Who needs caffeine when a sit-down with Sarah Beydoun can spark just as much energy, creativity, and purpose? During her recent visit to Dubai, BURO had the pleasure of catching up with the powerhouse founder of Sarah’s Bag—a designer who’s been shaking up the fashion scene long before “sustainable” became a buzzword.
Renowned for its high-quality coffee and unwavering dedication to sustainability, Nespresso has joined forces with Sarah’s Bag to create a limited-edition artisanal clutch unlike anything we’ve seen before. Designed in the brand’s signature clutch silhouette, the piece features a striking 3D floral motif, delicately hand-embroidered using 75 to 80 recycled aluminium coffee capsules—yes, really—and traditional Lebanese craftsmanship.
It’s a collaboration rooted in circular design, social impact, and a shared vision for luxury with a conscience. From upcycled elegance to empowering women through skill and employment, this bag does more than make a statement—it tells a story. And who better to walk us through it than the woman behind the brand herself?
Espresso in hand, we dove into a conversation with Sarah about transformation, storytelling, and why sustainability shouldn’t just be stylish—it should be soulful.
Coffee and fashion? How did this unexpected yet fabulous pairing with Nespresso come to life?
It really started with curiosity. Nespresso reached out with a simple idea: what if their used capsules could be reborn as something beautiful? For us at Sarah’s Bag, it immediately clicked. We’ve always pushed the boundaries of what luxury can look like — and sustainability is already part of our design language. So the idea of giving coffee capsules a second life, while supporting our artisan network, felt like an irresistible creative challenge.
We love that your bags always tell a story. What’s the story behind this limited-edition design, and how does coffee culture weave into it?
This bag is really a story of reinvention — of everyday waste transformed into delicate beauty. We took Nespresso’s used aluminum capsules, cleaned, flattened, and cut them into shimmering sequins, which were then embroidered into a bold floral design. The straw base resembles a jute coffee sack, grounding the bag in its coffee origins. It’s a fusion of two worlds: the ritual of coffee, and the heritage of Middle Eastern craft. One is consumed daily, the other passed on like an heirloom — both carry meaning.
From Beirut’s artisan workshops to global espresso lovers, how did you fuse your handmade craftsmanship with Nespresso’s sleek, modern aesthetic?
It was a dance between contrasts. Our process is slow, detailed, emotional. Nespresso’s design language is minimalist, clean, and precise. We found harmony in the material itself — aluminum. It allowed us to create something tactile and ornate that still reflected Nespresso’s sleekness. The bag is unapologetically crafted by hand, but with a refined metallic finish that speaks to modern elegance. It’s where our soulful maximalism meets their polished minimalism.
If the Nespresso x Sarah’s Bag collab had a personality, what would she be like? (Bonus: what’s she drinking?)
She’s that woman who walks into a room and everyone notices — not because she’s loud, but because she’s intriguing. She’s confident, conscious, and collects stories, not trends. She supports causes, wears her values, and laughs with her eyes. As for her drink? Definitely a single-origin espresso — bold, complex, and never watered down.
Sustainability is a buzzword, but you’ve been walking the talk for years. How did that ethos align with Nespresso’s approach in this partnership?
Sustainability isn’t a trend for us; it’s the core of what we do. We upcycle materials, we produce on demand, and every piece is handmade by women whose livelihoods depend on it. Nespresso came to us with the same mindset — circularity, reuse, giving waste a new purpose. That common ground made the collaboration feel real. It wasn’t just about launching a product; it was about creating a conversation around mindful consumption and human-centered design.
We know your pieces spark conversations—what’s the most unexpected reaction you’ve gotten to this collab so far?
The most unexpected reaction? Someone asked, “Where’s George Clooney?” — it was hilarious and unexpected, but I suppose when you say “Nespresso,” he’s the first thing that comes to mind! Beyond that, many people couldn’t believe the 3D flower was made out of coffee capsules. When I explained they were upcycled aluminum, one woman was absolutely speechless. I love moments like that — when the beauty draws you in, and then the story behind it completely reframes your understanding of luxury. Suddenly, sustainability feels aspirational — not just ethical, but glamorous.
Finally, what’s in your bag right now—and is there always a Nespresso capsule or two tucked inside?
[Laughs] No capsules, I promise! But always a lot of accessories — either pieces I’ve taken off throughout the day or samples of designs we’re developing. There’s always a notebook full of sketches and artisan notes, and my favorite Sarah’s Bag wallet with the Arabic phrase “Make Happiness a Habit”. It’s my little daily reminder to stay optimistic, no matter how hectic things get
