WHY HANDMADE STILL MATTERS
Handmade leather craftsmanship plays a vital role in preserving South Africa’s cultural and artisanal heritage. The country has a long history of leatherworking that dates back centuries, rooted in indigenous practices and later influenced by colonial trade. Today, this tradition continues to thrive through skilled local artisans who bring craftsmanship and care to every piece.
At VERSE, we work closely with Cape Town’s leather artisans, ensuring that each handbag and accessory is carefully handcrafted. These traditional leather-making methods are simple but highly hands-on — every piece is hand-cut, hand-dyed, hand-glued, and stitched with precision.
This meticulous process allows for distinctive designs that are both original and meaningful, reflecting South Africa’s unique heritage while adapting to contemporary style.
By choosing handmade leather goods, customers support ethical production, slow fashion principles, and the preservation of traditional skills. Each VERSE bag tells a story — not just of style, but of culture, craftsmanship, and community.
Our collection of genuine leather handbags is available online, at our Cape Town studio, and at Oranjezicht Market every weekend.
