1. AAKS, Ghana
Handcrafted in Ghana, AAKS (an acronym for founder Akosua Afriyie- Kumi) creates bohemian chic handbags “in styles that maintain the spirit and durability of their ancestral counterparts” with characteristic bright colours and quirky silhouettes. Visit Design Afrika or AAKS.
2. RESEARCH UNIT, South Africa
Presented alongside its first ready-to-wear womenswear collection launched at SA Fashion Week in October, luxury lifestyle brand Research Unit introduced its Drifter bags, produced in collaboration with the weavers at the Rorke’s Drift Craft Centre. Each bag features a unique tapestry.
Style Notes
Three African brands that are creating luxurious handcrafted bags
Sustainability and traditional craft are at the forefront for these brands
Image: Supplied
1. AAKS, Ghana
Handcrafted in Ghana, AAKS (an acronym for founder Akosua Afriyie- Kumi) creates bohemian chic handbags “in styles that maintain the spirit and durability of their ancestral counterparts” with characteristic bright colours and quirky silhouettes. Visit Design Afrika or AAKS.
2. RESEARCH UNIT, South Africa
Presented alongside its first ready-to-wear womenswear collection launched at SA Fashion Week in October, luxury lifestyle brand Research Unit introduced its Drifter bags, produced in collaboration with the weavers at the Rorke’s Drift Craft Centre. Each bag features a unique tapestry.
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
3. KHOKHO, Swaziland
Traditional craft is elevated to covetable contemporary design by sustainable luxury brand Khokho in its leather-trimmed basket bags made by master weavers in Swaziland.
Image: Supplied
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• From the November edition of Wanted 2019.