Leanda Trautman mysteriously refers to her past as a mixed masala and if one delves into the rich history of Alex & Marla one can almost feel the sights and sounds that have resulted in what has become one of South Africa's top, classic leather product manufacturers.
Leandra was born in Mowbray in the Cape and grew up in Hout Bay. It was while studying Industrial Design that she fell in love with the feel of leather which she says, has personality and history.
In 2009 she moved to Gansbaai with her Spanish husband Jorge and in 2015 established the company that has now become the much spoken about Alex & Marla that she named after her children.
The brand name has grown from strength to strength and apart from her private clients, Leanda boasts large corporate companies on her books. Amongst others, the five star Grootbos Nature Reserve and top travel agency Aventura Africa use her Alex & Marla bags for corporate gifting. Leanda’s personal dream for Alex & Marla is to have Rovos Rail as a client... a company she greatly admires for their railroad that showcases excellence of a bygone era... much like her own products do.
Alex & Marla strive to be as sustainable as possible and work closely with other proudly South African businesses wherever they can.
Working closely with South Africa's oldest and biggest tannery, Mossops Western Leathers Tannery in Wellington, Leanda uses only the finest Grade A quality, hand selected pieces of skin for each of Alex & Marla’s leather creations. Using a combination of natural fats and oil, the leather is treated and worked into the soft yet highly durable scratch resistant product that in turn gets stitched with only the finest German thread. The hardware on all the bags is solid brass and the YKK zips that are crafted in Swaziland, are guaranteed to last as long as your bag will. Choose one of the beauties from the Alex & Marla range or slowly work your way through the list so that you can eventually own them all...
- Saddle
- Messenger
- Tote
- Briefcase
- Duffel
- Weekender
- Traveller
- Crossbody
- Backpack
A new addition to the Alex & Marla range are comfortable leather Pouffes that are fast becoming a sought after addition to Home Decor must-haves.
You can expect to pay from around R2,295 to R3,995 to own an Alex & Marla essential collection classic. All bags come with a one year warranty.
Leanda Trautman is proud of her small team that have become part of her family over the years of working together. These talented ladies share a passion for leather-craft and that love can be seen in each product that leaves the factory. There’s:
- Cindy - workshop manager
- Corine - assistant manager
- Phelo - product assembler and cutter
- Busie - stitcher
- Suzanne - photographer and social media manager
Word of mouth is the verbal testimony for what is undoubtedly an impeccable product. Glowing reviews include gems such as:
“My Duffel bag (a birthday pressie to myself) arrived. I cannot wait to use it. Happiness is an Alex & Marla bag.” Jooles Kilbride
“Oh my genade!! My kêrel het vir my een van julle duffel handsakke gekoop vir Kersfees.... en my asem het weg geslaan toe ek my stunning boks oopmaak!!!! Die handsak is PERFEK!!!! So sag, so mooi verpak en uitmuntende goeie kwaliteit... en die spesiale ekstra geskenkie van julle - vreeslik dankie!! Die handsak sal altyd aan my sy wees.” Nicolette Anderson
“There isn't enough stars to rate this amazing products and service!!! Received my parcel yesterday and totally fell in love with my duffel the packaging left me excited like a kid opening a early birthday present now waiting for their accessories to launch so I can complete my collection!!! Malverlief crazy gelukkig en so opgewonde om my statement bag af te show!! Thank u alex and marla for delivering the best to SA #nowmyfavourite #statementpiece “ Michelle Saunders
“Ek het ñ mansbeursie van Alex&Marla en daar sal nooit weer ñ ander een in my broeksak wees nie. Kwaliteit wat ek vir ñ leeftyd saam met my sal kan dra.” Johann de Vries
“Alex & Marla make the best leather bags in South Africa. Each bag is made with such love & care, and you can see the time and thought that has gone into designing these bags meant to last a lifetime.” Kristi de Freitas
