Real... A designer handbag is a luxury item, from a ­luxury store, with a price tag to match. Purchased in mildly intimidating shops, such bags require ­determined saving. Prices start at about Dh2,500 and can go up to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dirhams — not a sum one should shell out on an impulse buy. Yet, for many women, designer handbags have become almost exactly that. So why do they spend so much money? Perhaps ­because they believe that a well-made, quality item will last for years, and potentially become a family heirloom. A designer handbag is to be worn with pride, a symbol of a woman’s disposable income and social status.

As for the expense, such a bag comes with the promise of a unique design, expertly constructed from the highest quality materials. The leather is prized for its suppleness, and the zips and buckles are top notch, adding to the piece’s value. When purchased, each bag will come with a dust case (for storage ... Read more »