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Ostrich Leg Specialist
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The Atelier

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

Picco in Clemaris Ostrich Leg
Picco in Clemaris Ostrich Leg
Picco in Clemaris Ostrich Leg
Picco in Clemaris Ostrich Leg
Ostrich Leg leather Clemaris colourway Signature wooden handle Pay via Float

Picco in Clemaris Ostrich Leg

Best for · daily luxury, all-occasion

R 24,950
Or pay over 4 months 4 × R 6,237.50 · interest-free via Float (SA only)

Medium wooden top handle bag with a double gusset feature.

What Makes This Piece Rare

  • Ostrich leg leather creates bold scaled texture and visual depth
  • Signature wooden handle makes the bag instantly recognisable
  • Structured shape balances statement craftsmanship with timeless refinement
  • Includes removable crossbody strap for versatile styling
  • Handcrafted in Cape Town using carefully selected specialty leathers.
Specifications
Style
Small wooden top-handle bag
Size
Small
Dimensions
10cm × 22cm × 15 cm
Strap
Removable crossbody strap included
Interior
Leather and goat suede lining with interior pockets
Closure
Double gusset with clasp closure
Hardware
Gold or Silver
Material
Genuine ostrich leg leather
Origin
Handcrafted in Cape Town, South Africa
Sourcing
CITES certified · ELSA member
Warranty
6-month manufacturing warranty

Material note: Ostrich Leg leather is more glossy than full quill or semi quill ostrich leather, with each skin being unique. Over time, the leather develops a richer patina while maintaining its sculptural texture and character.

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

Fringe Lolita in Thyme Suede and Olive Ostrich Leg
Fringe Lolita in Thyme Suede and Olive Ostrich Leg
Fringe Lolita in Thyme Suede and Olive Ostrich Leg
Fringe Lolita in Thyme Suede and Olive Ostrich Leg
Ostrich leg leather Olive & Thyme Hand-cut fringe Pay via Float

Fringe Lolita in Thyme Suede & Olive Ostrich Leg

Best for · events, gifting, second bag

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

Small multifunctional zip bag in with fringe in Thyme Suede & Olive Ostrich Leg leather; which has an adjustable strap that can be worn as a wristlet or underarm bag.

What Makes This Piece Rare

  • Combines ostrich leg leather, suede, and handcrafted fringe in one distinctive design
  • Olive and Thyme tones create a refined earthy palette
  • Ostrich leg leather offers a shinier texture than ostrich quill
  • Fringe detail adds playful movement while maintaining a structured bag
  • Adjustable strap allows multiple styling options
  • Handcrafted in Cape Town in limited small-batch production
Specifications
Style
Structured shoulder bag with fringe detail
Size
Small
Dimensions
Height in 19cm; 23cm in Length ; 11cm in Width
Strap
Adjustable shoulder strap included
Interior
Leather and goat suede lining with interior pocket
Closure
Zip-top closure
Hardware
Gold or Silver
Primary material
Genuine ostrich leg leather in Olive
Secondary material
Thyme suede trim
Detail
Hand-cut leather fringe
Origin
Handcrafted in Cape Town, South Africa
Warranty
6-month manufacturing warranty

Material note: Ostrich leg leather has a semi-gloss finish with distinct scaled patterning. The fringe is cut from the same leather as the body of the bag, creating visual consistency while highlighting the artisanal craftsmanship behind each piece.

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

Mini Picco in Mango Ostrich Leg
Mini Picco in Mango Ostrich Leg
Mini Picco in Mango Ostrich Leg
Mini Picco in Mango Ostrich Leg
Ostrich Leg leather Mango colourway Signature wooden handle Pay via Float

Mini Picco in Mango Ostrich Leg

Best for · work, travel, daily essentials

R 21,950
Or pay over 4 months 4 × R 5,487.50 · interest-free via Float (SA only)

Handcrafted in Cape Town, the Mini Picco in mango ostrich leg leather offers a more textured and distinctive take on our icon bag.

What Makes This Piece Rare

  • Compact scale makes the Picco lighter and more wearable
  • Ostrich leg leather offers a glossy architectural texture distinct from classic ostrich
  • Mango tone deepens beautifully with wear and time
  • Signature wooden handle gives the bag recognisable Cape Cobra character
  • Includes removable crossbody strap for styling flexibility
  • Handcrafted in Cape Town in small-batch production
Specifications
Style
Mini top-handle bag
Size
Small
Dimensions
Height: 12 cm ; Width: 18 cm ; Depth: 9 cm
Strap
Removable crossbody strap included
Interior
Leather and goat suede lining with interior pockets
Closure
Double gusset with clasp closure
Hardware
Gold or Silver
Material
Genuine ostrich leg leather in Mango
Origin
Handcrafted in Cape Town, South Africa
Sourcing
CITES certified · ELSA member
Warranty
6-month manufacturing warranty

Material note: Mango amplifies the natural scale variation of ostrich leg leather, giving the surface a vibrant richness in changing light.

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

Freye in Godiva Ostrich Leg
Freye in Godiva Ostrich Leg
Freye in Godiva Ostrich Leg
Ostrich Leg leather Godiva colourway Top-handle clutch Pay via Float

Freye in Godiva Ostrich Leg

Best for · events, gifting, second bag

R 22,500
Or pay over 4 months 4 × R 5,625 · interest-free via Float (SA only)

Rectangular top handle clutch in Godiva Ostrich Leg with a decorative flap detail.

What Makes This Piece Rare

  • Godiva colourway pairs effortlessly across seasons and wardrobes
  • Structured silhouette softens the graphic texture of the leather elegantly
  • Glossy finish develops added richness and character over time
  • Handcrafted in Cape Town using carefully selected specialty leathers
  • Designed for clients seeking a discreet interpretation of specialty leather
Specifications
Style
Rectangular top-handle clutch
Size
Small
Dimensions
Height: 14cm; Width: 27cm; Depth: 4cm
Interior
Goat suede lining with interior pockets
Closure
Magnetic flap closure
Hardware
Gold or Silver
Material
Genuine ostrich leg leather in Godiva
Sourcing
CITES certified · ELSA member
Origin
Handcrafted in Cape Town, South Africa
Warranty
6-month manufacturing warranty

Material note: Ostrich leg leather is recognised for its unique texture and glossy finish, creating a standout piece. The Godiva colourway enhances the natural beauty of the scales while developing added richness through regular wear.

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
Picco in Clemaris Ostrich LegR 24,950R 6,237.50
Fringe Lolita in Thyme Suede & Olive Ostrich LegR 22,950R 5,737.50
Mini Picco in Mango Ostrich LegR 21,950R 5,487.50
Freye in Godiva Ostrich LegR 22,500R 5,625

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.