4. VALOYI, the luxury accessory brand by Harmonie Mbunga

Founded by designer Harmonie Mbunga, Valoyi is a luxury accessories brand that pays homage to traditional African craftsmanship.

Valoyi’s locally handmade handbags showcase a curated range of traditional textiles that celebrate West Africa, South Africa, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “I want to do my part in the redefining of the African narrative, my part in raising our heritage crafts and culture to a place of esteem, and further cementing its relevancy on this world,” says designer Harmonie Mbunga. “Why? Because its history matters. Our history matters.”

For Harmonie, celebrating African history and culture is paramount. “Within every culture and tribe found in all the countries of this vast continent there is beauty, there is art and there is craftsmanship. But most of these creations are becoming lost and dying art forms. Our mission at Valoyi is to do our part in keeping the centuries-old heritage skills of the African artisan alive, creating a new path for skills to be passed on for generations to come, and for us to enjoy them as new modern heirlooms through refined contemporary design.” From backpacks to handy pouches, Valoyi’s collection features a range of versatile bags – from the Kedi, which showcases handmade Bògòlanfini cloth from Mali, to the Moja – a drawstring backpack made with African wax prints. The Khaya waistbags are a limited-edition capsule range featuring two graphic shape designs inspired by Kuba cloth – created in collaboration with artist Brian Tompkins – and a third design created by Harmonie featuring a print inspired by traditional Xhosa ceremonial attire.

Harmonie is currently working on a new collection that will also see her launching and introducing her first style of handcrafted sustainable unisex shoes, something she’s been working on for a while. valoyi.com