The bag designer Judith Leiber has launched a new range of clutches that are guaranteed to be a conversation starter anywhere in the world. Available exclusively through Net-A-Porter, the crystal-covered bags are a tribute to the six nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and let the wearer show her affinity to the region in shimmery style. The GCC comprises of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar. <strong>Take a look through the gallery above to see all of the glittering designs.</strong> The bags have been carefully hand-decorated with Swarovski crystals to commemorate each flag, be it the distinctive red and white zigzag of Bahrain, or the red, green and black of the UAE. The only exception is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which sports the shahada, the profession of faith and one of the five pillars of Islam, on its flag, reading: "There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." This was presumably too difficult to replicate, and so the designer found a more simplified solution, using a green logo of a palm tree and crossed swords on a black background instead. Judith Leiber has been making intricate bags since the 1960s and has perfected the art of creating images and words using only crystal beads. With each one handmade, the process is slow and laborious, as is reflected in the price, which can go up to Dh20,000 ($5,445) per bag. The GCC bags are each priced at Dh13,999.
