When the models walked out at Stiaan Louw's recent show at AFI fashion week they either had one of two things on their feet. While many of them had mud and clay painted on, there were the few lucky who wore sandals from Missibaba, a leather accessory design company based in Cape Town. Stiaan, who was about to release a fantastic and inspiring range needed shoes that would work well with his collections aesthetic. In fact it's also no surprise that the accessories used in the show were in part supplied by Missibaba too. The company has already made quite a name for themselves locally with every female blogger hot on their scent supplying some fantastic goods at reasonable prices.
The last model hadn't even left the runway and I was already trying to find out where the shoes came from. Once I did it was only natural to pass it on to you. I asked them a couple questions to find out more about this fantastic range and how it came about.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DESIGN A RANGE FOR MEN, IN PARTICULAR THESE SANDALS?The idea was born through a special collaboration between acclaimed fashion designer Stiaan Louw and Chloe Townsend from Missibaba.
HAVE YOU HAD A LOT OF FEEDBACK SINCE STIAAN LOUW'S SHOW?
Yes! Everyone totally loves them. Especially the Johannesburg Missibaba fans!
THERE REALLY IS A NICHE MARKET FOR A GREAT MENS (LEATHER) SANDAL DESIGNER, ESPECIALLY STYLES LIKE THE JESUS SANDAL WHICH ARE NOT EASY TO FIND. DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO RELEASE OTHER STYLES?
We would like to design a slightly different version of the Espisand where the front of the sandal is closed. We would also love to design a range of mens brogues.
WHERE CAN WE FIND THESE SANDALS?
They are currently available (size 7-11) made to order directly through us. Contact Ann at the Missibaba studio for more information - ann@missibaba.com
Runway image from Simon Deiner/SDR photo/ others from Missibaba
