Our Story

Alli Chic sisters Kathrine and Melissa grew up on Black Bayou Farms in St. Amant, Louisiana where their parents David and Veronica Pritchard were alligator farmers licensed by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries from 198_ to 199_. During that time, the state and federal governments partnered with local farmers to save the American alligator from the endangered species list.

Improvements in leather manufacturing in the late 1800s correlated with an increase in demand for leather goods, which contributed to aggressive hunting practices that decimated the American alligator population to only 100,000 wild animals. Listing alligators as a protected species only increased their value and encouraged poaching, further threatening the population.

Extensive research on alligator habitat permitted farmers to reproduce optimal living conditions in barns on private property. Following strict practices that were closely monitored by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, farmers raised enough alligators to save the species and to meet the demand for alligator leathers! Today, there are over 2 million wild alligators in Louisiana swamps, and the Louisiana alligator conservation program is a model for conservation programs throughout the world.

Artist Statement

We hand-sew leather bags and other accessories made with vintage alligator hide from animals that were part of the most successful conservation effort in history. The artists grew up on an alligator farm in the early 1990s. During that time, the government partnered with farmers to save the American alligator from the endangered species list.

The artistsā€™ family harvested alligator eggs from Delacroix, Louisiana and raised the gators on their property. Today, there are over 2 million alligators in Louisiana swamps, and the conservation program is a model for programs throughout the world. To support on-going conservation efforts, we give 5% of our profits to local programs working to preserve Louisianaā€™s native wetlands and wildlife.

Our work celebrates craftsmanship, conservation, and heritage. The two artists share in the design and creation of our products and guarantee that every piece of the hide is used in a way that reflects the beauty and the significance of the material.

Artist Bios

Alli Chic sisters Kathrine and Melissa grew up on Black Bayou Farms in St. Amant, Louisiana where their parents David and Veronica Pritchard were alligator farmers licensed by Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries in the late 80s and early 90s.Ā 

Kathrine lives in Elm Grove, Louisiana with her husband and two children. She is a tenured Associate Professor of Chemistry at Centenary College of Louisiana.