by Thomas Spronk | Jun 20, 2025 | Bags
It started in the factory. We were digging through stacks of cotton from past production runs, offcuts and rolls that didn’t quite match up but still had plenty of life in them. The goal, as always, was to work with what we had. No waste. As we began sorting and pairing, multiple color stories started to emerge, one of them dust orange and black. We started sketching designs based on what was available, not following trends, but letting material and vibes lead the way. Then came the birds.
Inspiration from Nature: The Red-Winged Starling
While flipping through sketches, I began to notice them -red-winged starlings- hopping around in the garden in the early mornings. All over the Cape Peninsula: the mountain edges, even in the heart of the city. They had this presence, confident but not showy, moving in pairs or small groups, especially at sunrise and sunset.
A color story started to emerge: orange, and what I initially thought was black turned out – as Dane pointed out – to be iridescent black, a color that appears black from certain angles but displays a spectrum of colors, particularly rainbow-like hues, when viewed from different angles or under varying light conditions.
In Afrikaans they’re called rooivlerkspreeu, and in Zulu and Xhosa, iSomi. They typically prefer cliffs and rocky mountain edges for nesting, but have gradually moved into towns and cities, drawn to high-rise buildings and ledges that mirror their original habitat. Just like our daily rhythms, they shift between natural spaces and urban ones, following patterns that feel both wild and familiar.
They were at the bakery, hopping onto tables, sneaking toward crumbs. Not aggressive, just sly and confident with respect to the environment. Cheeky. Unbothered. The red-winged starling is territorial, aggressive and intolerant when nesting, mind you. When not breeding, red-winged starlings are highly gregarious and will associate with other members of their species in large flocks. They are omnivores, taking a wide range of seeds, berries, nectar from plants such as Aloe and Schotia brachypetala, and invertebrates, such as the beetle species Pachnoda sinuata. They may take nestlings and adults of certain bird species, such as the African palm swift (source).
Birds and Symbols: What the Red-Winged Starling Represents
Only later did I learn that in many cultures, starlings are seen as symbols of change, a sign that something new is on the way. They’re often thought of as wise birds, messengers calling you to let go of emotional baggage, to clear space for new energy. Whether or not you lean into that symbolism, there’s something quietly powerful in that idea: the birds moving through space freely, reminding us that sometimes clarity comes not through control, but by observing.
We didn’t set out to make a bag based on a bird. But the colors we chose -orange, black, indigo- mirrored the starling perfectly. And the way these birds moved between city and wildness echoed how we live: bike rides, trail runs, ocean swims, steep hikes, followed by meetings, studio days, and errands in the city.
That’s when the bag became more than a design, it became part of a bigger rhythm. That’s something I love about working on Killat: the unexpected links. You start with offcut fabric. You go out and pay attention. And in that process, nature starts speaking back. You notice more. You learn as you go.
The Red-Winged Starling Bag is now available in two variations in our South African and international shops, and will soon be available in select stores around Cape Town, Johannesburg and Europe.
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New Moon front
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New Moon back
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Kota Moon front
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Kota Moon back
Please note: we’ve only produced 100 bags in total, so don’t wait too long if you’d like to get your hands on one.
🇿🇦SA Shop
+ Kota Moon (hip/sling/handlebar)
+ New Moon (hip/sling)
🇪🇺EU Shop
(pre-order, bags will be shipped/delivered by July 4th)
+ Kota Moon (hip/sling/handlebar)
+ New Moon (hip/sling)
Note: The red-winged starling is not endangered and can be a pest in some areas, raiding orchards and attacking people that wander too close to their nests. There are some birds that need help though. Consider supporting a fund like Birdlife SA or initiatives like the Cape Bird Club
Words by: Thomas
by Thomas Spronk | Nov 22, 2024 | Bags, News
Earlier this year, we met up with Xolani Nojekwa, also known as X.
Born and raised in Langa Township, with a home in Khayelitsha as well, Xolani is a multi-talented visual artist who practices art, filmmaking, and photography. He is also the founder and creative director of the streetwear brand MISUNDERSTOOD.
Xolani made his exhibition debut in 2020 at the prestigious Zeitz MOCAA in the Waterfront as part of the group show Home Is Where Art Is. This year, he was selected as one of Cape Town’s Emerging Artists.
Earlier this year, Xolani launched his first short film, YANA, which raises awareness about mental health issues. The film is inspired by a campaign he started in 2018, You Are Not Alone. Derived from this campaign, the film aims to shine a light on mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
At its core, YANA is more than just a film; it is a powerful message of solidarity and understanding. Having faced his own mental health challenges, Xolani serves as both a storyteller and advocate, weaving a narrative of empathy and resilience.
As a self-taught artist, Xolani’s work is driven by a deep passion and an ambition to become one of the greatest artists in South Africa and beyond. He also hopes to inspire children in his township to believe in themselves, follow their passions, and chase their dreams. His love for street culture is unmatched, and he continually strives to elevate the scene, providing more opportunities and access for other artists.
Be sure to follow MISUNDERSTOOD and support Xolani’s journey! ‘
Photos by Pang Isaac
Xolani wears the 2024 New Moon hip- and sling bag
With special thanks to Josefin Jinx
by Thomas Spronk | Jun 7, 2024 | Bags, News
It’s time for Drift Festival this weekend, and we are proud to release the custom New Moon hip bag we have created for our friends.
Drift is one of those festivals quite close to the heart. With the industrial Vasim in Nijmegen as a backdrop, the festival has been known for sailing its own course for almost 20 years, treating its visitors to fresh and always surprising electronic music acts. Quality over quantity, just the way we like it. This weekend marks the 12th edition of their spring festival and, needless to say, it’s sold out.
The New Moon is a hip/sling bag with a padded rear panel and wings for comfort. The bag is designed to carry essentials for daily use: cell phone, shopping bag, keys, and a snack. There are two main compartments, separating valuables from keys to avoid scratches.
For this limited edition collaboration, we decided to use a selection of the dyed colors that matched Drift’s past identities, resulting in a timeless bag that represents all seasons. The bags are handmade with 340 GSM cotton, woven and dyed in South Africa, which makes the New Moon durable with a soft feel. Waxing will make the bag water-resistant, so it can also be used during Herfstdrift festival in the fall.
This limited edition bag is not available online but only at the festival grounds. So if you’re one of the lucky ones with a ticket, make sure to visit the merchandise stand early in the day.
Photos by: Jurre Nieuwenhuis
With special thanks to Brent, Diede, Lizet and the rest of the Drift team.
by Thomas Spronk | May 8, 2024 | Bags, News
If you cycle or drive around the Cape Peninsula, you know Scarborough’s The Village Hub and its small coffee stop outside. Whether you’ve visited once or come there regularly, you know the guys and girls who serve you with a smile and attentiveness, never too busy for a short chat.
One of these guys is Rodney, who, like so many people in South Africa, came to the country at 17 looking for a job and landed one. When you visit The Hub, chances are great he’ll be around working the coffee machine. Since coming to Cape Town, Rodney has been gaining knowledge about what it takes to run a small business and saving money to start his own.
Malawi is best known for its agriculture, exporting goods like sugarcane, tea, potatoes, and tobacco to the rest of the world. The country is also home to several distinct coffee-growing regions. According to CoffeeWDY, “Malawi primarily cultivates Arabica coffee, known for its superior quality and distinct flavor profiles. Arabica coffee plants thrive in the high-altitude regions of Malawi, benefiting from the cool temperatures and adequate rainfall that contribute to the development of nuanced flavors in the beans. While other varieties, such as Robusta, are grown in the country, Arabica remains the dominant and sought-after variety for its exceptional cup quality.”
Maloto
2023 has been a tough year. As Rodney is from Blantyre, his family was heavily affected by Hurricane Freddy in the beginning of 2023. An uncle and three of his nephews died in the disaster and the storm wiped out his livestock, meaning seven caws. Additionally, he lost his brother, who was staying with him in Cape Town, in a fatal accident.
Rodney’s hometown Salima is near Lake Malawi National Park. Located at the southern end of the great expanse of Lake Malawi, with its deep, clear waters and mountain backdrop, the national park is home to many hundreds of fish species, nearly all endemic. Its importance for the study of evolution is comparable to that of the finches of the Galapagos Islands (source: Unesco).
Next July, Rodney is planning on going back to make Maloto (The Dream) a reality: a coffee shop of his own. You can show your support by donating any amount to his fundraiser campaign. In the meantime we dream about riding to Malawi from South Africa to end up at Lake Malawi shores.
Photos by Milan Goldbach
With specials thanks to Rodney and The Village Hub, Scarborough (Cape Town).
by Thomas Spronk | Dec 27, 2023 | Bags, Bikes, Events
The annual Bridges for Music x Amsterdam Dance Event charity ride aims to raise money for the Bridges Music Academy in Langa, South Africa, where over 200 young students in under-resourced communities receive free education that combines entrepreneurship, mindfulness, and music. This year’s trip took the riders from London to Amsterdam via France and Belgium in five windy stages, ending with a nice celebration dinner to kick-off the world’s leading electronic music event in style.
For this year’s cycle, we produced a limited edition version of the Kota Moon, using a thicker and even more durable cotton to create an all-black handlebar- and hip bag cut out for all weather and clubbing conditions. The bags are customized with an embroided ADE logo and Bridges for Music and ADE steel pins, all created in Cape Town.
Consider donating if you support the cause and movement, visit cycleformusic.com for more info about the project and the charity ride. Hat tips to Amsterdam Dance Event and Bridges for Music for making this collab happen. If you’re looking to get in touch with us about a custom bag, bike, shirt or other wild idea you can contact us via connect(at)killat.cc
Photos by Milan Goldbach
by Thomas Spronk | Jul 12, 2023 | Bags
When Middle-East based collective WAASTAA asked us to produce custom bags and pins we were stoked, to say the least. WAASTAA is an online social and creative networking service that showcases creative work from across the globe. Their Instagram profile is one of our go-to places for inspiration and features some of the best photographers and artists. Based on their briefing we came up with two shoots to capture the Cape Town vibe in a WAASTAA kind of way.
Shoot 1: Polony Gasby
A “Polony Gasby”, previously a South African, lower-cost workers snack bought at corner stores on the way to work. More recently its making its way to the “foodie” radar with multiple variations being made at markets and speciality stores. Similar to Durbans “Bunny Chow” and Johannesburg’s “Kota”.The pickup is Pang’s Nissan 1400 “Bakkie”, which was manufactured in South Africa from 1971 to 2008. For many a vital tool for any small business owner in South Africa. It contributes to Pangs hustle, for example: Pang moves coffee machines between his store and the markets.
In this shoot we mix many favourite regional elements. A young talent, fueling up in the warm CPT light for the mission ahead.
Shoot 2: Chess
Beach and Inge met for the first time, had some coffee and played a game of chess in the cobble streets of Bo-Kaap. This is a popular culture reference from other movies and shoots and religious references (woman and man in front of a Mosque who do not follow islam but are covered up).
We witness people from different backgrounds and views sharing a moment for the first time and potentially the last time. This community predominantly follows Islam, which was imported to the country with Slavery. The history of the country dictates that people were segregated not only by their colour but Religion too. The layout remains to this day, thankfully there is a change and religion is no longer a dividing factor.
Model: Inge Beckmann
Inge is a South African Actress, been in hollywood films (Escape Room, Scorpion King), most recently featured on Netflix horror movie “8”, which is featured in South Africa at the moment. Some in Cape Town remember Inge from an awesome Band called “Lark” and “BEAST” from the early 2000’s. Since then it appears as if her venture into film and music never revelented.
We bumped into her at a coffee shop a few weeks ago and her vibe was also interesting, another example of Cape town vibes. Josefin asked her to join the shoot, they clicked, and we got these images in Bo-Kaap.
Model: BEACH BODY
Comedian (and Agency owner) half Kenyan, half South African. A friend of Pangs coffee store (also Pangs Photography) We made him eat a Vegan Gatsby a little too early in the day, so thanks for putting up with that. His general vibe is badass.
Photographer: Pang
Pang is a professional photographer based in Cape Town, Barista winner, coffee shop owner and overall a great guy
Shoots produced by Jos
Jos (Josefin) remains pretty low-profile. Behind the camera BTS from her Fujifilm x100v and iphone for evening shoot (safety). Has a lot of experience in Business Strategy and with Brands but wants to get into film as a Producer.
Art direction/concept: Dane Zijlstra & Pang.
Client: WAASTAA
