The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

bitebags S ince she was a child, Noof Al Shekar’s fascination with fine art and design combined with a love for jewellery and fashion led her to design small jewel bags for herself and her loved ones whilst pursuing a career in architecture. The Bahraini designer quickly gained a fanbase that eventu- ally persuaded her to create a bespoke collection and then formed NS by Noof in 2009, exploring the intrinsic relation- ship between the spirit of architecture and the art of jewellery. Each meticulously handcrafted handbag and clutch is embel- lished with a kaleidoscope of semi-precious gemstones that boost energy and augment wellbeing. Each piece is conceived as a sculpture and constructed as a wearable piece of art. “Their job is to create a new couture silhouette that combines the artistry of the East with the mastery of the West - vin- tage excellent with modern expertise.” With exotic snakeskin, lambskin, alligator and Italian leather, Noof describe these results as sheer fantasy. For SS21, NS by Noof invites us to live the tale of Luna, a confident, courageous and playful woman fascinated by the bejewelled bags that share the same vital energy as her own. “Luna’s love for everything beautiful is echoed as she falls in love with the creations of NS by Noof and their magnet- ic charm.” The muse’s journey starts with her sitting on the moon and a Shoug bag capturing her eye. As she reaches to touch it, she starts to fall from the sky and in love. As Luna descends, she passes a vibrant collection of Gama bags and tries to catch one but gets distracted by the beau- tiful one-of-a-kind Croco bag that she wants for herself. She falls further and deeper in love, but before she could fully understand what is happening, she is holding the Mimi Bag in her hands and starts to drift through the iridescent skies. “With NS by Noof by her side, she feels invincible, not afraid to jump, fly or be herself.” The octagonal hard-shell leather minaudière (small) Shoug bag in Blue, Red and White is a timeless elegance with a modern twist. It is encased in an intricate 18-karat plated brass panelling inspired by abstract architectural motifs. The style is accentuated with a standout clasp encrusted with two Cristina Lloyd falls in love with NS by Noof’s intricate and architectural bags that would be the topic on an evening out. Luna In Sheer Fant asy NS by Noof