In Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Al-Balad, the Saudi handbag designers movement is thriving. Young creatives are merging cultural pride with modern fashion to craft handbags that celebrate Saudi heritage. From architectural motifs to eco-friendly materials, these designs carry deep meaning and timeless style.
For designer Sara Alsaeed, founder of Surrah, inspiration struck while walking through Al-Balad’s historic streets. Moreover, she saw beauty in roshan windows, aged walls, and unique balconies. These impressions inspired her to join the Saudi handbag designer’s community with creations that reflect the Kingdom’s history and identity.
The name Surrah holds cultural weight. In classical Arabic, it means a pouch or bundle—personal and protective. Still used in the Najd region, it reflects the brand’s commitment to authenticity. Alsaeed began with stationery in 2021 but soon shifted toward handbags, launching the Ashiq Collection inspired by Jeddah’s architecture.
She explained that each bag becomes a canvas, carrying stories of Saudi women from the 1950s to the 1970s. Additionally, her vision for the Saudi handbag designer’s movement is to help young girls understand their roots and carry culture forward. Surrah’s global ambitions invite curiosity and appreciation from people worldwide.
In another part of the design scene, Hatem Abdullah founded Remah to combine luxury with sustainability. He discovered vegan leather made from apples, which aligned with his values. As part of the new wave of Saudi handbag designers, he believes beauty should not come at the expense of animals.
Abdullah designs for those who value artistry, storytelling, and craftsmanship. The name Remah, meaning strength and precision, represents confident and graceful women. Furthermore, his designs are not limited by gender, appealing to all who appreciate quality and meaning.
Similarly, designer Abdulrahman Al-Abed founded Qormuz, drawing inspiration from overlooked pieces of Saudi history. He finds beauty in old streets, forgotten conversations, and historical remnants. As one of the Saudi handbag designers embracing tradition, his creations use materials like camel leather, cotton, and camel hair.
Qormuz emphasizes sustainability through meaningful production, ensuring durability and cultural relevance. This philosophy mirrors the broader mission of the Saudi handbag designer’s movement, where style and heritage merge seamlessly.
From Surrah’s heritage-inspired elegance to Remah’s ethical innovation and Qormuz’s authentic craftsmanship, these brands weave cultural history into every piece. Additionally, they represent a growing creative wave that preserves tradition while embracing modernity.
The Saudi handbag designers movement ensures heritage not only survives but thrives in a fast-changing fashion world. Through their artistry, they prove tradition and innovation can coexist beautifully.
