The Middle East is home to some of the most impressive collections of bags, shoes, and jewelry in the world, and Savoir Flair’s Accessories All Access series takes you into the closets of regional collectors to discover them for yourself. This month, follow us into the home of Emirati designer Latifa Al Shamsi for an exclusive tour of her accessories collection. From Hermès and Dior to Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier, Al Shamsi’s extensive repertoire is one of the most covetable we’ve come across. “I think my love for accessories began long before I realized. As a child, I would play dress-up in plastic accessories for hours on end,” she shares during our shoot.
Over time, Al Shamsi, who describes herself as both a bag and shoe girl, has acquired an impressive collection of “It” bags and statement footwear, but her most cherished pieces are those passed on from her mother. “Every vintage item that my mom has given me really means a lot, like the one-of-a-kind Chopard watch that I plan to pass on to my daughter someday.”
Click through the gallery above for an exclusive look at some of Latifa Al Shamsi’s most-loved accessories.
“I’m really loving Bangkok-based handbag brand S’uvimol. I carry all of my daily essentials in these bags.”
“After buying an Hermès pillow that I really liked, I decided to make my own using some of my Hermès scarves.”
“I love investing in classic and expensive pieces, because you keep them for life! One of my most-loved pieces is this between-the-finger Van Cleef & Arpels pavé-diamond ring.”
“I tend to color-coordinate my shoes in the closet, which really makes it easier when deciding what to wear everyday.”
“Pearls are an essential must-have for every girl. The necklace in the back is a Kenneth Jay Lane piece that I adore, because it resembles traditional Emirati jewelry.”
“This is a very special vintage watch from Chopard that was given to me by my mom. She had more colorful ribbons especially made to go with it.”
“This cup was designed for me by talented artist Ahmed Al Rashed, depicting all the things I love. I consider it a part of my accessories collection.”