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Photo :: Wayne Pearson

Designed and created by a small team of local craftspeople, Karmine Leather is made sustainably and ethically, with love.

Karmine’s founder Ray Borda has been producing SA’s highest quality kangaroo meat for restaurants and home cooks for three decades — so, making beautiful leather products was the natural progression for this SA family business. “We wanted to use not just the meat, but the whole animal, so nothing goes to waste,” says Ray’s daughter Rachael. The name Karmine is a tip of the hat to Ray’s mum who was a seamstress and keen cook back in the day.

Photo :: Wayne Pearson

Karmine Leather began with aprons which were quickly embraced by butchers, bars and restaurants across Adelaide because of their strong yet lightweight material. It then developed into accessories and bags (we’re obsessed), footwear (also obsessed), and it continues to evolve depending on what customers want. “Our products are personalised so if there’s a need for a particular style, then we make it,” says Rachael.

And it’s not mass produced as you might imagine either. “We make two totes a day; everything is designed and made right here in our workshop in Athol Park,” smiles Alison, Karmine’s head leather maker.

Photo :: Wayne Pearson

Naturally, Kangaroo hides are all unique, so no bag or boot is the same as another. “We have 16 different colours on offer that people can mix and match if they wish. Of course, we have all the earthy tones like brown, green, black and sand but we also cater for colour-loving girls like Adelady and offer bright yellow and hot pink. We also personalise our products which makes them a wonderful gift idea for someone special,” says Alison.

Their products are beautiful, luxe and bespoke and when we’re out sporting a Karmine bag or clutch, we’re guaranteed to get rubbernecked because everything they create is eye-catching!

Photo :: Wayne Pearson

Why kangaroo leather?

Kangaroo skin is known for being very strong but also extremely soft and thin. It’s great for clothing because it’s lightweight and because of that, the bag straps are super comfortable on your shoulders. At Karmine, everything is ethically sourced, locally handcrafted and also water, stain and heat resistant. Kangaroo leather is also very easy to clean — which is music to any parent’s ears. Yes, those grubby little finger marks do just wipe off!

Hayley xx

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Hayley Pearson

Hayley Pearson

Co-Creator and Writer for Adelady, she still gets goosebumps that she’s combined her creative passion with sharing the best of her stunning home state.

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