BEHIND THE BRAND
OUR STORY
A WARM SOUTH AFRICAN WELCOME
Leo & Stripes is a premium South African design brand offering contemporary décor and lifestyle products with an authentic safari-chic aesthetic.
Consciously handcrafted from Africa’s finest indigenous materials, Leo & Stripes celebrates their natural beauty whilst supporting local craftsmanship and heritage.
Elegant yet cool, minimal yet warm, authentic and sustainable – this is
Natural African Luxury.
This is Leo & Stripes.
OUR DESIGNS
SAFARI-CHIC
Leo & Stripes embodies the essence of Natural African Luxury by balancing contemporary Scandinavian design principles and unique South African materials.
The Scandinavian phrase “lagom” (meaning “not too little, not too much, just right”) is our mantra when it comes to our designs. South Africa’s naturally beautiful heritage is one-of-a-kind and the inspiration and foundation for all that we do.
The result is an exclusive product range with a safari-chic feel - defined by natural warmth, elegant simplicity and modern sophistication; complemented with an authentic African touch.
From Africa, to the world.
OUR MATERIALS
KIND TO NATURE
At Leo & Stripes, we celebrate Africa’s finest indigenous materials through a conscious approach to design and craftsmanship. Wherever possible, we repurpose natural by-products that are sustainably and ethically sourced, allowing us to create beautiful décor pieces with greater respect for the origins of our raw materials.
Leo & Stripes works exclusively with eco-friendly ostrich eggshells that would otherwise be discarded due to natural causes such as infertility. By transforming these natural by-products into handcrafted statement pieces, we contribute towards reducing waste while celebrating the beauty of Africa’s extraordinary natural materials.
All of our décor pieces are finished with our signature Africa emblem, a tribute to the natural heritage that inspires every Leo & Stripes design.
OUR PRODUCTION
MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA
We spent months carefully seeking out the best carvers and manufacturers across South Africa, building close relationships with the artisans behind our products.
While all Leo & Stripes creations are designed in Port Elizabeth, our primary ostrich egg production takes place in the heart of the Klein Karoo - South Africa’s renowned ostrich region.
Each piece is handcrafted by skilled master carvers whose exceptional expertise and years of experience have established them as true “eggs-perts” in their field.
Their techniques have been passed down through generations as they engrave, carve and drill into each ostrich eggshell entirely by hand. Every design takes many hours to complete, reflecting the extraordinary care and craftsmanship behind each piece.
OUR QUALITY
HANDCRAFTED ELEGANCE
Creating a Leo & Stripes piece is a meticulous and time-intensive process.
Every design is handcrafted with exceptional attention to detail. The natural beauty of the ostrich eggshell, combined with the mastery of the artisan, ensures that each piece possesses its own distinct character.
No two shells are ever identical. Their unique textures, tones and markings lend depth and individuality to every design, making each creation truly one of a kind.
Shaped by nature and refined by hand, every Leo & Stripes piece is as unique as the story behind it.
OUR COMMITMENT
GIVING BACK
Leo & Stripes is more than just Natural African Luxury. We are committed to making a positive and lasting difference to South Africa by creating statement pieces that you can feel proud to own.
That is why, with every Leo & Stripes purchase, a percentage of the sale is donated to meaningful wildlife and community projects across South Africa, whilst at the same time contributing towards supporting local artisans and employment.
Not only are you investing in a sustainable and exclusive piece handcrafted with exceptional care, you are also contributing towards safeguarding Africa’s unique wildlife and improving the wellbeing of local communities.
OUR CUSTOMERS
CONSCIOUS SOPHISTICATION
Leo & Stripes creations are designed for those drawn to beautiful and distinctive décor pieces that feel personal, meaningful and unlike anything else.
Our customers seek to enrich their everyday lifestyles by surrounding themselves with beautiful objects and unique accents from cultures and styles across the world, consciously curated over time. They choose quality over quantity, understanding the power and impact of their choices.
They invest in authentic and unique statement pieces that bring effortless elegance to their homes whilst maintaining a green footprint and a considered approach to conscious living.
Whether displayed within modern, classic, contemporary or safari-chic interiors, each piece brings warmth, texture and a refined sense of Natural African Luxury into the home.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
A love story, from Germany to South Africa.
Born and raised in Berlin, Germany, Julia Lombard is the proud founder of Leo & Stripes. Although school and work once took her across the world - including Sweden, India, Australia and the United Arab Emirates - Julia ultimately moved to Port Elizabeth, South Africa, for love.
Bringing along her curated assortment of design pieces from her time spent abroad, Julia soon found herself drawn to African décor. From exotic leathers and hides to unique eggshells and feathers, she became captivated by the continent’s extraordinary natural materials.
Recognising the niche opportunity for authentic yet sustainable décor pieces, Julia felt inspired to start her own range of products. Celebrating South Africa’s natural beauty whilst giving back to the community she now calls home, the concept behind Leo & Stripes was born. While “Leo” pays homage to Africa’s iconic big cats, “Stripes” represents Julia’s favourite animal, the zebra.
Blending a European design sensibility with Africa’s unique materials, Leo & Stripes creates statement pieces with an authentic safari-chic aesthetic and a refined contemporary feel.