Photos & text by Stephanie Abraham & Angela Steever-Diba.
AN ORIGINAL BY LAYLA SHAW
It was mid-November, a steamy, mosquito filled night at a cocktail party in the middle of Kampala, Uganda. Angie had borrowed a beautiful cow-hide clutch from our host for the party. No fewer than a dozen people at the cocktail party remarked, “Is that an original by Layla? You know she is coming tonight!” That was the night we knew we must have our own Layla handbag – and what better way to celebrate our first trip and safari in Africa but with a beautiful handcrafted bag. That evening we all became fast friends – talking the night away and learning all about her history, experiences, and inspiration.
Layla Shaw is originally from Bosnia and she started her business in February 2011. Her early products were handbags crafted from recycled designer silk ties (see Vogue Italia below). From there, her designs blossomed to other materials – creativity has few boundaries, just like the wild of Africa.
Layla blends European styles with gorgeous African raw materials. Handbags are all handmade with cow horn handles, cowhides, soft leather, and striking hardware. She mixes bright colors, bold prints and hides with unique shapes including clutch, hobo, messenger, and barrel. Currently, Layla has four designers working in her studio in Kampala.
As for inspiration, Layla says, “I am constantly designing new bags and jewelry in my mind, but here in Uganda I am particularly inspired by the beauty and variety of the handmade materials ranging from cow horn products to fish skin to snake skin to goat and cow leathers, and I’m always striving to put them together in unique, creative, and beautiful ways.”
We can attest firsthand to the beauty and unparalleled unique quality of her work. It was our honor to have met her and now we each own An Original by Layla Shaw.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I’m 99% sure that the giraffe behind Stephanie and Angie is not from Toys ‘R Us.
READ MORE:
Vogue Italia
Layla’s Facebook
