THE AKIRE STORY
A fashion curator collaborates with an older experienced craftsman to tell an African luxury Story. Two beings from different generations, creative fields and sexes cross paths to create these luxury African Bags.
Inspired by Traditional pieces from our African roots, merged with modern luxe designs..
ABOUT OUR AKIRE PRODUCTS
They have been handmade using different kind of leather (full grain leather, top grain leather and kips leather) .Every leather creation of our designs tells a unique story of craftsmanship and elegance.
Each piece will differ from another depending with the kind of leather used, bead works (monochrome colours or mixed colours) , hand stitching and occasionally the gourd inspired collection will have different measurements on the top lid. No two Akire products are alike.
The inside of the leather has been carefully stitched using cotton African prints lining and each series of the bags have been given names that have been borrowed from different tribal languages in Kenya.
Custom made and limited collections of Akire leather bags are made from Ostrich Farmed Skin or Crocodile Farmed Skin.
The packaging of the Akire products differs depending on the collection purchased.
You receive an email once you purchase our products and given us permission to keep you posted on how to maintain the leather bags, snippets or a short documentary on the artisans involved in the making of our products.
THE AKIRE COLLECTION
AKIDUWANG SET (SMALL SIZED INSPIRED GOURD BAG)
. Akiduwang means to win in Turkana language
.Akiduwang name given to all the small sized gourd bag collection
. Inspiration came from the curator’s work travel in Turkana County and in the small villages
. Measurements of the Akiduwang set 13’’ w 17’’
. Adjustable Strap size– 43’’ full strap
. Hand crafted quality leather
. Logo leather attached to the bag
. Cotton African print lining
. Gifted Tie and Dye Silk fabric to represent the hand made process Hemp material with beadwork logo inside our packaging.
. Beadwork done by hand
AKITERE SET (MIDDLE SIZED INSPIRED GOURD BAG)
Akitere means to look at in Turkana language
. Akitere name given to all the middle-sized gourd bag collection
. Design inspired by the Turkana milk gourd
. Strap size 25’’ in full.
. Measurements of the Akitere set 17’’w 20’’ h
One can make a pre-order on unique skin to have our Akire designs in ostrich skin or Crocodile which will be of a different price range and time given to work on the material.
. Hand crafted quality leather
. Logo leather attached to the bag
. Tie and Dye Silk scarf gifted as representation of the hand made process
. Cotton African print Lining
. Hand made beaded work
AKITING SET (BIG SIZED INSPIRED GOURD BAG)
Akiting means to carry in Turkana language
. Akiting name given to all the extravagant gourd bags
. Design inspired by the African gourd shape that is used and was used differently in all African homes.
. Akiting Set is a statement piece and also to show the extravagance of African luxury coming from it’s cultural roots
. Measurements of the Akiting set 20’’w22’’h
. Logo in leather attached to the bag
. Strap size 23 –in full
. Tie and Dye Silk scarf gifted as a representation of the hand made process or a hemp material with Akire beaded logo.
. Hand made beaded work on leather bag
.
AMUKA SET (MOLDED FACE LEATHER BAG)
. Amuka means wake up in Kamba language
. Amuka name given to all the leather bags that have face mold on this collection
. The design creation involves three artisans; a wood sculptor, a leather pattern maker and a designer. It represents the power of unity within the Kenyan tribes
(Kamba, Turkana and Luo Tribe artisans) and sharing skills we have inherited over time and come together to have an awakening luxury piece.
. Full grain leather has been used to craft the Amuka series collection
. The process of molding the Amuka bag involves using wet leather, which is naturally dyed, then placing on the wooden sculpted face, finishing with sun drying.
. Inspiration of the bag is from the African wood Sculptured bag.
Decades ago the Kamba tribe in Kenya used wooden bags to store dried foods while moving from one place to another or preserve foods
. Measurements of Amuka set 17’w 16 ‘’h
. Strap size 38 ‘’ –fixed setting
. Logo made of leather attached to the bag.
. Tie and Dye silk scarf gift represents the process of hand made.
AWINJO SET (BACK PACK LEATHER BAG)
Awinjo means I feel in Luo language
. Awinjo name is given the backpack collection series
. Inspired by the memories of the designer’s past favourite backpack design bags while carrying on her back to school or travels.
. Handcrafted leather bag
. Measurements 14’ (L)×18.5 H×5.2W
. Straps size on the back 25’’- adjustable setting
Beaded works on it
ASHE (MAASAI INSPIRED OLBENE BAG)
Ashe means Thank you in Maasai language
. Ashe name given to all the Big Maasai inspired olbene bag.
. Inspiration of the bag came from the Maasai olbene bags then re-designed to modern urban looks.
. Measurements of the Ashe collection 13’’ w 17’’ h
. Hand crafted leather
. Inspiration came from being a stylist and curator having to carry clothes from one location to another, this was created to have all pieces safe when they arrive the destination from tear, dust, different types of spillage and also to have something durable with time.
. Cotton African print lining or soft leather lining
. Handmade beadwork on leather bag
. Cow bones used as buttons.
. Zipper included
AAKU (MAASAI INSPIRED SMALL SIZED OLBENE BAG)
Aaku means I am in Maasai language
. Aaku name is given to all the small sized Maasai inspired olbene bag
. Inspiration of the bag came from the Maasai olbene bags and re-designed to modern urban looks.
. Measurements of the Aaku collection 8’’ w 6’’ h
. Hand crafted leather
. Handmade beadwork on leather
. Zipper included
. Kips leather used on the Aaku collection
AKIDUON ( ELEPHANT MOULDED FACE BAG)
Akiduon means to give birth in Turkana language.
. Akiduon is the name is given to all the elephant face moulded bag
. Inspiration of the bag came from the African Savanna Elephant which are distinguished by their very large ears.
.Akiduon has similar features of large ears that give out a 3D effect.
. Hand crafted leather and Hand stitched.
GARMENT LEATHER COVER
. Hand crafted leather
. Zipper included on the front
. Cotton fabric lining
. Measurements on the medium garment leather cover 27’’ w58’’ h
. Measurements of the big garment leather cover 23.4’’ w 39.4 h