Pics: Luxury leather accessories

Published Jan 27, 2016

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Cape Town’s Majda Rabin, the designer and owner of a popular line of luxury leather handbags and accessories Chimpel, has come a long way.

From giving up the security of a lucrative career to slowly building her brand and clientele, it has not been easy but it has been worth it, she says. Inspired by the unique texture of ostrich leather and the tactile elegance of crocodile skin, Rabin saw the potential of these inherently African objects to add exquisite detail to leather handbags and belts.

I meet her at her home-cum-studio in Rondebosch East where she shares her journey from the corporate to entrepreneurship.

“I was working full time in the financial services industry. I studied BCom Economics and had big plans of working in asset management.

“I had a baby and things changed and also I always knew deep down that I wanted to have my own business but what it was I wasn’t so sure about… that was always a tricky thing,” says Rabin.

“My mother is a dress designer and my father was also in the tailoring side of things. It was probably something that was natural and always there in me… the passion to design. When I had my first child, I just said the 9 to 5 is not going to work for me anymore and that is when it all started,” Rabin explains.

Starting by making leather clutch bags for herself and friends over the weekends in 2007, the Chimpel range has grown to include a wide selection of soft, natural and exotic leather bags, clutches and belts. The designs are minimalist chic with a focus on classic shapes, luxurious textures and colour.

“It is actually so amazing how things just worked out. I got into contact with someone who gave me a book where I managed to find all the manufacturers I needed. The first lady I phoned stuck with me for two years. That time I was still working part-time and I would meet her on a Saturday morning and she would make one or two clutches at a time.

“A shop at the Cape Quarter took a few of my things on consignment. Then one day they phoned me to tell me that US actress Hilary Swank just walked into the shop and bought one of my belts. That is when I was realised that I can do this… I can make a living from it,” she says.

“That year, I started exploring with different styles and at the end of 2008 I resigned. I was nervous and asked myself if I am making the right decision. A lot went through my mind but but I have no regrets,” Rabin says.

She went on to showcase at the 2009 Design Indaba, an annual festival that promotes locals designers and creatives.

Now Rabin caters for customers around the country as well as exports to the US and Europe.

“My biggest export market is America, it has just kept me busy… they love the crocodile. Ostrich leather unfortunately is still quite pricey but I do have a specific market for it.

“Crocodile products are my biggest sellers because they look exotic and they are affordable,” says Rabin.

Her inspiration comes from everywhere, from watching local runway trends to international fashion weeks, she says: “Luckily with handbags I don’t have to change a lot.

“I take a design and improve on it by tweaking here and there. And to save costs I utilise what I already have.

“That is how I keep things unique… just by adding details.

“I look at colour trends as well, I love colour so I use a lot of colour in my designs. It can be a basic bag but I’ll just put a little bit of colour to make it different from what is in the market,” she says.

The biggest challenge about running your own business is managing your finances and having the discipline to meet the product demand, says Rabin.

“The first five years are actual hell. The money that you have saved can only take you that far when you still have a family to support. A lot of people think that, if you did it they can do it as well.

“But you need to be quite disciplined in certain things that you do. I love nice things and I had to sacrifice and cut back on some things. You need to be very good with your finances and you need a good support structure around you.

“The first three years are a stumbling block of people getting to know and to understand your brand, that you are going to be here for a while and not just a fly-by-night business.

“That was my biggest thing, getting my customers here and abroad to trust me and that I will deliver on time.

“Most designers tend to overcommit themselves,” says Rabin.

Rabin will be showcasing her range at the Sourcing at Magic in Las Vegas, US exhibition next month. To see more of the Chimpel range visit www.chimpel.co.za or e-mail [email protected]

Nontando Mposo, Cape Argus

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