Profile: Eric Cyiza Mukunzi – Real Leather Design Competitions

Eric Cyiza Mukunzi

Self Employed

Company name : BANDOH

I am in leather ware business since 2007.But from 2013,I joined a handbag factory based in Rwanda and owned by an American renown brand called Kate Spade New York.I worked there as technical director for six years and a half ,learning everything from designing bags,sample making and running mass production .I left the factory end of 2019 and then started my own brand BANDOH. I'm currently making my own bags as well as producing bags for another local brand called " n'Intoki". I put all my focus and strength in what I do because I left everything and followed my dream which making products out of leather.

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UMUSHANANA semi-structured leather bag

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Africa

I chose to design a lady's bag in the shape of UMUSHANANA for ceremonies like wedding and party. UMUSHANANA is a traditional dress worn by women in Rwanda,Burundi and Western parts of Uganda.It signifies cultural pride,heritage and respect for tradition. This handbag is unique because it represent the African art combined with elegance.It is 50% handmade because of how the outer part ,especially the bow, is made by tortion and folding. The bag is made 100% out of cowhide leather and easy to handle because of its dimensions (width:30CM, height:17CM,drop :20CM,depth:6CM).The leather used is from cows of Great lakes region where the environment is favorable for tanners to produce soft,supple leather suitable for making handbags. The quality and uniqueness of this handbag makes it precious to the owner because she (the owner) handles it with care and only takes it to special occasions once in a while .This bag longevity keeps the environment clean compared to non- sustainable bags in faux leather that end up in landfills , contributing to mounting waste crisis.