Hanneli Rupert of Okapi which was created with a view to being one of Africa’s first true luxury brands

The mythical African unicorns – known in South Africa as ‘Okapi’ – have magic about them.  So it was not so surprising to see that designer Hanneli Rupert had waved her wand over an art gallery in London’s Percy Street – to turn it into a pop up weekend shop.

Okapi’s London Pop-up shop

For just four days, the handbags will be on display until 6 pm on Monday:  totes in the African continent’s blesbok leather or ostrich, each with the brand’s signature hardware – Springbok horns dangling from a gold- plated chain.

‘It’s about exotic skins – but keeping them sustainable,’ says Hanneli, who says that every element of an Okapi bag is traceable, sustainable and ethically sourced.

100% of the chains, horns, labels, leathers, linings and packaging are made and sourced in South Africa.

The designer’s passion for her native South Africa led her to open a Cape Town store called Merchants on Long. But her plan is to expand, with a permanent store in London as the first of a discreet retail roll out.

Hanneli’s bag brand mixes the unique and exotic with details such as Springbok horns to make them stand out.

Bringing Africa to the UK means introducing signature rich colours from bark brown, through burning sun yellow to Limpopo river green for sturdy bags and sleek wallets.

For those who miss the pop up, Okapi is for sale on line at www.okapi.com