A few months ago I visited S*uce Gifts in Dubai to support my friend, pop artist Maria Iqbal at a special event.
In addition to her furniture and design, Maria has a line of custom-made clutches. Everything from Bambi to the UAE flag and comic book heroines inspire the range. I hung out at S*uce Gifts and watched as my very own clutch came to life.
Here is Maria posing next to her clutches and paint, wearing a dress she designed. Image: Danna Lorch
Maria painting and chatting away in fierce boots that match her individual style. Image: Danna Lorch
Once I chose a clutch, Maria began to customise it according to my wishes. The heroine's hair went from white to bombshell blonde, to mousy brown, and finally a rich brunette. Image: Danna Lorch
The finished clutch with my husband's name on it. The perfect bespoke accessory. Image: Danna Lorch
A few days later after the paint and varnish were dried, Maria stopped by for a red velvet cupcake and brought over the finished clutch. I had it customised with my husband's name to surprise him.
I'm from Virginia in the United States and have a bit of a Southern drawl. When I'm either delighted by one of his over-the-top compliments or scolding him for leaving his wrinkled suit on the floor yet again, I always say, "Oh Jeffrey!" and drag his name out to about 10 syllables. I can't wait to take the clutch and Jeffrey out to dinner parties!
You can order your own Maria Iqbal clutch at S*uce Gifts. They aren't cheap (I gladly paid for mine. It was not blogger's swag!), but they are more than reasonable for an original work of art. Think of it as your very own portable painting.
Danna Lorch is the author of a blog called Danna Writes. By day she is a freelance writer and editor covering Dubai’s precocious art and pop culture scene.
