Designing bags isn’t all about pinterest and doodling (although they both play a part). Our men’s messenger bag was the result of a collaboration between SAHEL Design in Burkina Faso and eHaberdasher in London. Getting the right shape, size and details took four months and five prototypes to get right. We’re pleased to say that…
Since motorbikes replaced horses as the primary means of transport in Burkina Faso, demand for horse reins has fallen sharply. But the Gakou family in the north of the country is keeping the tradition alive. […]
Goats are prolific across the Sahel, and when they are eaten, nothing is wasted. The skins are perfect for craftwork such as braiding. This article explains the process by which goat skin becomes leather. […]
Tassles are an important part of traditional Fulani reins. They are swung in the air to make the horse go faster. They are also an important part of some of our SAHEL bags. This article explains how the tassles are made. […]
As the means of securing a saddle to the horse, a girth strap needs to be strong and durable – which means that they also make great handles for our SAHEL totes. This article explains how these girth straps are made. […]
Unlike European stirrup leathers, Fulani stirrup leathers are multi-stranded and wound to suit the length of the rider. The Gakou family in the north of Burkina Faso have been making stirrup leathers for centuries. Here is how they do it. […]