Dara Hamarneh Moulds City Architecture into Wearable Shoulder Bags

Made to stun, elevate, and endure, stepping into the modern world of Dara Hamarneh's eponymous label transports you to a place where the timeless past, the ever-changing urban present, and the fiery future converge in perfectly crafted handheld harmony.

With a passion for past traditions and a commitment to a sustainable future evident in each of the five silhouettes - the Tube, Baguette, Cigarette, Valletta, and Valletta on Chain - the eponymous brand creates glamorous bags that evoke a chic, classic charm designed to last a lifetime and beyond.

Founded by Polimoda Italy alumnus, Dara Hamarneh, the label draws inspiration from the threads of the 60s and the 90s, paying homage to world-class designers from avant-garde Pierre Cardin to the innovative Issey Miyake.

Having grown up in various states across the Middle East, founder Dara Hamarneh found herself profoundly impacted by the region’s diversity, “Constantly relocating from a young age nurtured my adaptability and exposed me to diverse cultures and lifestyles.” Dara Hamarneh tells Scene Styled. “Witnessing the universal language of fashion connecting people from all walks of life has been an endless inspiration for my designs." Hamarneh adds.

With an innate love for fashion and creation instilled within her from a young age, Hamarneh’s hankering for the handheld started within the confines of her mother’s closet; “My love for fashion and luxury bags bloomed early, thanks to my mother's vintage collections. The exposure to these timeless pieces instilled in me a deep appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. When I design, I often reflect on those cherished memories, seeking to create effortlessly timeless pieces that exude elegance and sophistication." Hamarneh shares.

From the richly textured alligator-embossed Valletta to the soft and sumptuous calfskin-lined linen Tube and the elegantly refined Baguette, Hamarneh's luxury bags are more than just fashion statements; their quality is evident in every seam and stitch. Crafted with a focus on environmental responsibility, Hamarneh embraces slow fashion and sustainability.

At Dara Hamarneh, sustainability goes beyond mere buzzwords; it is woven into the very fabric of the label’s designs and ethos. As Dara Hamarneh puts it, “I strongly believe in creating enduring pieces that stand the test of time, defying the constant cycle of fast fashion.” Hamarneh begins, “Sustainability, to me, means enabling customers to cherish and enjoy their purchases for years to come. I aim to break the misconception that sustainable fashion limits creativity, showing that colours and unique silhouettes can coexist with a commitment to responsible consumption.” she adds.

In an industry where sustainability is often loosely defined, Dara Hamarneh operates with a zero-waste approach, producing in limited quantities, using traceable materials, and recycling surplus fabrics, setting a standard for ethical and eco-conscious fashion.