On July 6, in an exclusive collaboration between Cosmo ME and Abu Dhabi Retail, CH Carolina Herrera Abu Dhabi Mall kicked off the spectacular 12-week Abu Dhabi Summer Shopping Season – Summer of Style on a luxurious note.
Our guest of honour, Marwa Al Hash
Adorned with deep burgundy hues and expensive mahogany wood, the store’s interior alone is symbolic of the sophistication and elegance that CH Carolina Herrera embodies. Our invitees ~perused~ the exquisite designer pieces tastefully perched on the store’s pristine shelves, whilst sipping on some aromatic coffee and indulging in delectable brunch bites (courtesy of Paul).
A delightful bag-styling session was in store, but little did we know just how informative, unique, and sentimental it would be.
Hosted by Cosmo ME‘s very own Editor-in-Chief Milli Midwood, and joined by special guest Marwa Al Hash, the bag-styling session at CH Carolina Herrera was truly a sight to behold. Milli rocked a lush green pyjama suit, trademarked all over with the distinct CH monogram, while Marwa *stunned* in a layered ensemble, building upon a classic CH Carolina Herrera staple: the white shirt.
CH SILK TWILL SHIRT | Dhs1,820
CH SILK TWILL STRAIGHT-LEG PANTS | Dhs1,652
As the bag-styling session commenced, an evocative selection of one-of-a-kind pieces was showcased by Milli, each nostalgically transporting us to the memories which gave life to the bags.
Inspired by Herrera’s passions and *real-life* stories, the unique bags are autobiographical to their core – but the iconic fashion designer hasn’t forgotten about her fellow fashionistas during her creative process. At CH Carolina Herrera, there is a bag for every woman.
The stories behind some of CH Carolina Herrera’s bags…
CH Carolina Herrera’s Andy (Warhol) bag
This classic bag is a nod to a ~fated encounter~ between CH Carolina Herrera and American visual artist Andy Warhol on a 1979 New York night. Andy was inspired by Herrera’s bejeweled clutch, and she ended up trading it for a personalized portrait by the legendary artist. And sure enough, Andy offered Herrera three iconic silk screen portraits, similar to those he famously crafted for Marilyn Monroe. Carolina tenderly named the iconic “Andy Bag” in his honour.
Via Pinterest
Meticulously crafted, each Andy Bag’s size can be determined based on the amount of CH monograms on it. We’ll have an ~Andy 5~, please!
ANDY 5 LOCKED | MINI CROSSBODY BAG
Dhs3,560
The equestrian collection
The iconic Insignia bags are a love letter to equestrianism. Their classic, long-lasting leather and robust gold hardware are a testament to Herrera’s unparalleled craftsmanship and precision – each bag indeed takes over *11 hours* to craft and requires the effort of 24 individuals.
Carolina Herrera and her horse Balaclava, 1995
Via Carolina Herreira on Pinterest
Marwa had a particular affinity for this collection since she’s a skilled equestrian herself. The leather masterpieces could be ~dressed up~ as a clutch or ~dressed down~ in a cross-body style.
The NYC Opera House clutch
Inspired by the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, the CH Carolina Herrera Metropolitan Clutch perfectly captures the building’s mysterious allure and is ideal for a night out. The divine clutch was spotted on queen Bey’s arm, so it’s safe to say that it’s giving ~iconic~.
Via @beyonce on Instagram
Placed in a protective case at the CH Carolina Herrera store in Abu Dhabi Mall, the clutch is indeed, in Bey’s words, “too classy to be touched.”
METROPOLITAN INSIGNIA | SMALL CLUTCH
Dhs5,970
The ~queens only~ bag
Accompanying Queen Letizia of Spain at the ceremonious King Charles coronation, the enchanting Scala piece (a notable mention from the Insignia collection) is officially a queens only clutch. But don’t worry, *all* Cosmo girlies are queens.
Via @queenletizia on Instagram
Contemporary and imaginative, the divine bag always includes a precious stone nestled within its clasp. Absolutely stunning.
SCALA INSIGNIA | SMALL CLUTCH
Dhs2,650
“Inspiration comes from anything and everything,” says Carolina Herrera. “You must always keep your eyes open; great things have a way of finding you if you do.”
All images shot by Lester Apuntar
Click here to check out the full schedule for Abu Dhabi Summer Shopping Season – Summer of Style, and sign up here.
Ready for the next exciting beauty masterclass at Kiko Milano Yas Mall on July 12?