An epic blend of craftsmanship and cultures materialises between expert handbag maker Tyler Ellis and visionary fashion designer Hamda Al Fahim. The two women have created a capsule collection of handmade bags called Love and Romance.
The women took cues from traditional ideas of fantasy while creating the bags, saturating the clutch purses (Ellis’s signature handbag) in ornate materials associated with femininity and romance, like elaborate crystals and soft velvets. Each bag has been reimagined using Al Fahim’s fabrics, which are distinctly luxurious and complimentary to Ellis’s form.
The collection includes Ellis’s Lee Pouchet, Perry and Lily Clutches, and Meme Pouch, each refreshed in new colourways by Al Fahim. For example, the Perry clutch is rendered in “Silver Diamond,” consisting of platinum satin and luminous crystals. Similarly, The Lily clutch comes in “Yours Truly,” composed of pink satin with floral embellishments. Each of the five handbags in the collection is designed with exquisite details, creating a stunning visual identity for the Love and Romance collection.
Love and Romance represents a collide of talent and perspective, merging the best of American and Emirati design. Although Ellis (an LA-based designer) and Al Fahim (an Abu Dhabi-based designer) have cultural dissimilarities, they share substantial common ground, like their design principles; both value luxury, opting for handmade production and high-end materials.
They also share a longstanding penchant for fashion. Ellis was introduced to the fashion industry at a young age as she is the daughter of the iconic suitmaker, Perry Ellis. She grew up in the fashion industry before starting her handbag line in 2011. Al Fahim also started young, and began designing dresses at just 12 years old–years later, her entry at the Design a Dress competition won most outstanding.
The combination of these women’s skills and perspectives is what makes Love and Romance such a compelling capsule collection. Their similarities and cultural differences have formed a juggernaut of cross-cultural hybridity and luxury design.
Discover the Love and Romance capsule collection now at Hamda Al Fahim Design Studio in Abu Dhabi and online at tylerellis.com.
