Cape Cobra Leathercraft is a third-generation family-run business with 50 years of luxury artisanal excellence. Established in 1972, the brand’s name pays homage to the Cape Cobra snake, native to the city of Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Cobra Leathercraft found international acclaim in the 1990’s and has since become Africa’s largest exporter of luxury exotic leather goods, manufacturing for some of the world’s top international design houses, including Tiffany & Co., Judith Leiber, and Michael Kors Collection. Their distinguished collectors and clientele adore the brand for its timeless luxury, refined designs and impeccable craftsmanship. Wearing a piece from the atelier is an eloquent expression in the art of eternal style.

The Schäfer Family

With the vision of being the first to produce the finest luxury exotic leather goods in Africa, Denise Schäfer and the late Lothar Schäfer embarked upon a courageous journey down the continent, bringing classical European skills and influence along with them. At the very southernmost tip of Africa, they found the meaning of home and prosperity in Cape Town.

Lothar and Denise’s legacy continues to thrive in the hands of their son, Robert, a second-generation master artisan with over four decades of experience as well as Justine, a third-generation and Creative Director with over thirteen years of experience. Together, they oversee 65 South African artisans and continue to instill the unwavering quality, pursuit of beauty and age-old traditions of the handcraft brought to them all by Lothar and Denise.

The Raw Materials

Nile Crocodile, Ostrich, Python and Asian Vine Snakeskins make up the range of exotic leathers used to handcraft into unique designs by Cape Cobra’s artisans. The atelier sources its raw materials from trusted farms throughout South Africa and the Far East, with a focus on sustainability, transparency and traceability.

The Products

What gives Cape Cobra Leathercraft’s pieces their elegance and depth is the poetry of the past combined with meticulous moments spent in the present, concentrating on elevating the raw materials available today. Cape Cobra Leathercraft’s collection of designs include day and evening bags, business accessories and small leather goods. Each item made by the atelier can be embossed with personalized lettering, using gold or silver leaf for an individualized touch. The brand’s atelier showcases all styles available to be made bespoke by the artisans, with your choice of skins and hardware. The highest form of luxury is to take part in the customization of such a valuable purchase, knowing that only one exists in the world.

The Ethics of Luxury

The sustainable practices upheld by Cape Cobra Leathercraft is what sets them apart against the backdrop of the global luxury exotic leather goods market. The company respects all protected species and obtains its exotic skins under the strict laws and regulations of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which ensures the sustainability of international trade in wildlife.

These standards and practices allow for the clientele of Cape Cobra Leathercraft to feel at ease purchasing their beloved pieces, knowing they are handcrafted using ethically farmed exotic skins. Cape Cobra Leathercraft is a pioneer in their industry for building ethics, provenance and preservation into their brand philosophy. Cape Cobra Leathercraft feels just as strongly about preserving the fine techniques used during production as they feel about the sustainability of the skins being sourced.

The Future Outlook

Looking forward to the brand’s next 50 years, Cape Cobra Leathercraft has embraced the fresh energy of its third-generation family member, who is committed to steering the brand towards a sustainable future. With further penetration into the US market, Cape Cobra Leathercraft will strengthen its focus on transparency and traceability by providing insight into best practices, including the entire value chain from farming, tanning, to the artisans who passionately create the CCL collection pieces.

Paving the way for African luxury design, Cape Cobra Leathercraft is committed to paying homage to its classic style, while incorporating contemporary and innovative design techniques that appeal to a younger audience. Through continued job creation, empowerment, and community upliftment, the brand endeavours to continue making an impactful difference to the lives of the South African artisans who handcraft its products.