she ties Emirati heritage with global luxury. Beyond fashion, she’s built the Nuaimi Collective—a lifestyle platform focused on wellness, empowerment, and self-expression—curated for modern women who want want connection and meaning to go hand in hand with fashion.
