KAPUTEI
Category: Accessories
Competitions: Africa
The theme of my submission is celebrating culture with an emphasis on sustainability. This piece aims to pay homage to the Maasai people who hail from the Kaputei region. I have drawn inspiration from a traditional Maasai wedding ceremony. The concept of the bag is to unify the bride, groom and the home into one cohesive piece consisting of three elements. The first is a middle panel beaded to represent the bride and the groom. It is then reinforced with recycled leather off cuts to give a three-dimensional effect. The second element is the main structure of the bag which represents the Maasai manyatta. There are stitched recycled leather off cuts that drape gently all around mirroring the traditional hut where the couple create a home. The interior is lined with a Maasai Shuka, embodying the essence of contemporary Maasai style. The third element is the seamless fusion of these components, celebrating the union of two individuals into one home. The Kaputei bag also features two interchangeable straps: a handle strap and a shoulder strap that are locked in using a screw stand for easy adaptability. My aim for this piece is to pay tribute to Maasai heritage while promoting sustainable fashion.
