Talitha Oosthuizen is taking bespoke handbags made by South African women artisans to one of fashion’s biggest stages.
Paris, France (02 October 2026) – From South African sewing rooms to the Paris runway, a little piece of home is about to make a big fashion statement.
Mrs South Africa First Princess Talitha Oosthuizen is taking a collection of Shweshwe handbags to Paris Fashion Week this week, putting the spotlight on South African design and the women behind the craftsmanship.
The handbags were designed and made specifically for the Paris showcase, bringing the instantly recognisable look of Shweshwe together with contemporary fashion
But while the collection may be heading to one of the world’s biggest fashion capitals, its story starts much closer to home.
The handbags were created through Bush Whisper Foundation by South African women artisans, turning their sewing skills and locally sourced materials into fashion pieces that are now set to be seen on an international stage.
“I wanted to take something unmistakably South African to Paris,” says Oosthuizen. “These handbags carry our heritage, our creativity and the incredible skill of the women who made them. To see that craftsmanship reach an international fashion stage is incredibly meaningful.”
The opportunity to showcase the collection in Paris came through Nadene of New Romantics Couture, with Oosthuizen working alongside the New Romantics team and Bush Whisper Apparel to bring the bespoke handbags to life.
For Oosthuizen, taking South African fashion overseas is also about making sure the country’s identity comes along for the ride.
“We have so much talent in South Africa. We don’t have to leave our identity behind to be part of the international conversation. We can take our culture, our creativity and our South African pride with us.”
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