Founder and Creative Director of Hanuxe, Hanan Aljabr
Luxury handbag label Hanuxe is the brainchild of Saudi Arabian accessories designer Hanan Aljabr. With a moniker that combines the 26-year-old designer’s first name with “luxury,” Hanuxe’s debut collection of leather and fur goods fuses Arabic opulence with practicality. The collection consists of three chic styles – a tote bag, an envelope clutch, and a cross-body bag – and each piece is handmade by Italian artisans using ethically and sustainably sourced exotic alligator and ostrich leather, and Rex furs. “I want to show the world how truly special and beautiful exotic leathers are,” says Aljabr, speaking to Vogue Arabia about what inspired her to launch a line of handbags. “There has long been a misconceived notion that exotic leathers and furs are reserved for older women, which I simply disagree with.”
The designer’s love affair with handbags dates back to when she was 11 years old and on a trip to the Fendi boutique in Venice with her mother. “As I was too young to own my own, I convinced my mother to purchase a gorgeous bag, with plans to claim it as mine one day. Since then, I’ve been hooked.” As her collection of handbags grew, she decided to launch her own brand.
Hanuxe Amber collection featuring the Aria bag and Siena clutch. Courtesy of Hanuxe
Aljabr and her team spent two years developing the bag collection. No detail was left unconsidered, from the material used to the bags’ weight. Each piece is dyed in rich earthy tones and cool celestial hues, recalling magical Arabian landscapes and night skies. To complete the look, an artisanal polishing technique consisting of heat and agate stone is used to a ensure a brilliant high-gloss surface. “Accessories are one of the best forms of self-expression and can easily reflect and enhance the wearer’s mood,” she states. “With these designs I hope to empower personal style and confidence.”
Sofia tote bag. Courtesy of Hanuxe
The bags can be purchased online at www.hanuxe.com. The Rex Fur Sofia Tote starts at AED/SAR 4,345 meanwhile the Siena Clutch, a maxi-envelope clutch (with space for your everyday essentials) in glossy alligator skin and lined with calf skin is priced at AED/SAR 43,453.
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