If someone were to ask you to name some of the most prestigious handbag brands in the world, most people would likely fire-off a few of the big brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, or Prada. Although these brands have certainly earned their place among the frontrunners in the industry, there are several lesser-known luxury brands that have been quietly cranking out high-end goods for years, yet do not have the massive brand recognition. One of these brands, Mouawad, has been quietly producing some of the most exquisite luxury for decades, and is responsible for the world’s most expensive purse.
Mouawad
David Mouawad first established the Mouawad Company in Beirut, Lebanon in 1891, although now the company is headquartered in both Geneva and Dubai. Mouawad is a 4th generation family business that has morphed into a massively successful multinational jewelry and timepiece company. Although they aren’t necessarily a handbag company per se, what efforts they have made in the field have been some of the most memorable pieces ever created; namely, the 1001 Nights Diamond Purse. The purse, whose name is meant to invoke the epic sweeping tales of Arabian nights, romance, and fantasy, was unveiled in 2011.
The 1001 Nights Purse was rendered in 18 carat gold, encrusted with over 4,500 diamonds, and cost approximately $3.8 million US dollars at the time. The carat weight of the purse is approximately 381.92 carats, and the purse has solidified the Mouawad name as one of the ultimate authorities in independent luxury goods. The 1001 Nights Purse is currently in the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Most Expensive Purse.
