'It represents strength': L'Afshar creates bag to support medical workers fighting the coronavirus

The Dubai accessories label championed by Beyonce and Kylie Jenner is donating all proceeds of its limited-edition design to Covid-19 relief funds

Proceeds from the Sierra bag will be donated to Covid-19 relief funds. L'Afshar / Instagram

L'Afshar's distinctive bags may be mini in size, but they make a big statement – and the Dubai brand's latest is no exception.

The accessories label, helmed by British-born Iranian designer Lilian Afshar, has unveiled a new limited-edition creation, designed to support Covid-19 relief efforts.

All proceeds from the faceted lucite Sierra handbag, imagined in an amethyst hue, will be donated to a humanitarian medical organisation, the brand revealed on Instagram.

"In an effort to give back during these uncertain times, we have designed a limited-edition bag," the product's online listing adds. "100 per cent of all proceeds will be donated to ... a charity chosen by L'Afshar's fans."

The idea was born from the brand's wish to give back to the community of emergency workers fighting the coronavirus on the front lines.

"We wanted to create an initiative that our customers [as a collective] can come together and make a change," founder Lilian tells The National. "So I reached out to everyone on Instagram asking them to recommend all the great organisations we can work with. That is what this initiative also symbolises – unity and solidarity. I just want to help in my own creative way."

The Sierra, which also features gold hardware and a magnetic fastening, is priced at $1,000 (Dh3,674), with the style set to be more widely launched next season.

"I’m using one of our latest designs that is being launched next season in a colour that is an ode to the seventh and highest chakra," says Lilian. "It represents strength, spirituality, passion, and meditation. All attributes that we can hone in on to get through this time."

The brand is currently offering a 20 per cent discount on online orders, though the Sierra is not eligible for the offer.

L'Afshar was launched in 2013 by its namesake founder, with its designs since carried by the likes of Beyonce, Bella Hadid, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, and Sonam Kapoor. Even Jordan's Queen Rania has been photographed clasping a signature marble clutch.

The brand's bags, known for their use of architectural, boxy silhouettes and industrial materials, are handcrafted in Dubai, and Lilian says the reaction to the Sierra has already been overwhelming.

"Vogue US did a feature on it and people from all over the world are reaching out asking how to get the bag," she says. "It's amazing that we were able to inspire so many through a simple act and we are grateful for that."