It's me

My name is Arman, and I am a fashion designer and leather craftsman specialising in handbags, accessories, and small leather goods.

My career in fashion began working as an assistant in my aunt’s made-to-measure atelier, where I learned garment construction and pattern making for women's wear. This early experience gave me a strong technical foundation and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship.

To further develop my skills, I moved to Barcelona where I obtained my degree in Fashion Design and Pattern Making. During my final project, I developed a collection of leather accessories, which ignited my passion for handbag design and led me to specialise in accessories such as handbags, belts, and small leather goods.

I later moved to Milan to complete a Master’s degree in Handbag Design and Collection Development, further refining both my creative and technical expertise.

Over the years, I have worked with a variety of companies across the fashion and accessories industry, contributing to both the creative and technical sides of product development.

I have collaborated with factories across Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal) and Asia (primarily China and India), managing the entire development process from concept to production. This experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of both design and industrial production processes within the leather goods industry.

In 2013, I launched my own brand, Armand Jany specialising in bespoke handcrafted leather bags and accessories. Each piece is made from exceptional materials and crafted using traditional saddle stitching techniques, ensuring durability, precision, and timeless design. All products are handcrafted in my atelier in Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa, where I oversee every stage of the process—from design and pattern making to the final handcrafted piece.

I offer professional freelance services for brands, startups, and entrepreneurs looking to develop leather goods and accessories. This full-service approach allows clients to move efficiently from initial idea to production-ready product.

For individuals who wish to start their own brand or learn the craft of handbag making, I offer customised training courses in my atelier in Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa. These courses are tailored to the student’s goals and provide hands-on experience in professional leathercraft techniques

If you have a project in mind or would like to collaborate, I would be happy to hear from you.