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How Fashion Entrepreneurs Are Surviving Crises in South Africa

Resourceful leaders are turning to creative contingency plans in the face of a national energy crisis, crumbling infrastructure, economic stagnation and social unrest.
Exotic leather accessories label Cape Cobra pivoted to designing their bags in house, having been a manufacturer of handbags for brands like Michael Kors.
South African exotic leather accessories company Cape Cobra has pivoted from producing bags for international brands like Michael Kors to designing its own private label. (Cape Cobra)
By
BoF PROFESSIONAL

When Justine Schafer was deciding on where to open the flagship store of her family’s exotic skins accessories label Cape Cobra, a hip shopping block on Cape Town’s Bree Street was the clear choice back in 2019. Passing trade was instrumental in helping the South African company pivot from manufacturing ostrich leather handbags and crocodile leather wallets for global brands like Michael Kors and Tiffany, to launching its own collections designed with the local consumer in mind.

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Further Reading

Turning the Focus Back on South Africa

Executives need to keep a close eye on the South African fashion market as it could be poised for a rebound after years in the doldrums. Newly installed president Cyril Ramaphosa has a tall order but industry leaders are emboldened.

In South Africa, More Evolution than Revolution

A year after the death of Nelson Mandela and two decades since the end of apartheid, South Africa’s fashion market holds up a skewed mirror to its vibrant and incredibly complex society.

About the author
Yola Mzizi
Yola Mzizi

Yola Mzizi is the Editorial Associate at The Business of Fashion (BoF). She is based in New York and provides operational support to the New York team and writes features for BoF and The Business of Beauty.

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