SA favourites: Missibaba

While we were in Cape Town for the Indaba we took the chance to visit the Missibaba studio again. It is such a pleasure to be there, not only because of all the beautiful things hanging around – literally -

- but also because of the vibe. It’s always good. Everyone is invariably cheerful. And even when they are very busy, the Missibaba girls always have (or make) time to welcome you and have a chat. Just one of the many reasons we love them!

What else we love about Missibaba is the quality and originality of what they produce. A leather bag by Missibaba is world-class. Now you’ve got to put this against a background of growing up in apartheid South Africa. I didn’t feel proud to be South African, and I didn’t feel proud of things which were made locally – if anything, anything local felt basically second-rate. How things have changed!

It’s people like Chloe Townsend, who started Missibaba, who are putting South Africa on the design world map. After studying at the London College of Fashion, Chloe brought her talents back home to Cape Town and started up the Missibaba brand just over five years ago. And this is the kind of creative magic they produce:

One-off clutch, made for a friend

Isn’t that just awesome?

Chloe works with local craftswomen who have experience in the leather industry, but also supports a group of underprivileged women in the Stellenbosch township Kayamandi – she has trained them to do handwork on the leather products – and has trained groups elsewhere in the country. Together they produce bags, earrings, shoes and other leather accessories. And they’ve just produced their first 2011 collection: “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” – more on which below.

Chloe took time out from her work to answer a few questions for the South is Blooming.

Unassuming Chloe hard at work

Hi Chloe, can you tell us what are you currently working on? And how does it fit in with what else you have done?

I’m currently working on a winter collection entitled “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”. It’s a little hop-on from the “Cowboy’s Little Girl” collection (last season) – still incorporating looping details but with a military vibe, reminiscent of the Beatles Sergeant Pepper suits. Kaleidascope cut-outs in high contrast colour combos add a strong graphic to clutches, possums and a waist cinching belt. Oversized gingham in charcoal, ‘piknik doek’ blue and yellow add a playful sixties pop element. The colours also remind us of paddington bear boots.

The new collection on display in the Missibaba studio

Lovely! We’re a big fan of the colours, as usual…

Can you tell us a bit about a day in the life of your work?

The team of seven highly skilled gals gather around the kitchen table each morning to discuss what the day holds for them. Then it’s on to beavering away, each adding their own special touch of magic needed to create each Missibaba piece. Wonderful customers and friends pop in sporadically throughout the day, each one to have their hearts’ desires met by the Missibabas.

Yes we’ve had that exact experience! What is your favourite time of the (working) day?

My favourite time of the working day is probably the peaceful “quiet after the storm” once everyone has gone home. It gives me time to mess about and work on new bits and pieces.

Does South Africa influence what you make and if so, how?

I’m definitely influenced by South Africa. It’s an incredibly vibrant country both culturally and visually. I am inspired by the vivid/bold colours and patterns traditionally used by local tribes in their jewellery and to decorate their huts. I love living here with easy access to the most incredible plant, bug and birdlife. Walks on the mountain in the golden morning light set my lil’ soul up for the day.

Sounds like a great way to start the day… What else inspires you in the southern hemisphere?

Swims in the toe-numbingly cold sea, glorious morning and evening light, fynbos and indigenous birds, my creative friends, family and last – but definitely not least – all the Missibabas!

And the northern hemisphere?

I love the spring in london, all the crocuses and daffodils bursting out to celebrate light and coming warmth. My gran had a collection of scandinavian fairytales, beautifully illustrated by Kay Nielson. I used to sit for hours, getting lost in these drawings when I was little (and now!). Strolling endlessly around Amsterdam’s higgledy piggledy streets, all with soo much to offer a hungry eye. I tried cycling but got horribly lost and was too busy trying to stay on the bike so ended up missing all the details….

Yes, we’re enjoying that spring feeling here right now! Thanks for your answers Chloe.

And join us, readers, on a photo tour of the Missibaba studio, and feel the good vibes:

Missibaba is truly one of our favourite South African brands and we are proud to stock them. We’ve got some marvellous Missibaba bags in stock, as well as earrings. We hope to be stocking belts in time for the summer – as well as stock from the new range – so watch this space! And feel free to contact us for specific orders….