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PRESS RELEASE: Bags Bonanza Exhibition @ Omba Gallery

The Omba Gallery at the Namibia Crafts Centre is currently the venue for an amazing exhibition, BAGS BONANZA. This exceptional exhibition of unique leather and cloth bags made in Namibia will run at the Omba Gallery from 20 August until 8 September 2013, and was officially opened on the evening of Tuesday, 20 August 2013.  

Namibia Crafts Centre manager and the dynamic brain behind the exhibition, Shareen Thude, welcomed guests to a unique, first of its kind exhibition and also introduced the new coordinator of Omba Gallery, Ms. Mathilde Stegmann.

Guest speaker, Brigitte Davidow of Nakara Namibia, producer of leather garments, gave an account of the development of bags over the course of time: ‘Purses and handbags originated from early pouches, to carry seeds, religious items and medicine. Men and women both carried pouches.

‘From the ancient beaded bags of African priests to the haute couture tote of the modern lady of leisure, handbags have historically been both the carriers of secrets and the signifiers of power, status and beauty.

As the containers of the necessities of daily life, handbags are strongly influenced by technological and societal changes, such as the development of money, jewellery, cosmetics, cigarettes, cell phones and the role of women in society.



(Photograph: Brigitte Davidow of Nakara Namibia)


(Photograph: Shareen Thude and guest)

‘The increasing demand in the range of bags for men is supported by a growing range of electronic devices men carry today. No longer seen as solely a women’s fashion item, men’s bags are masculine, attractive and ideal additions to any contemporary wardrobe.’ She said. 

Brigitte Davidow concluded by saying: ‘Handbags have been with us since the beginning of time and have become a practical, fashion statement for both women and men of all ages. With the supply of handbags expanding to include very high and very low-end markets, copying designer trends, everyone can find a handbag today.’

In preparation for the exhibition, Shareen Thude invited members of the public to ‘like’ the Facebook page of the Namibia Crafts Centre, attend the opening of the BAGS BONANZA exhibition and on the evening, enter a draw to win a unique handmade leather bag made by Desert Garden. 





(Photograph: Shareen Thude and guest, Eileen)


(Photograph - from left to right: Shareen Thude, Mathilde Stegmann, Brigitte Davidow)

If you are in and around Windhoek, steal away for a few minutes to visit the Omba Gallery in the Namibia Crafts Centre and enjoy this exceptional exhibition of handmade Namibian bags. You will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the handiwork, the creativity on display and you can buy the bag of your choice. Remember, they are all unique!


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