1.) What is the inspiration behind your 2011 collection?
The Beatles and their flamboyant military-esque Sgt Pepper suits. The colour palette is quite varied from camels and pale greys to royal bursts of scarlet, camomile yellow, “piknik doek” blue and gold. Another strong combination coming through is the stark contrast of black patent and nude.
2.) Missibaba is involved in social upliftment, using women from under privileged communities to make the bags. Can you tell Kim Gray readers more about this?
We work with a group of five women from the Kayamandi township in Stellenbosch. We have been working together for about five years now on various projects from beautiful embroidery on bags to the leather caterpillar and sweetie necklaces. At the moment they are hand stitching the edges of leather straps for the Seraphine sandals. They are all truly remarkable women, some supporting their whole families on their own. I am always greeted with an enormous hug and a smile and leave with a sense of perspective and a happy heart. They are so generous with love and all they have. Inspiring!
3.) Do you have a favourite bag in the collection?
I am really loving the workhorse, have stolen one already…Also loving the Kaleidoscope and Lovely Rita clutches. I really need to limit what I put into my bag to the bare minimum. I’m a total hoarder…with sore shoulders…These little beauties enforce this in the kindest way.
4.) Tell us a bit about the materials used in this collection.
We are using fabulous iKat fabric that a friend of mine, Katie Pittman of Bizous, has sourced in India. These have totally brought the workhorse to life. We have found some beautiful buttery soft camel coloured uncoated cow-hide and naturally dyed yellow and scarlet uncoated cow-hide. We’ve hand painted our oversized gingam in charcoal and “piekniek doek” blue on a nude cow-hide base. The base leather darkens and ages beautifully when exposed to light. Perfect for those in love with all things vintage. Loving this check!
5.) Any tips in caring for a Missibaba bag?
The best way to care for your bag would be to feed it every 3 months or so with Renapur leahter food (all leather except for some of the uncoated ones and suedes). This is available from Woodheads and is light and not too sticky. Most leathers, especially light coloured ones will stain when worn with clothes that are not colourfast (denim etc). Always wash clothes to check colourfastness (especially dark natural fibres). Suede can be cleaned with suede cleaner then brushed out with a suede brush. Woodheads is a one stop shop for all leather products in Cape Town.
6.) I’m a huge fan of Missibaba, where can I find your new collection?
You can visit our studio to view the new collection or alternatively check out our website for new pieces (www.missibaba.com)
7.) What can we find in your handbag?
My handbag is always in a bit of a state…wallet, sunglasses, slips, occasionally hammer, pliers, craft knife and leather samples can be found floating around…
8.) We can find you hanging out where? Listening to what? wearing your favourite designer who is? sipping on?
Love Superette for a delish coffee/ plum juice and snackie. Love love love their lemony salad dressing and slow roasted tomatoes. The Kitchen is just a block or two away from our studio, very convenient for a super yum salady lunch. The Power and the Glory is great for an early eve drink with friends. Also love &Union for early supper of pulled pork, gherkin, Berne beer and great tunes. We have just opened a studio shop with a friend of mine Meg Summs who has the label Fabric. I mostly wear her clothes, fabulous fabrics and great cut – especially love her Kaftans.
Thanks Carey for all the tips and updates! Remember you can win a Missibaba Bag here.
