Project Dyad

Project Dyad is a Cape Town-based creative studio focused on the design and making of leather bags and accessories. Dyad means two elements working together: finding balance in contrasts and creating pieces with a sense of harmony, function, and surprise. Each piece is handmade with care and attention to detail, designed to be timeless, functional, and made to last.

Features

Resources and materials

Works with leather because its unique ability to age and is a very durable material.
The hides used are by-products from the local meat industry
Locally manufactured polyester rope
Locally manufactured YKK zip
Magnet buttons imported from Italy
All materials fully traceable and ethically sourced from trusted suppliers

Making and manufacturing

All products are made in Project Dyad’s Cape Town studio by founder and a team
Outsourced work is done by few individuals who work for themselves
No toxic chemicals used; wastewater from dyeing is pH-balanced and reused for irrigation
Waste is repurposed: Material offcuts are used in making the small the products like keyrings and coasters. Some off cuts are regularly donated to schools and organisations

Social and cultural

Believes that everyone needs to feel valued and seen at work and connected to the product
Part of the National Leather Bargaining Council
Inspire more people to be more mindful about their purchases, impact local economy and environment

Product and design

Balance of functionality and contemporary design aesthetic
Focus on timeless design, tactile materials, and thoughtful technique, creating bags made to be passed on rather than thrown away.
With the right care, they’re designed to last for decades, gaining character with age and carrying their story from one person to the next.
Offer a free of charge repair service on all items to expand their lifespan

Packaging and distribution

Each bag comes in a fabric dustbag which can be used to store the bags and paper bags from a Cape Town supplier.
Distribution via Cape Town Watershed store, online platform, and selected South African boutiques