The Get It team was lucky enough to attend a bag-making workshop with Ngozi Collection – and had the opportunity to really get hands-on in the leather workshop.
Most women will agree there is something deeply satisfying about choosing the perfect bag – every detail is carefully considered, from the shape and size, to the colour and print. So, when we were invited to not only choose, but make our very own bags with Marnica Weyers and her team at Ngozi Collection, we simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Marnica’s shop and workshop is located at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito. The workshop blends seamlessly with the store so that it’s possible to get a glimpse of all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into each bag while browsing her products, a personal touch that Marnica has purposefully held onto. Marnica is completely self-taught when it comes to leather work and began making bags for fun. “I would just play around in the garage,” she says.
Recognising her talent, her husband bought her an industrial machine for her birthday, and she eventually took the leap and turned her hobby into a full-time business almost two years ago.
Ngozi Collection takes its name from the Swahili word for leather, and the brand is all about quality materials and practical designs. Marnica says she often takes inspiration from global fashion trends when it comes to colours and design, but also does custom orders. She stocks a few boutiques around the country and hopes to continue growing the collection.
Most of the leather, hardware and haberdashery are sourced from local suppliers around Pinetown and Durban, and each handmade piece is designed for everyday use. Over the last two years, the Ngozi team has grown to six people, each of whom bring with them a unique set of skills and experience. “Every day, we try and improve our technique,” says Marnica.
To start the workshop, we were given a choice of bag style – a fold over bag or a v-bag with zip – and then provided with the relevant pattern. After selecting our leather from a broad range of colours and prints, we cut out our patterns and the Ngozi team helped us to glue and then stitch each piece in place before securing the zips, straps and logos. The colour and print combinations are endless and it’s possible to really get creative and customise one’s piece. Throughout the process, the team patiently shared their tips and tricks, explained the function of each piece of equipment and gave us an insight into the real art of leather work. We had a wonderful time learning a new skill, and all left with a unique bag of our own!
Details: Contact Marnica to find out more about her upcoming workshops.
www.ngozi.co.za; 082 2541483 [email protected]; IG: @ngozi.collection
Photographs: Kim Steinberg
