Zulucow began with a simple belief
That beautiful natural materials, skilled craftsmanship, and meaningful work belong together.
our founder
meet lucy
I was born in Zimbabwe and spent my early childhood in South Africa. Even after moving to the UK around the age of ten and growing up there, South Africa has always remained a part of who I am.
For many years I worked as a television producer for BBC Sport in London and later as a freelance camerawoman for Racing Post TV, following my passion for horses and sport.
When I later had a young family, I found myself returning often to South Africa and sharing that part of my life with my children.
The Moment
The idea for Zulucow came during one of those family trips.
While driving through KwaZulu Natal, we stopped at a small roadside ‘padstal’ or café. Outside, a number of striking cowhides were hanging for sale. Their markings were unlike anything I had seen before. They were Nguni hides, a South African breed known for their distinctive natural patterns. No two are ever the same.
Some materials simply refuse to be ordinary.
I brought a cowhide rug, a cowhide bag and belt back to the UK. People immediately started asking about them. The hides were unlike anything people had seen before.
Soon I found myself bringing more Nguni cowhide pieces back; sometimes even ordering them in advance for friends.
This quickly grew into a collaboration with a group of talented Zulu craftswomen in rural KwaZulu Natal, together with my South African partners Linell and Carina.
Today each Zulucow piece is cut, stitched and finished by hand from carefully selected Nguni hides.
The craft provides something important beyond the products themselves: the opportunity for women to earn their own income and build greater financial independence through their skill.
For me, Zulucow connects two places that have shaped my life.
South Africa, where the unique Nguni cowhides and craftsmanship originate.
And the UK countryside, where I live and where many of our customers make these pieces part of everyday life.
Ethical Sourcing
Fully transparent supply chain
Giving Back
Supporting real people and communities
natural HIDE, not man-made
Nguni Cowhide