The French fashion house celebrates the vibrant shades and bold prints of West Africa with its newly launched tote bag

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Photo courtesy of  Christian Louboutin

Inspiration from nature has once again returned to summer apparel. Tribal motifs and nomadic influences can be spotted in airy summer dresses, chunky jewellery and even footwear, but a handbag inspired by the unique aesthetics of West Africa is truly first in its league.

Christian Louboutin recently debuted the Africaba Tote Bag, a colorful accessory that blending visual arresting shades and graphics with a refined touch.

This limited edition tote is the brainchild of the French fashion house, fashion designer Valérie Schlumberger, and La Maison Rose, a shelter house in Dakar for vulnerable women and their children. The organization provides training for these mothers in the art of embroidery.

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Photo courtesy of Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin and Valerie Schlumberger

While Louboutin’s iconic spiked detailing can be found on the bag, the shoulder straps reflect African aesthetics through traditional beading embellishments. Each bag serves as a unique art piece, bringing together the of the skills women at La Maison Rose and the craftsmanship of the fashion label.

Aside from the graphic prints and rainbow stripes, what really caught our eye is the tote’s embroidered crest, which bears the brand logo created from recycled plastic electrical wires.

La Maison Rose’s programmes will receive 10% of the proceeds from the sales of the Africaba bag — a great opportunity for shoppers to make a difference with a tribal-inspired sartorial statement.