Introducing: ZuluCow
We here at Onin.London love companies that are sustainable and give back to the community. Zulucow is one such brand.
Zulucow is a brand which offers a range of bags, interiors, rugs and accessories made in collaboration with a group of talented artisans in South Africa. Every item is made from by-products of the food industry so nothing goes to waste. The range also creates sustainable employment opportunities and skills development in rural communities. Products range from £10 – £1000+ and include key rings, bags, coin purses and more.
Lucy Land, the Zulucow Founder states “I spent my childhood in South Africa, so have always been passionate about the rich cultural heritage and artisanal talent pool there. Zulucow was inspired by my desire to help create sustainable employment opportunities and skills development in rural communities where poverty is rife, with unemployment well over 60%. Before founding Zulucow, I was very fortunate to have enjoyed a career in television, as a producer for BBC Sport and freelance camerawoman and producer for Racing Post TV. But with a young family, I decided to re-think my career path and try something new. During a family trip home to South Africa, I was struck by the distinctive indigenous Nguni cowhides I noticed for sale in small road-side stalls. I bought a Nguni cowhide rug, bag and belt home and they repeatedly attracted admiring glances and compliments back in the UK. And Zulucow was born! Over the last seven years, I’ve worked closely with a talented team of Zulu artisans who are the beating heart of the business: Thandi, Gcinile, Nellie, Khethiwe, Bheki and Nomzamo. Together, we’ve designed, honed and developed Zulucow’s cowhide bags, interiors, rugs and accessories. We use hides that are a natural by-product of the existing food industry and we are careful that nothing goes to waste, so off-cuts are used for doorstops, key rings, purses and smaller items. With an increased concern for the sustainability and provenance of what we buy, I’m proud to say that Zulucow’s range is made from by-products of the traditional food industry in South Africa.”
I was lucky enough to be sent a gorgeous cowhide makeup bag which definitely comes in handy during my many travels. The quality is suburb and I love that inside the bag was a card saying who had made my bag by hand. It added that extra special touch.The cosmetic bags are priced at £45 and the website says customers have also used them as a clutch.
With Christmas coming up, it’s the perfect time to visit www.zulucow.co.uk to find out more and explore the full range.You can also follow Zulucow on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
