Khokho Collection

Khokho, the SiSwati word for “great-grandmother,” is a handbag and accessories brand based in Eswatini (the country formerly known in English as Swaziland), best known for their signature basket bags in a variety of elegant colors. The label was launched in 2014, and is currently led by three design professionals: Central Saint Martins graduate Philippa Thorne; handbag designer Sapna Shah, formerly of Rag & Bone and Calvin Klein; and artisanal master weaver Zinhle Vilakati.

In Eswatini, women are the matriarchs, heads of the household, and backbone of their families and communities. Similarly, the founders note their personal matriarchal influences in their past and present lives, using the teachings of their own mothers and grandmothers as the guiding principles for the growth of their brand.

Philippa, Sapna and Zinhle share a vision to elevate the ancient technique of Swazi weaving, a unique skill passed down from female elders to the younger generations. Characterised by subtle, muted colours of ivory, tan and beige, Khokho Collection’s designs are rendered in lutindzi grass—a sustainably harvested grass indigenous to Eswatini—and locally grown sisal fibre. Each bag is constructed using an ancient Swazi grass-weaving technique that combines this fabrication method with genuine, handcrafted leather. The creations stand out from other standard woven styles thanks to their spiral-like appearance, sleek leather handles, and round forms.

Committed to celebrating and nurturing time honored and traditional techniques, Khokho aims to promote native handicrafts through fine workmanship and specialized design. The brand’s signature creations have earned them press in Vogue, and placements in luxury retailers across the globe.