Some objects have a way of commanding attention. Not because they are extravagant or overly ornate, but because they feel rare, intriguing and beautifully different. It is this sense of discovery that many people experience when they first encounter the designs of Leo & Stripes.

Founded by Julia Lombard, Leo & Stripes has emerged as a distinctive new voice in South African design. The brand is known for transforming one of nature’s most fascinating forms, the ostrich egg, into elegant safari-chic décor pieces that are now finding homes around the world.

The concept is simple yet captivating. The ostrich egg already carries a natural elegance, with its smooth ivory shell and beautifully balanced form. Leo & Stripes celebrates this natural beauty, allowing the egg itself to remain the centre of attention while introducing refined carvings and thoughtful design.

What sets Leo & Stripes apart is its distinctive design language. The aesthetic blends the calm elegance of Scandinavian minimalism with the richness of African tradition and heritage. The result is a contemporary interpretation of Africa: décor that feels clean and understated, yet warm, textured and deeply connected to its origins.

In the Klein Karoo, a region long associated with South Africa’s ostrich heritage, skilled artisans carefully hand-carve each shell. The craft requires exceptional precision, patience and deep respect for the material. Passed down through generations, these remarkable skills transform every egg into an object shaped by dedication, experience and African craftsmanship. No two eggs are ever the same. Each shell carries subtle variations in pattern and tone, making every piece entirely unique. This individuality is part of the appeal: objects that feel discovered rather than manufactured.

Although Leo & Stripes remains proudly rooted in South Africa, its reputation is steadily growing internationally. People from around the world are drawn to the brand’s distinctive balance of African craftsmanship and contemporary design.

Today, Leo & Stripes pieces appear in beautifully curated homes, select boutiques and luxury hotels across the world. Yet despite this growing global presence, the heart of Leo & Stripes remains firmly local. Production continues to support South African artisans, ensuring that the heritage and craftsmanship behind each piece remain central to the brand’s story.

For Julia Lombard, the vision has always been to share Natural African Luxury with the world. Through Leo & Stripes, the ostrich egg is reimagined as a distinctive design object: one that brings warmth, character and an authentic touch of Africa into the home.

What began as a simple idea is quickly becoming a safari-chic design signature recognised beyond South Africa’s borders.