Khokho

This  luxury line of basket bags handwoven in Swaziland is the brainchild of Central Saint Martin’s trained Philippa Thorne, Eddie Borgo Leathergoods Design Director Sapna Shah, and Master Weaver Zinhle Vilakati. Together, with a vision towards elevating an ancient craft, the Khokho design team aims to create luxury products that utilize traditional Swazi weaving techniques, while striving to create income-generating opportunities for artisans in the region. Through innovative collaborations and sustainable practices, Khokho preserves and reexamines a traditional and highly specialized artistry. The Khokho atelier is located on Malandela’s Farm in Malkerns, Swaziland and is home to a dedicated group of leather smiths who transform woven panels into beautiful handbags. Local production is deeply engrained in the Khokho brand ethos, so each leather smith is trained by Italian master craftsman Carlo Bisceglia in the art of patternmaking, cutting and construction so as to keep development native to Swaziland.

Carlo – formerly of Burberry and Marc Jacobs – shares over 40 years of luxury handbag experience and works with the Khokho design team to run an annual training program for its skilled leather smiths. Young technicians local to the Swazi community are also invited to visit the atelier for sponsored training programs as part of Khokho’s commitment to broaden community engagement and encourage economic growth for the next generation. Each Khokho handbag is handcrafted from carefully woven Lutindzi grass and locally sourced, vegetable tanned leathers and suedes. Hardware details are thoughtfully constructed in the finest brass and hand-carved cow horn. All waste by-products are reinvented so as to create a well-balanced environment, and to minimize Khokho’s ecological footprint.

Directory Details:

Name: Khokho
Category: Fashion Design
Country: Swaziland
Website: www.khokhocollection.com