The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

bitebags S audi Arabian accessories brand Bovenue was launched in London in 2012, combining modern-day designs with a nostalgic feel. Its high-quality handbags are designed in Saudi Arabia and handcrafted in Italy from zero-waste leather. The brand uses the leftover leather from major luxury brands to avoid reaching landfills. “We are focused on doing our part in reducing our carbon footprint by creating sustainable col- lections and using what is currently available in the world.” Since she was eight, Reema Amer has had a passion for hand- bags, nurtured from when her grandmother allowed her to carry her bag. Reema’s connection with her grandmother and the beauty in the bags has stayed with her, allowing her to create pieces inspired by the old and new. The brand founded by Reema and her siblings, Faisal and Ghada, brings the pieces to life to fit the modern woman nostalgic for the past. Last year, Bovenue participated in the Saudi 100 Brands hosted by Milan Fashion Week, a showroom highlighting some Middle Eastern countries’ fashion, jewellery and acces- sories labels. The Italian fashion capital’s event took place at the Museo delle Culture di Milano (Mudec) in the Tortona district thanks to a collaboration between White and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture and Fashion Commission. It was previously held as part of the New York Fashion Week. Incidentally, model Sophie Sumner was seen arriving at the Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Party at Jean’s, carrying a Laila bag in Bordeaux Red during the New York Fashion Week AW23 parties. Other celebrities spotted with Bovenue bags include Golden Globe award winner Ariana DeBose, actress Krys Marshall at the Netflix premiere of Along For The Ride, singer Celina Sharma at the EE Baftas Rising Star Awards, and TV personality Georgia Harrison at the screening of a Nicholas Cage movie in London. The brand’s accessories, including Noura Mulberry Purple, have been featured in publications such as Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Pap Magazine, Noura Azure Blue in Boutique Magazine , and Laila Powder White in Frankfurter Allge- meine. Laila Tawny Brown in The Lady’s Magazine , Noura Royal Green in Absolutely Magazine , three Laila bags in L’Of- ficiel Arabia, Laila and Noura in MilliOnnair Magazine, and Nawal and Ghada in Eternal Goddess . Bovenue’s Deserta range consists of mini architectural designs, including Cast Noir and Blanc in smooth genuine leather with a gold-plated asymmetric brass handle, multiple segments and two compartments to organise your belongings. It has a cross- body strap that can be worn as a handbag or a crossbody. The Iconic collection in Burgundy, Royal Blue, Midnight Black, or Winter has subtle tones in a neatly structured shape blended with a statement rigid gold handle representing the harmony in classic and modern. This year, the brand added new styles in vegan fabric. “Our first vegan collection is designed using Damask fabric, which is versatile, heavyweight, durable and easy to clean whilst being luxurious and bold,” said Amer. The vintage Ghada col- lection in Midnight Black, Royal Blue, Ivory & Gold or Stone Grey is named after Ghada. It features a hand-engraved gold base and gold-plated handle, a suede lining, a fabric pocket, two internal pockets, a magnetic button clasp, and a detach- able shoulder strap. Designed in a rectangular shape and elevated with colourful textured side panels, the Nawal in Dune Brown, Midnight Black, Dark Burgundy, Olive Green or Cream White takes the concept of a box bag. Laila in Tawny Brown, Moss Green, Powder White, French Navy Blue, Deep Black or Bordeaux Red calf leather is inspired by the siblings’ mother. It also has a hand-engraved gold base, a one-of-a-kind statement handle, a suede leather lining, a magnetic button clasp, two internal pockets, and a detachable shoulder strap. Following the success of the Laila collection, Bovenue intro- duced Laila Minis in Dune Brown, Midnight Black, Ivory Cream, Cobalt Blue, Jungle Green or Plum Burgundy with the exact features as the other accessories. Noura in Royal Green, Mulberry Purple, Azure Blue or Sandy Brown is named after the siblings’ grandmother and made from monogram Vernis leather with a suede leather lining, two internal pockets, gold embossed hardware and a magnetic button clasp. This collection takes inspiration from the different lands in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its ancestors, creating hues driven by the cultural association of the land. It spans from the seaside in the western region to the resource-filled eastern provinces, the natural hillside in the southern area, and the magical deserts of the central part. Noura also celebrates the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature. Bovenue handbags are available online and at retailers, includ- ing Arrogant in Paris, France; Maison Orient in New York, USA; Rubaiyat Department Store in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Seezona in Stockholm, Sweden; and Wolf & Badger in London, United Kingdom. www.bovenue.com Images courtesy of Black PR