Introducing the homegrown Instagram brand you need on your feed…

We’ve spent a lot of time over the silly season scouring social media for unique gifts, homegrown brands and present ideas, and one really caught our eye: introducing Victims of the Desert (VOTD).

Victims of the Desert is a homegrown Dubai-based brand that began life late in 2018 as a simple Instagram account selling luxury, personalised leather goods. “The main inspiration behind starting VOTD was the idea of allowing the every-day person to afford a premium quality product without the luxury price tag,” explains founder Chantelle Rutter.

“As a lover of fashion myself, I struggled to justify the cost of available brands in Dubai for a new wallet, new handbag or even a new phone case yet on the contrary I found the affordable products didn’t offer the longevity and luxe finish I was after.

 

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So why Victims of the Desert? “Living in Dubai really draws you into a world of luxury and chasing dreams that may not be achievable. From this we were playing on words that we are victims here, and we all fall into the trap living in this magical wonderland, sandpit or desert – nee; Victims of the Desert,” Rutter explains of how the name came about.

Designed for both men and women, the product range extends from phone cases, passport holders and luggage tags to purses, card holders, cross body bags and totes.

All pieces are made using saffiano leathers and can be personalised with between two and five letters, with the option of either regular or gold embossing.

 

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There’s plans to extend into more products and colours too (currently products are available in either tan or black). “We are currently designing some very ‘business chic’ items like compendiants, desk accessories and leather briefcases, as well as the more everyday wear like mens wallets, baby bag and a top handle bag for mums and little babes”, says Chantelle. “Our five year plan is a big one!”

Pieces in the collection start from Dhs99 for a keyring tag, up to Dhs649 for the tote bag.

 

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But it’s not just the pieces themselves we’re fans of. Victims of the Desert also put a big focus on their packaging, with each order wrapped in black tissue paper with a note denouncing that the new owner is ‘now a Victim of the Desert’.

A tag we’re quite happy with.

@victimsofthedesert

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