Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. Among the hustle and bustle of the City, there are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered – locally made products that showcase the talent and ingenuity of Cape Town’s creatives.
From handcrafted ceramics and textiles to unique jewellery and leather goods, these products capture the essence of Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage.
They are not just beautiful objects but also tell the stories of the people who make them, the traditions they follow and the landscapes that inspire them.
Here are some of the loveliest locally made products:
1. Ardmore Ceramic Art
Ardmore Ceramic Art was founded in 1985 by ceramic artist Fee Halsted, who was inspired by Zulu culture and traditions. Over the years, Ardmore has grown to become a hub of creativity and talent, with a team of over 80 artisans and designers.
One of Ardmore’s specialties is hand-painted textiles, including tablecloths, cushions and tea towels. The designs are inspired by the flora and fauna of Africa, with a focus on bright colours and intricate patterns. Each piece is hand-painted by Ardmore’s skilled artisans, making each piece unique and one-of-a-kind.
Ardmore’s ceramics are also highly sought-after, featuring a range of whimsical and fantastical designs. The pieces are often inspired by African folklore, with animals such as zebras, elephants and monkeys featuring prominently in the designs.
The pieces are handcrafted using traditional techniques, including coil-building and hand-painting, and are fired in kilns at high temperatures.
2. Carole Nevin Designs
Carole Nevin Designs is a Cape Town-based studio that specialises in handwoven textiles, using a combination of natural fibres such as silk and cotton.
One of the unique features of Carole Nevin Designs is the use of traditional African patterns and motifs in their designs. These patterns are often inspired by the landscapes and cultures of South Africa, including the bright colours and intricate beadwork.
Carole Nevin Designs also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical production, using natural fibres that are environmentally friendly, and hand weaving on traditional looms to reduce its carbon footprint.
The brand also works with local artisans and weavers, providing employment opportunities and supporting the local economy.
3. Imiso Ceramics
Imiso Ceramics is a boutique ceramics studio that draws inspiration from the natural world. The designs are intricately detailed and often incorporate a mix of textures and colours, creating unique and eye-catching pieces.
Imiso Ceramics also places a strong emphasis on the handmade nature of their products. Each piece is individually handcrafted using traditional ceramic techniques, including hand-building, throwing and glazing. The studio’s artisans are highly skilled and take great care in producing each piece, ensuring that every item is of the highest quality.
The studio’s products include a range of ceramic homeware and decorative objects, including vases, bowls, plates and sculptures. The products are sold in the studio in Cape Town, as well as in various shops and galleries around South Africa and internationally.
Imiso Ceramics has won numerous awards for its innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship.
4. Clementina Ceramics
Clementina Ceramics is a small ceramics studio based in Woodstock that specialises in functional and decorative ceramic objects, including bowls, plates, mugs and vases.
Every piece is handcrafted using traditional ceramic techniques and often features clean lines and simple shapes, making them versatile and timeless.
One of the hallmarks of Clementina Ceramics is its use of locally sourced materials. The studio uses a range of South African clay, including Cape red, West Coast white, and Natal white, all of which give the pieces a unique and distinctive character.
Clementina Ceramics has gained a notable reputation for its commitment to sustainability and ethical production.
Also read: 5 sustainable South African beauty brands you should look out for
5. Pichulik
Pichulik is a Cape Town-based jewellery brand known for its bold statement pieces, which often feature unique and unexpected combinations of materials.
One of the hallmarks of Pichulik is the use of natural materials such as rope, leather and brass, which are often combined with semi-precious stones and other embellishments. The brand’s jewellery is known for its eclectic mix of colours and textures, as well as its innovative use of knots, braids and other textile techniques.
Pichulik’s jewellery pieces are all handmade by local artisans, with a focus on ethical and sustainable production. The brand works with small-scale suppliers and sources materials locally where possible.
The artisans who create Pichulik’s jewellery are often women from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with employment opportunities and empowering them through skills training.
6. Dear Rae Jewellery
Dear Rae is a Cape Town-based jewellery brand known for its minimalist and contemporary designs, which often feature natural and organic shapes inspired by nature.
Dear Rae’s jewellery pieces, made from a variety of materials, are all handcrafted in its Cape Town studio, using traditional jewellery-making techniques such as casting, fabrication and hand-finishing.
One of the hallmarks of Dear Rae is its commitment to sustainability and ethical production. The brand uses recycled metals and ethically sourced stones wherever possible, reducing its impact on the environment and supporting responsible mining practices.
Dear Rae also works with local artisans and suppliers, supporting the local economy and promoting job creation.
7. Missibaba
Missibaba is a Cape Town-based luxury accessories brand known for its bold, colourful and intricately crafted handbags and accessories. Missibaba’s products are all handmade by skilled artisans in its Cape Town studio, using traditional leather-working techniques.
One of the distinctive traits of Missibaba is its use of bold and playful designs, often featuring intricate patterns, beading and embroidery. The brand draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including African textiles, traditional crafts and contemporary art.
Missibaba’s product range includes a variety of handbags, clutches, wallets, belts and other accessories, as well as custom-made pieces.
The brand has gained a loyal following both locally and internationally, with its products being worn by celebrities such as Solange Knowles and Alicia Keys.
8. Cape Cobra Leathercraft
Cape Cobra Leathercraft is a Cape Town-based luxury leather accessories brand celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The brands products are all handmade in its Cape Town studio, using traditional leather-working techniques.
Cape Cobra Leathercraft is committed to ethical and sustainable production. The brand sources all of its materials from suppliers who comply with local and international wildlife and environmental regulations.
Its product range includes a variety of handbags, wallets, belts and other accessories known for being timeless and elegant, and often featuring clean lines and understated details that make them versatile and easy to wear.
Also read:
5 sustainable fashion brands you should be buying from in Cape Town
Picture: Dear Rae Jewellery