Legendary actress Catherine Deneuve recently made headlines for carrying a striking black clutch purse featuring the Arabic words “Where is my heart?” The embroidered bag is the brainchild of Sarah Beydoun, a Lebanese designer who employs her country’s female prisoners to fulfill her creative vision.
The touching story began a few years ago when Sarah was completing her thesis about vulnerable women, including prisoners. During this time she met with reformed criminals seeking a new life after jail. That chance meeting planted a seed; Sarah knew how she could make a difference.
Her business began modestly, employing five inmates from Baadba Female Prison to make bracelets. They then began to embroider cloth to create handbags. The first lot of 12 purses was eagerly received, and as demand grew Sarah’s workforce increased to 40. Former inmates looking for a fresh start also signed up, joining the company which would become known as Sarah’s Bag.
Catherine Deneuve is not the first celebrity to own a Sarah’s Bag purse. Queen Rania of Jordan carried one, sporting the Arabic proverb “Determination comes from those who are determined,” to the wedding of Crown Prince Felipe of Spain.
In the beginning, Sarah’s Bag made just a few purses each day. Today there are dozens, sold not just in Lebanon, but around the world. Who knew fashion could change lives?
