Leather

ÉKÉTÉ: The Ethical Nigerian Brand Big On Traditional Craftsmanship

by Natalie Kimani|29 March 201924 September 2019|Fashion

Launched in April 2018, Ékété is an accessories brand that made its fashionable introduction with intricately woven basket bags. While they exude the essence of blissful holiday, rooted at its core is rich culture and a fervent appreciation for ethical...

OKHTEIN: The Stunning Luxury Brand Made In Egypt

by Natalie Kimani|27 February 201924 September 2019|Africa Feature

From Egypt's First Lady to Mega Super star Beyonce, this Made In Egypt Luxury Brand is catching everyone's attention. And for good reason.

BOUSWARI: Contemporary Handbags Made In Senegal.

by Natalie Kimani|23 July 201823 July 2018|Fashion

We said we never would. But the Nafa Belt Bag from Bouswari may have given us a change of heart. You see, there is a list of items that we promised ourselves we would never wear; even in the most...

GALAGO SHOES: Endless Sandal Options Made in South Africa

by Natalie Kimani|25 October 201730 November 2017|Design, Fashion

Your everyday wardrobe could be a source of inspiration. For a perfect example, you need not look further than key examples such as the kanga, kikoy or kiondo basket. For the longest time, many of us in the East African...

GRANDT MASON: South Africa’s First Vegan-Footwear Brand

by Natalie Kimani|23 October 201730 November 2017|Design, Fashion

Grandt Mason, a Cape Town based industrial designer, faced a predicament. Having embarked on a vegan lifestyle, he required to make some life changes, which included wearing leather-free footwear. Since he couldn’t find any pairs readily available in South Africa,...

Innovation Fridays: Transforming High Heels with just a Click

by Natalie Kimani|20 October 201730 November 2017|Design, Fashion

When it comes to high heels, there’s universal unanimity that they’re appallingly uncomfortable. No wonder they stopped being a men’s fashion staple in the 1740s. Because it’s simply ludicrous to believe women would give up heels entirely, we’re pleased to...

Oliberté: The World’s First Fair Trade Certified Footwear Made In Ethiopia

by Natalie Kimani|06 September 201730 November 2017|Business, Fashion

Tal Dehtiar is the man responsible for the world’s first Fair Trade Certified footwear brand. The Canadian, with an MBA from Hamilton’s McMaster University, had always wanted to create an internationally successful and socially conscious product made in Africa. He...

TDS Designer Focus: The Jazzy Leather Creations of WAZAWAZI

by Natalie Kimani|10 February 201710 February 2017|Africa Feature, Fashion

It’s always better to watch people in their natural habitat. Well, in this case, leather products. In a glass-like box, in-between a cosmetics store and a coffee shop lies the Wazawazi store at Valley Arcade. Having come in early, I...

HELL BENT FOR LEATHER

by Natalie Kimani|19 December 201619 December 2016|Fashion

‘It is real leather, come and see!’ urges an Egyptian merchant, as he strikes a lighter and runs the flame over the black gladiator sandals I had glanced at just a few moments earlier. He invites me to feel the...

Leather re-imagined: Your next handbag could be grown in a lab

by Natalie Kimani|25 October 201602 November 2016|Design, Tech

What is the fashion world without leather? And no one feels this more intrinsically than most Kenyan designers. It has the versatility to create bags, shoes, furniture, jewellery, dresses and so on. If you have an idea, there is possibly...

Eleleck: letting luxe leather speak for itself

by Natalie Kimani|22 August 201621 October 2016|Fashion, Features

"Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak." —Rachel Zoe One way of communicating you have impeccable and effortless style is through a leather handbag. And it’s easy to see why those practical carriers for...

M+K Nairobi Part II: Creating Apparel to Last Generations

by Natalie Kimani|18 August 201621 October 2016|Fashion, Features

Your Prêt-a-Porter collection showcased quite a variety of looks K: There were roughly 25 pieces; 15 looks that we made for the collection. It was inspired by earth and sky. We started with colours, going from the atmospherics of the...

LULEA: Luxury with a Purpose

by Natalie Kimani|08 July 201621 October 2016|Fashion, Features

Luxury is often associated with exclusion. However award-winning, internationally acclaimed premium leather and accessories designer, Edmond Chesneau, has had a different approach to the craft. The master craftsman was inspired to start Luxury Leather Africa (LULEA) and the ‘Centre of...

TDS Top Style Picks

by Natalie Kimani|06 July 201621 October 2016|Africa Feature, Fashion, Opinion

We’ve past the mid mark of the year where all the months start to blend together and next thing you know the Christmas trees are up; reminding you of all the shopping you still haven’t done. Gasp. But in-between, we...

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