Sally and Michel Perrin at the opening of Perrin Paris in 360 Mall, Kuwait. Photo courtesy of Perrin Paris.
“Can I just say how beautiful all these Kuwaiti women are. It’s just incredible. This is a feast for the eyes,” gushes Perrin Paris’ creative director Sally Perrin to Vogue Arabia at the opening of the boutique at 360 Mall, Kuwait. Perrin’s chocolate locks are tucked into a turban and she’s wearing a black shift dress from Lanvin accented with her grandmother’s brooch. Next to her is her husband and CEO of Perrin Paris, Michel Perrin (who’s the fourth generation of the family-run storied brand).
Founded in 1893 as a glove manufacturer that expanded into tannery, Perrin Paris relaunched 10 years ago as a luxury handbag label. “We kept our DNA, but the inspiration of gloves continues to evolve in our collections,” says Michel Perrin. Perusing through the store, you’ll come across structured leather clutches fixed with a glove that nods to the heritage of the brand. “The glove can fit on either hand. It’s very elegant and classic but with a twist,” says Sally Perrin while pointing to one of their best-sellers, the “Le Corset,” that features a lace up glove on the front flap.
On the gilded display, designs include a clutch that showcases a curved, saucer-like accent inspired by sculptor Anish Kapoor. “We love his work. It’s very sculptural, and it becomes a piece of jewelry for the evening,” remarks the creative director. Reminiscent of a cruise ship porthole is the “La Croisière,” a glove clutch that features ruthenium hand pieces that is featured alongside a sturdy bucket bag detailed with holes that take after the classic driving glove on the “Le Cabriolet” clutch.
Kuwait marks the label’s first foray into the Middle East, and joins a lineup of locations in Paris, Beverly Hills, Hong Kong, and New York. Speaking to Vogue Arabia, VIP attendee Shahad Al Mudhaf shares, “I am glad that it [Perrin Paris] opened in Kuwait and at an elite location like 360 [Mall], because it’s only available in specific countries.” Meanwhile, Kuwaiti fashion influencer Fouz Al Fahad shares her take on how she styles the handheld silhouettes, “I would definitely go for the bags with a metal glove. I love that you can pair it with different outfits like a little black dress or a patterned look.”
