About Us

My love for handbags began many years ago, when I crafted my first bag, at the age of 8, from a scrap of black velvet cut from my mother’s dress. That small moment sparked a lifelong passion for making beautiful, original pieces by hand.

I’ve always been drawn to creating — whether crocheting, painting, or photography — and a few years ago, I found myself returning to that passion with fresh energy. A friend invited me to a crochet club, and with some bamboo yarn, I made something playful (pret in Afrikaans): a handbag. I was hooked.

Every Pret Artistry bag is handcrafted and one of a kind. I don’t use patterns — each piece is shaped by imagination and made using quality yarns, upcycled leather, vintage vinyls, and always lined with velvet, in honour of my very first bag.

The name combines Pretorius, my maiden name, with the Afrikaans word for fun. I hope you enjoy these joyful creations as much as I enjoy making them.

— Anne-Mariè de Kock

Founder, Pret Artistry