May 16, 2011

Leatherphilia

Leather is one of my favourite materials - its feel and scent is very distinctive. I like how it's durable, and the way it ages. I was captivated the first time I saw an item by South African leather brand Missibaba. Since 2006, Chloe Townsend and her talented team of craftswomen have given South Africa beautiful leather accessories.

What makes seeing a Missibaba design so captivating is the exciting way leather is used. The colours, patterns and stitching make me feel very happy - intricate, handcrafted details are a big design favourite of mine. Beauty combines seamlessly with practicality; the bags and wallets in the range are all good sizes.

The Missibaba range also includes jewellery. A team is based at the Ikhaya Trust Centre, Kayamandi township (close to Stellenbosch). This team's catalyst was a job creation and skills development project. The women use the off-cuts from the Missibaba workshop to make the 'sweetie' and 'caterpillar' necklaces. The women also embroider custom-made Missibaba items.

Sweetie necklace


Caterpillar necklace


Photos: 1 and 2