this is the fourth instalment of VISITS, a series in collaboration with Monya Eastman.
there’s a Mungo and Jemima store just around the corner from my office in Cape Town’s city centre, and so i usually find myself popping in there in-between errands and lunch runs. the last few times i have agonised over this coat by Coppelia (which will make you channel Olivia Pope). i always try it on and then sadly put back on the rack because, let’s face it, i have too many coats. so it was nice to meet the woman behind this inspiring local brand, as well as the lovely women who work with her in the Coppelia studio in the east side of Cape Town.
Coppelia
Words: Monya Eastman
When you look at Kirsty Bannerman you can hear Arcade Fire playing. She’s all fairytale-fiery. Or you can just as easily imagine her going to war alongside Kaleesi in Game of Thrones. This is what that hair inspires. But enough about that. Apart from having great hair, Kirsty is the business and design brain behind clothing brand Coppelia and co-owns Cape Town’s iconic fashion store Mungo & Jemima. Her designs are playful and fresh and all locally made in her Harrington Street studio. Unlike so many other designers, she has a hand in every part of the creation process, from the design stage to pattern-making, fabric printing and selecting all the trims – to finally making every garment alongside her talented team of seamstresses.
When Kirsty is not designing clothes she is mom to Jemima Lily and partner to creative other half Peter Eastman. I look forward to seeing her wedding dress for their upcoming wedding – they’re tying the knot after 10 years of being together. Hurrah!
Shop Coppelia online at Mungo & Jemima, or their stores in Long St. and the Watershed, and The Space.
styling: Monya Eastman | Photos: Miss Moss