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The Ostrich Collection

The Ostrich Collection

Handcrafted Ostrich Leather Handbags

Timeless silhouettes crafted in Cape Town using ethically sourced South African ostrich leather, designed for women who value quiet luxury, exceptional craftsmanship, and enduring style.


Since 1972  •  Handmade in South Africa  •  Ethically Sourced Exotic Leather

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As featured in
  • Vogue
  • Business of Fashion
  • The Wall Street Journal
  • House and Leisure
  • The New York Times
The Atelier

Africa's longest-standing luxury leather atelier. The atelier behind Tiffany & Co., Michael Kors, and Marchesa.

Lolita in Oryx Ostrich and Natural Raffia
Lolita in Oryx Ostrich and Natural Raffia
Lolita in Oryx Ostrich and Natural Raffia
Lolita in Oryx Ostrich and Natural Raffia
Full ostrich body Oryx & Natural Raffia Handcrafted in South Africa Ships worldwide

Lolita in Oryx Ostrich & Natural Raffia

Best for · daily luxury, all-occasion

R 18,950
Or pay over 4 months 4 × R 4,737.50 · interest-free via Float (SA only)

Small multifunctional zip bag in Oryx Ostrich & raffia; which has an adjustable strap that can be worn as a wristlet or underarm bag.

What Makes This Piece Rare

  • Combines ostrich leather with handwoven raffia for rich textural contrast
  • Warm neutral Oryx tone transitions seamlessly across seasons and wardrobes
  • Signature Lolita shape designed for day-to-evening versatility
  • Adjustable strap allows shoulder, underarm, or wristlet styling
  • Handcrafted in Cape Town using locally sourced materials and artisanal techniques
  • Balances relaxed natural texture with elevated craftsmanship
Specifications
Style
Structured multifunctional shoulder bag
Size
Small
Dimensions
Height: 19 cm, Length: 23 cm, and Width: 11 cm
Interior
Leather and goat suede lining with interior pocket
Closure
Zip-top closure
Hardware
Gold or Silver
Material
Genuine Oryx ostrich leather and handwoven natural raffia
Origin
Handcrafted in Cape Town, South Africa
Warranty
6-month manufacturing warranty

Material note: The combination of raffia and ostrich leather reflects Cape Cobra’s ability to combine the natural materials into a classic style of handbag. The Raffia is handwoven and paired with carefully selected ostrich leathers to preserve the natural texture, unique leather pattern to every bag.

Worldwide delivery

Ships worldwide by FedEx Priority. Delivery within South Africa approx. one week — international 3–4 weeks. CITES paperwork handled. Duties payable by buyer on arrival (DDU).

Choose your hardware

Lolita in Edera Ostrich
Lolita in Edera Ostrich
Lolita in Edera Ostrich
Lolita in Edera Ostrich
Full ostrich body Edera — Forest Green ELSA member Handcrafted in South Africa

Lolita in Edera Ostrich

Best for · evening, light carry

R 22,950
Or pay over 4 months 4 × R 5,737.50 · interest-free via Float (SA only)

Made in Cape Town from locally sourced ostrich leather, the Lolita in Edera offers a clean and timeless take on a compact multifunctional zipper bag.
Designed with versatility in mind, the adjustable strap allows it to be worn in four different ways, making it suitable across a range of occasions.

What Makes This Piece Rare

  • Vibrant green tones enhance the natural beauty of the ostrich leather
  • A statement colourway that remains timeless and refined
  • Adjustable bag can be styled as a shoulder bag, underarm bag, or wristlet
  • Ostrich finish gives the piece a highly unique feel within the Lolita Collection
  • Handcrafted in Cape Town using carefully selected specialty leather
  • Designed for versatility without compromising craftsmanship.
Specifications
Style
Structured shoulder bag.
Size
Small
Dimensions
Height: 19 cm, Length: 23 cm, and Width: 11 cm
Strap
Adjustable shoulder strap included
Interior
Leather and goat suede lining with interior pocket
Closure
Zip closure
Hardware
Gold or Silver
Material
Genuine ostrich leather in Edera colourway
Colour
Vibrant green
Origin
Handcrafted in Cape Town, South Africa
Warranty
6-month manufacturing warranty

Material note: The Edera colourway was developed to enhance the natural dimension of full-quill ostrich leather. Each Ostrich Skin absorbs the tanning process differently, creating subtle tonal variation that gives every piece individuality while preserving the organic character of the skin.

Worldwide delivery

Ships worldwide by FedEx Priority. Delivery within South Africa approx. one week — international 3–4 weeks. CITES paperwork handled. Duties payable by buyer on arrival (DDU).

Choose your hardware

Lolita in Lilac Ostrich
Lolita in Lilac Ostrich
Lolita in Lilac Ostrich
Lolita in Lilac Ostrich
Full ostrich body Lilac — Autumn 2026 Limited batch CITES certified

Lolita in Lilac Ostrich

Best for · work, travel, daily essentials

R 22,950
Or pay over 4 months 4 × R 5,737.50 · interest-free via Float (SA only)

Handcrafted in Cape Town, the Lolita in lilac ostrich leather is a compact and versatile multifunctional zipbag designed for everyday ease.

What Makes This Piece Rare

  • The lilac tones bring out the natural depth of ostrich leather under changing light
  • Warm undertones keep the colour sophisticated and wearable
  • Produced in limited quantities using carefully selected specialty leathers
  • Structured bag transitions effortlessly from day to evening
  • Adjustable strap allows versatile styling options
  • Handcrafted in Cape Town with a focus on material quality and finish consistency
Specifications
Style
Structured multifunctional shoulder bag
Size
Medium
Dimensions
Height: 19 cm, Length: 23 cm, and Width: 11 cm
Strap
Adjustable shoulder strap included
Interior
Leather and goat suede lining with interior pocket
Closure
Zip closure
Hardware
Gold or Silver
Material
Genuine ostrich leather in Lilac colourway
Colour
Lilac
Origin
Handcrafted in Cape Town, South Africa
Warranty
6-month manufacturing warranty

Material note: Lighter ostrich tones require a highly selective tanning process, as natural variation becomes more visible in pale colourways. The Lilac finish was developed to preserve warmth and softness while allowing the natural quill pattern to remain refined and understated.

Worldwide delivery

Ships worldwide by FedEx Priority. Delivery within South Africa approx. one week — international 3–4 weeks. CITES paperwork handled. Duties payable by buyer on arrival (DDU).

Choose your hardware

Esme in Astrale Ostrich
Esme in Astrale Ostrich
Esme in Astrale Ostrich
Esme in Astrale Ostrich
Full Ostrich Astrale — Blue Grey Structured Silhouette CITES certified

Esme in Astrale Ostrich

Best for · events, gifting, second bag

R 26,950
Or pay over 4 months 4 × R 6,737.50 · interest-free via Float (SA only)

Handcrafted in Cape Town, the Esme in Astrale Ostrich leather is designed for everyday with a soft, structured silhouette.

What Makes This Piece Rare

  • The rope handle adds a distinctive design element, while the magnetic closure allows for easy access.
  • A back pocket and interior compartments provide practical organisation, with a detachable strap for crossbody wear.
  • Astrale colourway adds a playful element to the bag.
  • Spacious enough for everyday essentials while maintaining a polished shape.
  • Adjustable shoulder strap provides comfortable daily wear.
  • Handcrafted in Cape Town using carefully selected exotic hides.
Specifications
Style
Structured shoulder bag
Size
Medium
Dimensions
Height without handle: 18.5 cm Height with handle: 30 cm Length: 30 cm Width: 10 cm
Strap
Adjustable shoulder strap included
Interior
Leather and goat suede-lined interior with pockets
Closure
Magnetic closure
Hardware
Gold or Silver
Material
Full ostrich leather
Colour
Astrale blue
Origin
Handcrafted in Cape Town, South Africa
Warranty
6-month manufacturing warranty

Material note: Astrale has cool blue soft tones, creating subtle tonal movement across the natural quill texture of the ostrich leather. Each specialty leather is individually matched to maintain consistency while preserving the organic character unique to genuine specialty leathers.

Worldwide delivery

Ships worldwide by FedEx Priority. Delivery within South Africa approx. one week — international 3–4 weeks. CITES paperwork handled. Duties payable by buyer on arrival (DDU).

Choose your hardware

Payment plan

Own it now. Pay over 4 months,
interest-free.


We partner with Float — a South African card-based plan that splits any order over R 8,000 into four equal monthly instalments. No interest. No new account. The card you already have.

BagTotalPer month × 4
Lolita in Oryx Ostrich & Natural RaffiaR 18,950R 4,737.50
Lolita in Edera OstrichR 22,950R 5,737.50
Lolita in Lilac OstrichR 22,950R 5,737.50
Esme in Astrale OstrichR 26,950R 6,737.50

Available on orders over R 8,000 · South Africa only · Subject to Float approval.

See how Float works →

Not mass-produced. Not imported.

Made here. The way it has been
since 1972.


One atelier. One address. Since 1972.

Every Cape Cobra bag is cut, stitched, lined, and finished at 43 Bree Street, Cape Town. We have never opened a second workshop and we never will.


Eleven artisans. Every bag is signed.

Our makers' names are inside every bag. If you ever bring it back — for repair, for re-lining, for a question — the maker is still here.


Lifetime repair, in-house.

Stitching, lining, hardware re-plating, edge re-painting — all done at cost in the same workshop that built the bag.


Traceable to a single farm.

Every hide is CITES-papered and routed from a single Klein Karoo partner farm. We have visited it. We can put you on a plane to visit it too.


Worn by three generations.

Our oldest serviced bag is from 1981. The original owner's granddaughter brought it in last winter. It went home re-lined.


Made in weeks, not minutes.

A Lolita takes 22 hours of skilled work. We make four a week. We will not be made faster, and we will not be made more.


The first Cape Cobra opened on Long Street in 1972, three doors down from a tailor and a hatmaker. Both have since closed. We are still here.

The atelier

43 Bree Street, Cape Town. Come and hold one before you decide.


An exotic leather bag is hard to buy from a photograph. Visit the workshop — we will pour you something, lay out the hides, and let you make up your mind in person.

Mon–Fri 9am – 6pm

Sat–Sun 9am – 3pm

One Cape Town atelier

Questions

Questions we hear often.


Can I return my bag if I change my mind?

We want you to love this bag for decades, which means we want you to be certain before you order, not after. Because each piece is made to order for you specifically, we are unable to accept returns for change of mind or preference once your order is confirmed. So please, ask us everything first. Our team is on WhatsApp and responds promptly, usually within a few hours during business hours. We are also at the atelier six days a week. There is no such thing as too many questions when it is a decision this considered.

What if my bag arrives with a manufacturing defect?

If you believe your bag has a manufacturing defect, contact us within 6 months of purchase. Once we have assessed and confirmed the fault, we will arrange a repair or exchange. To be eligible, the item must be returned with proof of purchase, in clean condition, and the issue must be a verifiable manufacturing fault — not wear and tear, misuse, or damage caused after delivery. All returns go through a quality inspection before a resolution is confirmed.

What is the warranty on my bag?

All Cape Cobra bags include a 6-month manufacturing warranty under the Consumer Protection Act. This covers verifiable manufacturing defects only, not wear and tear, misuse, improper care, or damage caused after delivery. Sale items are final sale and not covered by the return or refund policy, though the manufacturing warranty still applies.

How long does delivery take?

In-stock bags leave the atelier within 3–4 working days of payment confirmation. Within South Africa, deliveries are signed-for and typically arrive within a week.

International orders travel by FedEx Priority and take 3–4 weeks from dispatch, depending on your destination and customs clearance times. Made-to-order or bespoke pieces take 6–10 weeks in production before dispatch.

All shipments, domestic and international, are fully insured in transit until signed for at your door. We handle all CITES export paperwork where applicable. You will receive tracking details as soon as your bag leaves 43 Bree Street.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, ostrich and ostrich leg ship worldwide. Crocodile is more restricted by international trade regulations; we ship crocodile pieces to South Africa and the United States only.

We ship on a DDU basis; Delivery Duty Unpaid. This means import duties, customs charges, and any local taxes applicable in your country are the responsibility of the buyer and are payable on arrival. These vary by country and are outside our control; we recommend checking your local customs rates before ordering.

We handle all CITES export paperwork in full — every hide is documented and traceable. For first-time international orders, we will ask for written confirmation that you understand the DDU terms before we dispatch. This protects you as much as us.

If your country is not listed in our standard destinations, contact us — we will do our best to find a route to you.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping costs are calculated individually per order based on your destination and the size of the parcel. Your shipping cost will be confirmed with you before your order is processed — there are no surprise charges after you commit. If you have a question about estimated shipping to your country before ordering, contact us and we will give you a figure upfront.

Is my order insured during shipping?

Yes. Every Cape Cobra shipment is fully insured against loss, theft or accidental damage in transit. This coverage is valid until the parcel has been signed for at your delivery address. Once signed for, the order is no longer covered by shipping insurance. All deliveries require a signature — please ensure someone is available at your shipping address to receive the parcel. If a third party will be signing on your behalf, please let us know their name when placing your order.

Are your exotic leathers legally sourced and certified?

Yes. All Cape Cobra exotic leather products are CITES certified — meaning every hide is documented, traceable, and compliant with international wildlife trade regulations. Cape Cobra is also a member of ELSA (Exotic Leather South Africa), the industry body that governs responsible sourcing standards for exotic leather in South Africa. Every bag ships with the relevant CITES export documentation where required by your destination country.

Is the Float payment plan available to me?

Float is available to South African residents on any order over R8,000 using a Visa or Mastercard. It splits your total into four equal monthly instalments, interest-free, with no new account required. Approval takes approximately 90 seconds at checkout. Float is not available for international orders.

How do I contact you?

We are available in whichever way works best for you.

WhatsApp: +27 60 646 6704 — our team responds promptly, usually within a few hours during business hours.
Email: sales@capecobra.com
Mobile: +27 60 646 6704
Phone: +27 21 415 3440
In person: 43 Bree Street, 1st Floor, Cape Town City Centre, South Africa.

Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm Saturday and Sunday 9am – 3pm

If you are considering a purchase and want to see the hides or hold a bag before you decide, you are welcome to visit the atelier any time during opening hours — no appointment needed.

Our Story

Our story

Third-generation. Women-led.
Africa's oldest luxury leather atelier.


It begins in the 1950s — Lothar Schäfer, a German-trained master artisan, and his wife Denise, of Franco-Italian and Lebanese descent, building their first bags together in a Cape Town home workshop. In 1972, that workshop became Cape Cobra Leathercraft.

Today, Justine Schäfer leads as third-generation Managing Director, alongside 65 artisans who still make every bag from source to stitch entirely in South Africa.

"Manufacturing an exotic leather handbag is an intricate and timely process — not only because it is handmade, but because each skin is unique in its patterns, scale composition, and scars."
— Justine Schäfer, Managing Director
ELSA member CITES certified By appointment to HRH

Stay in touch

Colourways that exist today
may not be available in three months.

Every six weeks we send a short letter: what's on the cutting table, which hides have just arrived, what's leaving the collection. No discount codes. No marketing.

No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Still deciding? We would love to help.

An exotic-leather bag is a 30-year decision. Take it slowly. We will answer any question, in any channel — without trying to close the sale.