At last, something new and original with an African flavour. Shingai Netshipise, Kuna’s creator, has established a clothing and accessory range for kids that is unique. I asked her where she draws her inspiration from and how Kuna started.

When did you realize that you wanted to start your own range, and what motivated you to design specifically for children?
I sort of fell into it, I did a kiddies range in my senior final show at Durban University of Technology, and when I started my job at Foschini, there happened to be a place open for a designer in that department. I fell in love with my husband whilst still living in Cape town (he lived in Jozi) so when an Opening at Marianne Fassler’s studio opened up for a children’s wear designer, I grabbed it. I have since fallen in love with the simplicity and playfulness of children’s clothing. It is such a neglected market, and made the most business sense.

You say you draw your colour inspiration from our African skies and landscapes, where do you draw your inspiration for the actual clothing designs?
Mostly a shape comes to me when I already have the fabric, sometimes when I see two colors or fabrics  that would look great together , I think of a shape that would allow the two elements to play off each other. I also look at what is in fashion for Ladies, and sometimes mirror the shapes most popular that season, so that mom and  daughter can look fashionable together. I wouldn’t call Kuna trendy, it would be such a waste of money to buy  designer “trendy clothing”; I would rather make something that can be passed down to the next little one, over and over again and still look as cute. I love to watch what the Spanish children’s wear industry is doing, as they have such innovative ideas.

What other fabrics, besides cotton, do you use?
The next collection features some Ghana wax prints, Viscose lycra and Mesh. When you design for kids, you become a little more restricted with the kinds of fabrics you use as children’s skin is so sensitive. But I make up for this in COLOUR! (I love color) and getting away with creating the kind of clothing I wish I could have had the opportunity to wear when I was a kid.

From conception of your idea for a creation to completing that last stitch, how long does it generally take you to have a finished piece?
Some pieces take me a few hours (like the once-off dresses that only require one pattern) other pieces take 3-5 days, especially the ones that have beading, embroidery, sequins or dying. And we do custom make all our non stretch items, so that also can take a few days longer.

I like your take on the design of the handbags, using metal as a handle for the bag. Any plans to expand on your accessories range?
The bags are actually designed by a good friend of mine Jana Meintjies for the Kuna label.  Jana is the most patient person as she puts so much detail into all her pieces (that’s why we only sell one of each kind). I  will be introducing some hair accessories this year, maybe do some more collaborations with some accessory designers, we will see where it goes but this year’s main focus is on Launching a Boys range in April.

How has your work been received from your overseas audience? Do you find your designs more in demand overseas or in South Africa?
South Africa is not as internet shopping ready as the rest of the world, fears of fraud are high and justifiably so (though there are a few things that can assure a shopper that a site is safe). Places like Amsterdam, only do their clothing shopping online, but locally, I  have faith that the internet shopping thing will catch on (especially with busy moms!). For now, I still don’t mind taking orders over the phone for my local shoppers. But the bulk of my business is from the SADC region.

And finally let’s hear about your little customers. Do you find any that are very particular about what they want or is it usually mom who makes the selection decision? And what comments have you received regarding your designs?
Girls are a joy to dress and are very confident about what they like and do not like. Generally  if the little one is happy with the garment, mom is happy to pay! Repeat customers is always a good sign and I have a few dedicated customers, their mothers tell me they keep coming back because their daughters love going to school, getting compliments and knowing she is wearing something totally unique!  One other comment I have received form a mom that put a smile on my face was that the colors I use really boost her daughter’s confidence as they are bight and she gets noticed; she gets a lot of compliments from friends and strangers  and now doesn’t shy away from other kids.

The name is certainly a perfect fit. I personally think that KuNa really means Kids Uniquely Nattily Attired.

Contact Shingai on the following details:
Cell: (073)800-7627
Email: shingai@kuna.co.za
Website: www.kuna.co.za

Shingai’s online shopping tips to ensure you have a good shopping experience:

1. Find and read the privacy policy.
   Read the privacy policy carefully to find out what information the seller is gathering from you, how the information will be used. If a site does not have a privacy policy posted, you may not want to do business with it. If it does have a privacy policy, there will probably be a link to it from the seller’s home page, or it could be included with the Terms and Conditions.
2. Review the return, refund, and shipping and handling policies as well as the other legal terms.
   If you can’t find them, ask the seller through an e-mail or telephone call to indicate where they are on the site or to provide them to you in writing.
3. Make sure the Internet connection is secure.
   Before you give your payment information, check for indicators that security software is in place.  Look for a padlock on the bottom left hand of your computer screen. This indicates that credit card information is encrypted as it sends information to the bank. Also look for a certificate (e.g DigiCert) clearly displayed on the home page.
4. Use the safest way to pay on the Internet.
   Pay for your order using a credit card. If the above is available, then it is safer than using your credit card in a restaurant.  Also check if a site allows you to make EFTs or Direct deposits, as this also shows the site is willing to give you its banking details for further reference.
5. Print or save the terms.
   You should print out or save and date a copy of terms, conditions, warranties, item description, company information, and save them with your records of your purchase, at least until you receive your item. All this information is usually found in the confirmation e-mail. If not, look under the terms and conditions on the home page.
6. Insure the safe delivery of your item.
   If you’re concerned you may not be home when your package is delivered and that someone may take it if it is left on the doorstep, ask whether you can specify that the shipper must receive a signature before leaving the package. Or, it may be safer to have the package delivered to your office or P.O Box.
7. Inspect your purchase.
   Look at your purchase carefully as soon as you receive it. Contact the seller as soon as possible if you discover a problem with it. Tell the seller in writing about any problems you have, ask for a repair or refund, and keep a copy of your correspondence. A reputable site should offer a money back guarantee. Be careful not to wait too long to return  as your refund may only come in the form of Credit towards your next purchase.
8. If you have a good first experience with a store, tell the owner, tell your friends, you might get a discount on your next purchase!