1st September 2011
THE ALLURE COLLECTION
As one of the most well recognized names in the leather manufacturing trade, Cape Cobra is stepping out from behind the scenes to launch „The Allure Collection‟. The enticing new collection of exotic leather handbags and accessories defines the art of traditional handcrafted leather manufacture with the selection of fine and rare leather items that are rich in detail, intricate in design and blooming with the colours of Spring fashion.
Cape Cobra is a family run operation of artisans who have over time grown to be recognized as a leader in the mastery of assembling fine leather goods by seeking out superior grade, flawless quality skins to be used for the ultimate luxury accessories. Passed down through the Schafer family over generations is the passion for infusing each collection with modern relevance yet with timeless appeal.
The highly coveted signature item of The Allure Collection cuts a fine silhouette on a catwalk and bears the name ‘Marie’. The vintage clutch frame was discovered by the Robert Schafer, who falls part of the third 
generation of Schafers, in the hardware archives. The frame, that was used for a limited edition, still had the swing ticket with his grandmother‟s handwriting attached to it and dates back to the 70‟s when Cape Cobra was established. The design team was inspired by the grace and beauty of the frame, and used it as the anchor inspiration for the new collection that is a showcase of the design heritage of the Cape Cobra.
Robert Schafer, managing director of Cape Cobra, spoke about the collection: – “The Allure Collection exemplifies the art of fusing demand-driven detailed design and the science of durable leathercraft. Quality has always been at the core of what we do and we take pride in making sure each piece that leaves our workshop desk is tested for resilience and endurance. We have come to a point where we have cemented a solid reputation for superior finish and our focus in this range has been to push our own design boundaries with handbags that embrace femininity, exclusivity and refinement. The design of each handbag enhances the natural beauty of the exotic skins, accentuating the colour, texture and pattern: and much like the name of the collection, the palette of tones and textures we use is enticing.
The design dossier for the collection combined fashion-forward contemporary creativity with retrospective elements of 1950‟s style, charm and sophistication. Bold hues, delicate pleating, detailed hardware, organic curves and subtle design
The Allure Collection will be available at Cape Cobra’s Green Point Showroom and other select outlets from the 1st of September 2011. On the 15th of September it will be incorporated at MERCEDES BENZ NEW YORK FASHION WEEK in association with Kluk CGDT.features form the key elements to the Allure collection.”
Additional notes: -
THE LAUNCH EVENT
The exclusive event held on the 1st September enticed well known South African fashionistas such as Vanessa Haywood (District 9), Lady Kitty Spencer (daughter of Earl Spencer), Janine Habana, Ayanda Tini (SABC) and Aidan Bennetts (Top Billing).
ABOUT CAPE COBRA
Cape Cobra is a global leader in innovative design, development and production of unique, high quality, handcrafted exotic leather items encompassing different styles of handbags, such as totes, clutches or pouches as well as briefcases, belts, and smaller leather accessories. Cape Cobra was founded in 1972 and the team draws on the founders‟ tradition in this highly specialized art, which spanned more than six decades. The skilled artisans involved in leathercraft which three generations of the Schafer family working in South Africa.
Products are crafted from exotic skins such as Nile Crocodile, Ostrich, Lizard, Whip Snake and Python, all obtained strictly under the regulations of the Conference on International Trade of Endangered Species and Cape Cobra only trade in captive bred animals and do not take from the wild.
Cape Cobra is internationally recognized with an elite following and can be spotted in the British and Monegasque Royal family. It produces for top international design houses and labels which sees them worn in the hands of Sandra Bullock, Debra Messing, Jennifer Lopez and Anne Hathaway. Recent successes for the Cape Cobra brand include the design and manufacture of a clutch in association with a designer for Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco, Charlene Wittstock.
