Fendi and Irthi launch Emirati Baguette bag in Sharjah
Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, attended the official launch of a special Emirati edition of the Fendi Baguette bag on October 31, reported. Crafted through a collaboration between the Italian luxury fashion house Fendi, Emirati designer Khalid Shafar, and the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, the project took 12 Emirati craftswomen two years to complete across 435 hours of manual work utilizing traditional Talli weaving techniques.
Launch Event at Al Hamriyah Studios in Sharjah
The unveiling took place at a special ceremony hosted at Al Hamriyah Studios in the Emirate of Sharjah. Senior officials, representatives from Fendi, and members of the press also witnessed the debut.
Reem Bin Korm, Director General of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, stated that the partnership translates traditional craftsmanship into modern design with high creative and economic value. She emphasized that traditional crafts represent living knowledge rather than static relics of the past.
Design Elements Inspired by Emirati Nature
Designer Khalid Shafar built the aesthetic around the cultural identity and natural environment of the United Arab Emirates. Dark green threads represent palm trees, while gray and light green signify the Ghaf tree. Mustard and gold tones capture Ghaf blossoms and desert sunlight, complemented by silver threads that echo traditional Talli materials.
The design reimagines Fendi’s classic logo by incorporating the Arabic letter “Fa” derived from the Kufic script. Shafar reinterpreted the letter using intricate Talli weave patterns. reported that the bag features handmade Talli strips, dark green silk tassels, and a metallic FF clasp detailed with gold and dark green enamel.
Fendi Integrates Emirati Talli Designs into Luxury Production
Dima Halabi, Fendi's Managing Director in the Middle East, stated that the project celebrates exceptional craftsmanship and creates an ongoing creative dialogue between local talent and international luxury fashion.
Irthi has developed over 80 distinct Talli designs and patterns through its skills-development programs. This initiative marks a continued effort to embed craftswomen at the core of luxury production, expanding the global market footprint for traditional Emirati handiwork.