25 September 2025 | Abu Dhabi

L aunching this Autumn on 25 September, Carry Me is a handbag festival designed to explore and celebrate the world of ultra handbags, their extraordinary craftsmanship and those who treasure them. Carry Me will offer the perfect environment for inspiring idea exchange, trend insights, and hands-on learning. This new event is the first in a series that will visit some of the hottest luxury hotspots. Its first stop, in collaboration with ADIO, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, will be hosted at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation in Abu Dhabi. Invited guests can explore the secrets of the trade, interact with fellow collectors, and share handbag stories — perhaps even handbags themselves. They’ll also have the ability to purchase rare bags from a selection curated especially for Carry Me in Abu Dhabi.

At its first stop in Abu Dhabi, Carry Me will be hosted at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, a visionary non-profit institution on Abu Dhabi’s landmark Saadiyat Island Cultural District.

10:00 AM | Morning Preview: Motivation, Mindfulness and Matcha

Invited guests will gather within the sunlit courtyards of the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation for a soothing sound bath led by master practitioner, Sonia Gonzalez, followed by a tasting of ceremonial-grade matcha.

11:30 AM | Bags Unpacked: The It-Bag Through Time

Guests will step into the Foundation’s light-filled salon for an intimate masterclass bringing together some of the region’s and the world’s most influential voices in fashion and collecting, moderated by Morgane Halimi, Global Head of Handbags and Fashion at Sotheby’s.

12:30 PM | Festival Lunch & Table Talks with Sotheby’s

In the shade of the Foundation’s courtyard, guests will gather for a light, elegant lunch designed for connection. At each table, a Sotheby’s Handbags Specialist will act as host, guiding a relaxed yet insightful discussion.

2:00 PM | Masterclass Rotations: The Collector’s Craft 

Guests will circulate between three intimate, hands-on workshops, each designed to deepen their knowledge, refine their style, and add a personal touch to their collection. Rotations include expert guidance on caring for their most precious pieces, masterful tips on Twilly scarf styling and creating their own custom bag charms.

5:00 PM | Insights & Trends: Exploring the World of Luxury Handbags

Join us for an exclusive talk featuring three handbag specialists as they share captivating stories about iconic handbags they have valued, collected, or sold.

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6:00 PM | Golden Hour Portraits – A Collector’s Keepsake

As the late afternoon light casts its golden glow over Saadiyat Island, guests are invited to step into a curated editorial set for their Golden Hour Portrait Session. Working with a professional fashion photographer and stylist, they'll be guided into their most flattering light — their chosen handbag taking center stage.

6:30 PM | Celebration – A Toast to Our Collector’s Circle

As the sun dips into the evening, we gather one last time in the tranquil courtyard of the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation where guests are invited to enjoy a final round of mocktails and canapés — a menu as artfully curated as any collection.