The 4 Best Bags From The Hermès A/W 25 Collection That Aren't A Birkin
Let's be honest: the Birkin gets all the glory. But Hermès' A/W25 collection proves there's a whole world of swoon-worthy bags beyond its most iconic arm candy. This season, the French house delivered a masterclass in quiet confidence – a collection where timeless elegance flirted with modern edge, and plenty of bags told stories through touch, texture, and impeccable craftsmanship.
From reimagined saddle shapes to deliciously tactile finishes and silhouettes that feel fresh without trying too hard, these are the five bags that stopped us mid-scroll – and might just steal your heart (and Wishlist space). Whether you're a collector, a first-time dreamer, or just love a good accessory moment, here are the Hermès hits of the season… that aren't a beloved Birkin.
The Classic Holdall In Bordeaux Burgundy
If quiet luxury had a weekend bag, this would be it. This structured holdall in a rich bordeaux hue feels like a nod to Hermès' equestrian roots – clean, confident, and timeless. Carried with a twist of silk scarf and paired with chunky leather boots, this piece is made for the kind of woman who moves between cities, meetings, and weekend escapes with equal ease. Functional? Yes. But it also whispers: 'I know what I'm doing.' And yes – the silk scarf knotted at the strap isn't just for flair; it adds a touch of Parisian ease that says je ne sais quoi, without trying too hard.
Prefer a lighter look? It also comes in a creamy beige shade.
The Classic Shoulder Bag With a Twist
Sleek, clean, and saddle-inspired, this tan shoulder bag leans into minimalism without playing it too safe. With buttery-soft leather, a subtly curved silhouette, and a streamlined buckle, it's a masterclass in wearable luxury, with a little nod to Hermès' equestrian DNA.
In tan, it's warm and wearable. In black? It becomes a sharp city essential – modern, no-fuss, and effortlessly cool. It's the type of bag you'll want in both shades (and won't regret buying both).
The High Gloss Satchel
This glossy cherry-red satchel is a fashion mood all on its own. Its deep cherrywood red finish is polished to perfection, with a bold metal buckle that will pop against muted winter layers. Tucked under the arm like a secret weapon, it is compact, sharp, and endlessly photogenic. Think modern femme fatale, but with a calendar full of gallery openings and industry-insider events.
And for the minimalists? The same design comes in pristine white – sharp, striking, and dripping in futuristic softness.
The Bucket Bag Reimagined
Among all the leather-laced elegance, one bag stood out for its quiet confidence – a rich brown bucket tote that's all about elevated ease. Crafted in pebbled leather with a soft, slouchy silhouette, it's the kind of piece that doesn't try too hard – but still gets all the compliments. The minimalist leather handle loops through sleek gold metal anchors, giving it that polished, practical edge. If you're the kind of woman who wants your bag to work and wow – this one's for you.
Whether you're after elegance with an edge or heirloom-worthy, this season's line-up proves that Hermès is still the master of making everyday pieces for your wardrobe feel extraordinary – even if you're not next on the Birkin list.
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Khaleej Times
27 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
'War 2' Review: Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR shine in a very stylish, very ludicrous thriller
Welcome to yet another edition of the YRF 'Spy Universe'. This time it's the much-hyped sequel of the 2019 Hrithik Roshan-Tiger Shroff starrer War with Roshan being joined by another superstar, Tollywood's Jr NTR. Now, the problem with Bollywood franchises, universes and galaxies is that the template is already set. All the filmmaker needs to do is play inky-pinky-ponky, replace hero A with hero B and add new songs. The rest remain the same — India-hating villains, bizarre VFX-dominated action set pieces in Europe and the UAE, female leads in bikinis, snazzy dance numbers and oodles of desh bhakti. Voila! The 'new' spy film is ready. In fact, the above paragraph pretty much sums up War 2. The 2.50 hour long Ayan Mukerji-directed slog begins with a heavy duty fight scene set allegedly in Japan (though it looks like some strange gray wonderland from a comic book on screen) where rogue spy Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) drops and singlehandedly demolishes a whole bunch of Japanese mafia, their boss and a CGI wolf. This entire episode has no relevance to the rest of the film save for the fact that it was a task to land Kabir his next assignment — do the bidding of a mysterious cartel named Kali whose members appear in hologram avatars and give him instructions on what or who to kill next. Kali is a motley group comprising powerbrokers from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, Russia and Myanmar whose aim is to destabilise nations, bring regime changes and control power structures and the economy. Their next target: India. Kabir must first, albeit reluctantly, kill his mentor, Col. Luthra (Ashutosh Rana), to earn Kali's trust. However, the Indian security forces catch wind of his plans and assemble a team to stop him. Enter hero number two: Vikram Chelapthy (Jr NTR), a Special Units Officer, presented like a demi-god who can destroy a hardened bunch of Somalian terrorists in high seas barehanded with the loud score of Shaitan blaring in the background. Giving him company in this mission is Wing Commander Kavya Luthra (Kiara Advani) and the new RAW chief, Vikrant Kaul (Anil Kapoor). To further spice up the pot, Kavya happens to be Col. Luthra's daughter and Kabir's ex. Along the way, the story packs in a betrayal by a key character, a childhood connection between the two leads, a love story, an assassination attempt, double-crossing agents and callbacks to characters from the first War. All of which are glued together by action set pieces that go from riveting to ridiculous. Let's admit it — when we book tickets for such films, we're not expecting intricate twists, complex geopolitics or high-stakes espionage. We go in ready to suspend disbelief in exchange for non-stop entertainment, edge-of-the-seat thrills and a splash of glamour. Take the Mission Impossible series: we know it's not humanly possible to scale the Burj Khalifa, cling to a speeding plane, leap off a cliff on a motorbike or sprawl like a spider to retrieve a disk. Yet we cheer Ethan Hunt through every superhuman feat because the on-screen spectacle draws us in. Of course, the charm of the stars play a major role in evoking those emotions. On that front at least, YRF isn't found wanting. Be it Tiger, Pathan, Kabir, Jim, Zoya or Rubai, there are enough charismatic and good-looking actors in this kingdom that make us happily buy into the fantasy no matter how over-the-top the stunts and how implausible, the plot. And that's pretty much War 2's intention: pummell the viewer's senses with action, style, more action and more style. Both Hrithik and Jr NTR. are glorious. I lost count of the number of times Kabir and Vikram walked in slo-mo but they make for great eye-candy so no complaints! Their much-talked about dance sequence is terribly placed and would have made for better viewing in the end credits but the duo's glib moves make it impossible to take your eyes off the screen. Alas, even the most gorgeous looking stars shooting and kicking their way to glory in stunning locations, need a script that makes sense. And a film requires a narrative that has balance. Unfortunately, writers Sridhar Raghavan and Abbas Tyrewala (the latter has also written the dialogue) have missed this memo. War 2's problem is that of excess. There's only so much style and so many extreme close-ups of the two men a viewer can take before the novelty wears off. The treatment lacks freshness and every element gives a sense of deja vu. Be it the color palette or the sets or the locations, they seem to be a leftover from Pathan or the Tiger series - perhaps the production designer got a buy-one-get-three offer to set the movies in! The story may hop from Japan to Somalia to Delhi to Spain to the UAE to Italy to Mumbai to Yemen to Switzerland but the shifts are jarring and not seamless. On the technical side, War 2's biggest failing is the lack of imagination in action choreography with the overuse of VFX and green screen visuals robbing it of any authenticity- a huge no-no for a film whose USP should be its thrills. As it is, the action looks like a cut-copy-paste of previous YRF spy films as well as Hollywood blockbusters. We have Kabir and Vikram fighting each other on a high-speed train, a speeding yacht race, a Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning kind of car chase in Europe, an underground parking lot fight and a hand-to-hand combat in a glacier. It's as if the writers thought out the action set pieces first and then wrote a story around it. In the process, the main conflict point — the mysterious Kali cartel — is dealt with in such a hurry that it's almost laughable. The film tries to be too much. A tale of friendship gone wrong, a saga of patriotism, a tribute to Indian spies, a broken love story and the murky world of international politics. Too many elements have not spoilt the soup entirely but they certainly made it bland. Thankfully, the combination of Hrithik and Jr NTR. keeps you invested though their chemistry is not enough to save the gooey mess. The rest of the cast, be it Anil Kapoor or Kiara Advani, play their parts adequately but that's about it. 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Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
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Pakistani designers in the UAE: A fusion of elegance and heritage
Elegance, poise and craftsmanship form an integral part of the fashion industry in Pakistan. However, the UAE — with its diverse demographics and cultural richness — offers immense opportunities to Pakistani designers to showcase their exquisite designs. Every year, many new and prominent designers who hold exhibitions in the UAE meet with impressive success. The UAE continues to be a thriving platform for both emerging and seasoned designers, giving them the chance to make their mark in the ever-evolving fashion landscape. Zainab Chotani: Timeless grace and elegance 'The UAE clientele is sophisticated, fashion-forward and appreciates fine craftsmanship. Every time we hold an exhibition in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, we see a beautiful mix of cultures and nationalities,' says Zainab Chotani. While Zainab has a strong base within the South Asian diaspora, she is actively working on building a deeper connection with her Emirati clientele. According to Zainab, fashion is evolving at a remarkable pace, reflecting shifting lifestyles. There is a growing trend towards functional yet stylish clothing — designs that merge comfort with elegance. A deepening appreciation for heritage, craftsmanship and sustainability is something Zainab finds incredibly inspiring. 'My inspiration has always stemmed from our rich cultural heritage — be it Mughal artistry, traditional crafts or regional motifs. I love blending those timeless elements with contemporary silhouettes.' Whether it's a bridal outfit or a ready-to-wear kurta, Zainab has a flair for connecting the woman wearing it to her roots. When she started her brand, the industry was still in its nascent stages, and bridal design was a niche field. Establishing her name has required resilience and hard work. Zainab began as a bridal designer working closely with artisans and exploring heritage crafts. Over the years, she has expanded into couture, prêt-à-porter, and casual wear. 'Being rooted in something traditional is something I am very proud of.' The digital space has created new global opportunities for Zainab's brand. Today, clients can be catered to through e-commerce, WhatsApp consultations, or virtual fittings — bringing her brand closer to clients all over the world. Globalisation has enabled her to showcase the craftsmanship of Pakistani artisans internationally. While competition is fierce, Zainab believes her authenticity, timeless elegance and attention to detail give her an edge. Zainab recognises the rising love for luxury fabrics, hand embroidery and personalised detailing. 'People are investing in statement pieces that are versatile — something they can wear to dinners or a wedding. Comfort is also key, but never at the cost of style.' She also observes that modest fashion with a modern twist is gaining prominence across the Middle East. There is increasing demand for breathable, stylish daywear — an ethos reflected in her prêt line, which focuses on comfort without compromising aesthetics. 'I think there is so much synergy in our design sensibilities, and I look forward to creating collections that speak to that blend of elegance and cultural pride.' Nida Azwer: Crafting heirlooms for the modern woman 'The UAE is a fast-growing market. We hold exhibitions every year, and our client base is expanding steadily. Many of our clients in different parts of the world prefer shopping in Dubai, especially those travelling from across the world,' shares Nida Azwer. Nida believes in creating couture pieces that are timeless heirlooms — classically elegant and designed for the modern woman of style. Her prêt line, on the other hand, is whimsical and fun. It offers easy, wearable silhouettes — co-ord sets, kaftans and dresses — combining prints, embroidery, fabric manipulation, textures and artisan techniques. The result is a fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics. Nida feels grateful to have found clients who truly appreciate craftsmanship and hand embroidery. 'For me, the creative process is what I enjoy most, and the work flows naturally from there. Seeing a happy client truly inspires me to keep pushing boundaries and create more unique and meaningful pieces.' She understands the need for a balance between comfort and style depending on the occasion. Her brand Nur by Nida Azwer was created with a focus on affordability and modernity. Meanwhile, her atelier continues to offer luxury wear — without compromising on quality. 'Many of my clients prefer owning fewer pieces that are timeless, elegant and wearable for years. Luxury for us remains at its finest-hand embroidery on silks, intricate detailing and superior craftsmanship are all at the heart of my creation.' Nida notes the global surge in online shopping has been a game changer, allowing clients worldwide to access her pieces without visiting her studio. While she, too, faces intense competition, Nida views it as a healthy motivator to evolve. Her brand stands apart for its consistent focus on quality and detail. 'Each piece we create is a result of thoughtful design and meticulous execution — and our clients recognise and value that.' Nida takes great pride in her growing Emirati client base and looks forward to continuing to serve this dynamic market with designs that reflect both tradition and modernity. Mahnoor Shafaq Khalid: From MSK basics to MSK Haute Couture 'Our design ethos is rooted in a fusion of global influences — constantly informed by the latest international fashion trends, while maintaining a deep reverence for our rich traditional heritage,' says Mahnoor Shafaq Khalid. The founder of MSK Portrayals, Mahnoor has made her mark across the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar. Armed with a degree in Textile Design from the National College of Arts in Lahore, Mahnoor has seven years of experience with renowned brands like Karma and Bareeze. A young entrepreneur with a keen eye for detail, she started her journey in 2012 and transitioned to the digital realm in 2020 through a strategic social media launch that brought her brand global attention. Since then, Mahnoor has held numerous exhibitions in the region, with Dubai remaining her favourite destination due to its fashion-conscious clientele. The UAE is a vibrant and competitive fashion hub, setting a high bar for quality and creativity. Mahnoor's work is a reflection of her love for colour — evident in her subtle fabric choices, flowing silks and elegant finishes. Her designs appeal to both young and mature clients. From an early age, Mahnoor knew she was destined for the fashion world. Today, she enjoys a strong and loyal client base across the region. 'Definitely, modest fashion is predominant in the Middle East. Pakistani fashion has made its mark across the region — especially in the UAE, which has a large South Asian community.' Mahnoor's designs incorporate the high-quality fabrics and vibrant-yet-subtle embroidery of Pakistani artisans. Driven by a pursuit of perfection, Mahnoor and her team blend intricate hand-stitching techniques with cutting-edge craftsmanship. From MSK basics to luxury prêt and haute couture, her journey has been both challenging and rewarding — anchored by a diverse and expanding fashion line.
Zawya
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DMDC enters Abu Dhabi with Four Seasons Residences project
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