While in Beirut I had the greatest pleasure of hearing Lebanese born Sarah Beydoun (pictured above) speak about her burgeoning company, Sarah's Bag. I thought the concept of the company was genius and the designs speak for themselves. Sarah's story begins at the Universite Saint Joseph where she wrote her thesis on female prostitution and women prisoners in Lebanon. Thus the idea of forming a company that would liberate encumbered women and fill her passion for fashion took form in her eponymous label, Sarah's Bag. This venture started as a rehabilitation program for women prisoners and struggling women in general whom Beydoun thought would benefit from learning a craft that would better their economic situation while teaching them valuable skills. The idea became more than a reality, but a huge success. Since Sarah started the business, it has grown exponentially and Sarah's Bag now participates in exhibitions all over the Arab world while still keeping shop in a beautiful building in Beirut's happening and cosmopolitan neighborhood of Gemmayze.
Once again we see an Arab designer that has not forgotten her roots but has mended them for today's discriminating consumer. Her bags give a reminder of old Lebanon and the Middle East while targeting a younger demographic that looks more to the West for their fashion choices. Icons such as the timeless Egyptian singer Umm Kalthoum and Lebanese superstar Sabah find their way onto beautifully made clutches and handbags while old-time bellydancers sashay along other bags. My favorites are definitely the Arabic calligraphy handbags that give just the right touch of the Orient and the Beirut street art clutches that represent Beirut's young beating heart perfectly with graffitti that looks exactly like the ones that mark the streets of Beirut.
Once again we see an Arab designer that has not forgotten her roots but has mended them for today's discriminating consumer. Her bags give a reminder of old Lebanon and the Middle East while targeting a younger demographic that looks more to the West for their fashion choices. Icons such as the timeless Egyptian singer Umm Kalthoum and Lebanese superstar Sabah find their way onto beautifully made clutches and handbags while old-time bellydancers sashay along other bags. My favorites are definitely the Arabic calligraphy handbags that give just the right touch of the Orient and the Beirut street art clutches that represent Beirut's young beating heart perfectly with graffitti that looks exactly like the ones that mark the streets of Beirut.
To find out how you can snag your own bag visit her website: Sarah's Bag
One of the Arab world's most famous singers, Umm Kalthoum, makes an appearance on this clutch
Sarah Beydoun with the Lebanese Superstar Sabah and the bags dedicated to her
