Her Highness 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 at Al Hamriyah Studios in Sharjah. Created with Emirati designer Khalid Shafar and the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, the limited-edition handbag brings traditional Emirati craftsmanship into contemporary luxury fashion.
Twelve Emirati artisans from Irthi spent 435 hours over two years hand-crafting the bag’s details using Talli, the traditional Emirati art of interlaced embroidery. The project also carries a humanitarian purpose, as part of the proceeds will support The Big Heart Foundation’s humanitarian initiatives for refugees and vulnerable communities.
Her Excellency Reem BinKaram, Director General of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, said, “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 and translate inherited artisanal skills into contemporary applications with creative and economic value. The project reflects our belief that traditional crafts are not merely practices associated with the past but living forms of knowledge capable of evolving and contributing to creative industries beyond geographical boundaries.”
Under Khalid Shafar’s creative direction, the design draws on the UAE’s cultural identity and natural environment. The palette includes deep palm green, grey and light green of the Ghaf tree, mustard and gold tones that evoke Ghaf blossoms and desert sunlight, and silver threads that reference materials traditionally used in Talli craftsmanship.
The central design feature is Shafar’s reinterpretation of an Arabic letter, inspired by Kufic calligraphy and FENDI’s logo. Its geometric form is translated into handwoven Talli, while dark green silk fringes and a gold-detailed FF clasp complete the piece.
The project places Irthi’s craftswomen at the centre of the creative process, adapting inherited Talli techniques for a modern luxury accessory. Irthi has developed more than 80 Talli designs and patterns through its programmes and skills-development centres.
The collaboration highlights how traditional crafts can evolve into contemporary products with cultural and economic value. It also gives Emirati artisans an international platform, strengthening the presence of Emirati heritage in the global luxury-fashion industry.
Traditionally used to embellish Emirati garments, Talli is being reimagined through partnerships with designers and international fashion houses. This FENDI collaboration extends Irthi’s work to preserve craft knowledge, empower female artisans, and open new opportunities for Emirati handmade products worldwide.
