Designers’ bags are a sure hit
Two former Transkeians’ handiwork making an impact on fashion scene
With two very distinct design styles, two men from the former Transkei have carved their way into the fashion industry by designing bags.
Inga Gubeka, 31, from Ngqeleni (now based in Gauteng) and Mlungisi Tase, 33, from Mthatha (now based in East London), are making a name for themselves.
Gubeka’s bags at Inga Atelier are more chic and upmarket, while Tase’s bags are edgy.
Tase said he got the idea when he was doing his third-year design project at the Durban University of Technology.
“I studied clothing and textiles. Other students made clothes and I decided on bags. That is where the idea for the business was born,” he said.
His brand, Vetor, makes duffel bags, handbags, backpacks and sling bags.
“My plan is to make durable products so that they have value for money. I started making bags as a sideline while I was working in the motor industry.”
Tase said he decided to take a chance and risk it all to pursue his dream. “I would like to get into retail stores. Currently I rely on word of mouth and people come to me with their designs and I conceptualise those ideas.”
He uses genuine leather and canvas. He works from home and has been making bags for two years since quitting his job.
“I am looking at creating job opportunities for other young people who would like to work in the industry,” Tase added.
Gubeka said things started for him when Cape Town had a “handcraft” movement and he started a company and made wooden bags. “From that, I gained global recognition. I then fell out with my business partner and we parted ways and that is when I started Inga Atelier. It is a company with luxury leather goods coming out of Africa.
“Many people buy Louis Vuitton and Chanel items for thousands of rands and I just wondered why we could not have a brand from Africa by Africans to produce the same quality as we do have the skills,” he said.
He uses genuine leather sourced from Ethiopia. He has an online store and a physical store in Hyde Park in Gauteng.
“My client base are not celebrities because they do not have money. The people who buy our items are not on social media and likely to post pictures and tag us.”
He said Maria Ramos, Pravin Gordhan, Lesetja Kganyago and President Cyril Ramaphosa owned his bags.