7. Chommies is creating hig-end handcrafted accessories for dog owners and their besties

Cape Town-based fashion label Chommies creates appealing handcrafted accessories for dog owners and their besties.

Nathalie Kl n moved from Germany to Cape Town in 2012, and while she’d settled well into her new city, it was only when she adopted a puppy named Ringo that Cape Town really became home. Ringo was her connector, and she began making collars for him and friends as a side project. It was Ringo who initiated a fortuitous meeting with Superdawg, the late rescue pup belonging to animalloving entrepreneur Zac Rusagara, at a local market. Zac’s appreciation for Nathalie’s creations and enthusiasm to share them with the world was contagious and eventually she fell for it – Zac included! – and Chommies was born.

“Every Chommies product is handmade with love and care by local artisans who come mainly from the townships,” Zac says of what he describes as an “economic upliˆment fashion label”. “Talent is everywhere in South Africa and sometimes all it takes is someone to take a chance on you and to be patient while you learn the skills required.” With a wide and everexpanding range of leashes and collar wear, which can all be customised, Chommies has launched baskets, rope bags, ostrich feather accessories and the Sunny Side Up phone necklace for its twolegged fans. This year saw a collab with atelier KlûK CGDT on a line of clutch bags.

What about feline fashion, we ask?

“You won’t believe how oˆen we get asked that question!” laughs Zac. “So yes, we’re working on a little something for cats, too.” Meowvellous.

Boulders Beach bag, R1 800.

Sunny Side Up phone necklace, R390. The leather patches are made from leather offcuts that would normally be discarded. RIGHT Zac Rusagara and Nathalie Kl n with Ringo.

The ostrich leather and feathers are sourced from a small scale farmer in the Karoo. KlûK CGDT x Chommies clutch, R17 800.