South African Handbag and Accessory Brand Missibaba Empowers Local Women

Don't let the men in your life try to kid you; the World Cup is about more than football. The event has done wonders in boosting the profile of South Africa and its people, including its handbag designers.

The latest label to catch my eye is Missibaba, a Cape Town based company developed by London College of Fashion graduate Chloe Townsend. Her purses incorporate her love of traditional African designs and buttery soft leather.

Townsend collaborates with artisans working at the Ikhaya Trust Center in the small town of Kayamandi. These women have been empowered through learning the embroidery skills we see featured on Missibaba purses and other accessories. I love the way the delicate stitching enhances the coppery nappa leather of this Cabbage bag. But I wonder what this dainty purse has to do with such a hated vegetable!