Next to bras, handbags are amongst every lady’s best friends. They hold her stuff and at times keep secrets. Handbags say much about the owner. That in turn means ladies have to ensure their bags say the right things about them or at least don’t paint them in a negative light. One way to do this is by carrying handbags made from African print fabric.These bags come in various sizes, including clutch bags. They are vibrant and multi-colouredThey can be combined with non-Khanga outfits to show elegance or to spice up the outfits. Most of them are fit with magnetic clasps to keep mobile phones, make-up kits and other things that seat in a lady’s handbag. They also come partitioned with sections to ensure easy arrangement of items in them.They are created to give satisfaction of uniqueness and to enable ladies to complement various styles and dress codes.Elia Gasana, a designer of the bags, says that most of them are custom fit or made in limited numbers. "Because of the many different prints, we design few of each print, which gives everyone a chance at uniqueness and to stand out. At times we throw in a bracelet of the same print to complement the bag,” she says.Maria Mukruziza, who runs a store in Kigali that sells these handbags, explains that the khanga bags could also be used to enhance one’s style. "These handbags can be carried during any season to add style into your attire and brighten your image. At times when the weather is dull, ladies wear trench coats that are quite dull; a Khanga bag can spark up an outfit. If well paired it could go with almost any outfit – formal and casual."Other bags are made from a blend of khanga and other materials like denim to avoid monotony, routine and make them stronger,” she says."We also embellish the bags with beads, shells and bones. The designer and the client have freedom to bring out their creativity.”Khanga handbags are easily foldable, light and can be carried in the pocket when going shopping. The fabrics used to make the bags are strong and do not tear easily. They are also easily washable because of their light fabric.In Kigali they cost between Rwf3,500 and Rwf10,000 depending on design, size and embellishments.