Art. That’s the first world that comes to my mind when I think about New York-based Uruguayan designer Gabriela Hearst’s creations. Sculpted to perfection, these bags are akin to jewels that have amassed a huge cult following both in the region and beyond. So, when she made her first trip to the UAE this March to celebrate the launch of her handbag collection exclusively at Level Shoes, we had to be there.

This is the first time that Gabriela has brought her remarkable installation to the Middle East with the limited-edition ‘Walk-woman’ clutch, which will be on view until 4 April at Level Shoes, the only retailer in the region to house the collection. “We’re delighted to partner with Level Shoes as we launch a new bag silhouette and feature the breadth of our whole handbag collection for an exclusive time in store,” Gabriela said in a statement.

Inspired by the first recordable media player, the Walk-woman was handcrafted in Italy with jewelers exquisitely creating its body with metal and stones such as howlite, malachite, lapis lazuli, and agate, paired with interchangeable cases and straps in Nappa leather and crocodile skin. At the store, the installation has been created out of reclaimed furniture, in keeping with Gabriela’s passion for sustainable design.
“We wanted to create an installation that was least wasteful as possible. By using existing materials and avoiding the use of new natural resources, we had to be savvy in order to create a beautiful and luxurious space with these limitations,” she explained.

Having launched her label four years ago, Gabriela has quickly become a prime mover in the global fashion scene, with her bags often on waitlists. With her collaboration with Level Shoes in the region, this might be your chance to acquire one of her stunning works of art. Levelshoes.com, Gabrielahearst.com