What makes Gulf women happiest? Family, of course, but handbags are a very close second.
According to a survey of 10,000 Middle Eastern women, between the ages 18-55 years, by Conia.com, for most Middle Eastern women, handbags are the most expensive and pleasurable item on the shopping list, outweighing the thrill of buying a new pair of heels or an electronic gadget.
It’s now official: diamonds are no longer a girl’s best friend. A dazzling abaya, designer jewellery and even traditional oud were among the top-contending products that gave women an enormous sense of pleasure.
Shoes were also high on the list, with women getting very excited at the prospect of buying a new pair – and many admitting to showing off a new purchase with friends across social media. Although abayas were also considered a crucial wardrobe staple for most Middle Eastern women, many cited that they needed a complementary high-fashion handbag to finish the look off.
According to the survey, the top ten contending items were:
- Handbags
- Shoes
- Abayas
- Jewellery
- Indulgent treatments
- Lingerie
- Oud (perfume)
- Gadgets
- Headscarves
- Flowers
A spokesperson from Conia.net said: “With fashion awareness growing in the region and women showcasing their extravagant taste, local women, both young and old, are only content with the finest trendsetting garments and accessories – this couldn’t be clearer from the survey results.”
This revelation comes as no surprise with celebrity Arab actress and influential public figure, Aseel Omran, recently launching her own range of luxury Ao-branded handbags. A high percentage of women also admitted turning to Instagram to source products supported by celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton and Taylor Swift.
So, if you want a pick-me-up or are simply wondering what to buy a woman this holiday, season, go with a classy handbag.