Lebanese designer Sarah Beydoun is well known for supporting vulnerable communities while empowering women and her new Priceless collection is no different.
While Beirut-based handbag brand Sarah’s Bag might be well known for its eclectic styles that are a lesson in intricate beading and embroidery, the compassionate label is so much more than that. A force for good with a commitment to wider society, Sarah first envisioned her company when studying for her Masters thesis and volunteering at Dar Al Amal, an NGO that rehabilitates women at risk in Lebanon. “I was deeply affected by it,” she tells MOJEH. “I met women who told me stories of broken families, poverty and violence, so after graduation I decided to launch a business that could bring together my love for fashion with a way to make a positive difference in these women's lives.” Today all her bags are meticulously crafted in Lebanon by a team of over 200 skilled female artisans, many of whom are prisoners, ex-prisoners, and underprivileged women.
Perhaps her most ambitious project to date, Sarah’s new limited edition Priceless collection of bags shines a spotlight on the positive impact that women entrepreneurs can have, stemming from an initiative with Mastercard to connect small businesses to the tools they need to go digital. “We are empowering women from under-represented communities, and our work is aimed at uplifting the women behind these bags and creating designs that are for women by women,” she says. “I am so excited for the collection launch as it is part of the official merchandise sold during Expo 2020 Dubai.”
As for the masterpieces themselves, Sarah showcases the culture of the region through plenty of Arabesque detailing, bling and mother of pearl, none more prominent than with her favourite piece from the collection, the Priceless Peal Celeste box. Encrusted with pearls and gold, topped with a gold-plated shining heart clasp, Sarah says: “It’s an unbelievably versatile piece that adds a glamorous finishing touch to eveningwear.” We’re sold. Shop now
