Our History

The story of the luxury bag brand Lorenzi began 7 decades ago, when its founder, Renzo Caon,  immigrated from the beautiful art town of Padua-Italy to South Africa. Renzo started his leathercraft career, spanning more than 60 years, as a trained artisan in Italy in the late 50’s. Renzo search for a better life post World War II in Europe and this journey led him to South Africa, bringing with him the artistic and creative know-how, to fulfil a dream. Since the founding of Lorenzi in 1962 in the heart of Johannesburg, Renzo Caon, devoted himself to mastering the craftsmanship of leather handbags and accessories.

Renzo focussed from the outset on using locally produced exotic leathers for his designs. In the late 60’s the first of Lorenzi’s retail stores was opened in what was then Johannesburg’s trendiest shopping district – Eloff Street. Today, Lorenzi features stores in Sandton Square and Victoria and Alfred Stores in Cape town. On Renzo’s passing in 2017, his 60 years of experience and leathercraft skills were carried on by his children who took over the reins at Lorenzi. 

The 21st century has heralded a new era for Lorenzi when it became part of the Le Croc integrated exotic leather value chain in August 2022. Lorenzi now forms part of a unique operations that spans form crocodile breeding and farming, exotic leather tanning to design, manufacturing, and retail of exclusive luxury leather products. Lorenzi’s designs now feature the finest, ethically produced crocodile leather that satisfies the increasing demands of its sophisticated and elite customers.