Back in 2008, painter Hanneli Rupert launched what is now seen as one of Africa’s first luxury bag brands – Okapi. The label was named after the famously elusive antelope known as the “African unicorn.” Rupert imbues her exclusive creations with the okapi’s special sense of magic by ensuring that each is handmade in South Africa from entirely local materials, including exotic skins like ostrich and croc. Every last element is traceable, sustainable, and ethically sourced, from the leathers and horns down to the packaging. The eight bag styles are named for different African goddesses, and each comes accessorized with the company’s signature hardware – a lucky Springbok horn. Rupert is planning on opening a London outpost, but in the meantime, you can find Okapi bags in the Cape Town store Merchants on Long and online at okapi.com!
