The Tydloos Leerprodukte exclusive range is built from personally handpicked animal hides. Renée uses only locally sourced animal hides, including full-grain bovine leather as well as small quantities of dyed, soft chrome and printed leather and pig suede. Leather is a natural, durable, and flexible material. It ages beautifully, often looking even more characterful with time. Leather is enduring, sophisticated and endlessly fashionable. It resists dirt, water, abrasion, and the fickle nature of fashion. Leather is a sustainable and biodegradable material and can be repaired in time.

The Tydloos Leerprodukte range is driven by a deep passion for craftsmanship and a respect for intentional construction. Each product is designed on the principle that simplicity wears well and lasts. Full grain bovine leather is the strongest and most durable leather, which means that its charm intensifies over time. Choosing to buy a handcrafted Tydloos product is an investment in local craftsmanship and in the future, as leather goods can last a lifetime and go on to become family heirlooms.

Tydloos artisan products are finished with high quality antique brass zips, clasps, and rivets. Each item is hand embossed and may be personalized on request.

About Tydloos

Artisan Renée Koekemoer’s passion for leather purses began as a hobby and rapidly developed into a successful enterprise. The mother of three began her career as a professional makeup artist, giving make up lessons and applying make up for wedding parties and matric farewell attendees. Her skill in the world of fashion and beauty is balanced by a love of natural and handcrafted items, minimalist styling, and fastidious attention to detail.

Following a desire to make a small leather makeup brush bag of her own, she attended a leather craft workshop. “It was love at first touch,” says Renée. “The soft natural hide and rich, earthy scent of leather completely absorbed me,” she says, “it still feels and smells like heaven.” Renée developed a passion for traditional leatherwork and applied herself meticulously to learning everything she could about the craft.

Renée admits that, like many women, she lost herself in the demands of motherhood. “For over a decade I invested every minute I had in looking after my family,” she says, “I almost forgot who I was.” Working with leather became an empowering tool to develop her own skillset, find her own identity and showcase her talent. “Leather work has become my therapy, my escape, my passion and my independence,” she says.

Renée draws inspiration from classic and refined styling, as well as the enduring quality of leather. “Leather is endlessly elegant,” she says, “and simple sophistication will never go out of style.”