Bubblegum Leather is a South-African leather brand. Shiraz Parker, founder and owner, welcomed us into his inner sanctuary and the place where the magic happens. Annette spoke to him at his Cape Town home, from where he currently works.
Where lies success?
How do you measure success? By the car you drive or the house you live in? Does your bank balance or your cash flow determine how successful you are? For Shiraz Parker it lies in the joy of producing a bespoke end-result product. Shiraz is no stranger to hardship. His life has taken its share of wrong turns, injustice and failure. He does not like to dwell on the past but, instead prefers to use life’s lessons in guiding him towards the future. It is difficult not to be inspired by his words:
“Your success comes from failures and the success of others should make you want to get up, do and achieve your own successes.”
Shiraz
The craftsman with the humble hands
Shiraz is an international award winning craftsman. He always had an interest and passion for fashion and more specifically handbags and luggage. He took a bold step and went to Paris in 2014. It is here where his journey in becoming a leather craftsman started. Shiraz admits that his persistence won him an internship in a prominent fashion house. This Parisian fashion house was established in 1837. The Master Craftsmen here concentrate on hand-made premium quality leather craft. He worked here for two years before returning to
South Africa where he worked with other brands, focusing on pattern and design. The Bubblegum Leather brand officially launched two and a half years ago.
Today Parker is proudly part of the Master Craftsmen Guild. (International Leather Craftsmen Society based in Paris) Shiraz still values and speaks highly of his mentors who
taught him the secrets of the craft. He believes that there is a thin line between pride and arrogance and strives to make each product a piece of true craftsmanship.
“Mastery begins with humility.”
Robin Emerson
He admits that his wife Naeemah, also an artist, is not only his muse and design inspiration, but is also the one that keeps him grounded. He values her input and advice. We can let you in on a secret – there is a baby on its way for the couple.
New York and success
For a South African brand to feature in a high-end store in New York, it is probably one of the greatest honors and some might even see it as a clear definition of success. For Shiraz it means the opportunity to showcase the best of what Bubblegum Leather has to offer and show off the true art of handmade products with a South African label. I believe that this will only pave the way for this brand to receive the recognition it deserves.
The brand will proudly be seen the ‘Flying Solo’ store from early May when Shiraz and the specially chosen range will arrive in New York.
What next?
Although Shiraz aims to focus on building the brand and grow its visibility in Europe, he also wants to plough back into the South African community and help others develop into leather craftsmen. If Shiraz can help develop more entrepreneurs like himself, I see a bright future for South African designers and craftsmen.
Where to find Bubblegum Leather?
Their website is still in the developing phases but you can follow Bubblegum Leather on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bubblegum_leather/ and e-mail: leatherbubblegum@gmail.com
I would like to thank Shiraz and Naeemah for their hospitality and allowing myself and our photographer Elmarie du Preez into their home.