Moroso
Stretching from the Middle East through Eastern African and ending in Mozambique, the Great Rift Valley is considered one of the wonders of the world. Teeming with amazing biodiversity the Great Rift Valley splits into two once it reaches Eastern Africa, forming the Eastern and the Western Rift Valleys. Commonly associated with Kenya and Tanzania, the Western Rift Valley is home to high mountain ranges and some of the deepest lakes in the world, offering visitors spectacular views. The Great Rift Valley is the result of Tectonic plates; unimaginably massive irregular shaped slabs of rock that bump and separate as they shift below oceans and along land mass, causing vast splits that can be several hundred to thousands of metres wide. The Tectonic Plates of the Great Rift Valley provided the inspiration for a range of furniture launched in 2009 by Italian based company Moroso. Abstract and experimental, the 'the Rift' collection was designed for Moroso by Spanish product designer Patricia Urquiola, and sees the overlapping forms of the backrests and sides represent the 'Plates', giving a layered structure to the designs; whilst the elongated form of the sofas represent the sprawling 'Rift'. The rounded appearance of the small armchairs remind me of rocks.      

...the wonder of nature transformed into form and function

Additional information sourced from:
www.bestofkenya.com
http://pubs.usgs.gov

Additional details:
For further information about Moroso and order enquiries visit: www.moroso.it

Savane
The African continent is said to contain a quarter of the world’s biodiversity; with the Southern African region home to more than 30 000 indigenous plant species many of which have been traditionally used over the centuries for their holistic benefits. Utilising the power of these indigenous plants is Savane, a luxury range of protective skincare solutions that blend traditional botanical treatments with modern techniques in green science. Launched in South Africa 2011 by Jennifer Peters, an anthropologist who specialises in developing health products for rural communities and Stephane Helary, an ecologist; Savane products were created to revitalise, regenerate and restructure skin, working to restore its natural balance and combat premature aging.

Containing no harmful or toxic chemicals Savane’s formulations are organically certified by Ecocert; an international independent certifying agency. With WWF statistics pointing to a decline in world biodiversity with an estimated rate of 2000 species per year becoming extinct, in process threatening livelihoods and the environment, the ingredients used in Savane products are fair trade and ethically sourced.

Rich in some nature’s most powerful antioxidants and essential fatty acids that penetrate deep into the skin; soothing cleansers, purifying toners and protective moisturisers are just some of the products making up the luxury skincare’s range using ingredients that include: Aloe Ferox to soothe the skin, Rooibos to refresh and revitalise complexions protecting skin against pollution, the sun and the physical effects stress can cause, Marula Oil which helps to soften and repair damaged skin, Kigelia which works to tighten and firm the skin, Kalahari Melon Oil which improves skin suppleness, Rose Geranium whose fragrance uplifts the mood and helps to restore energy levels, and Baobab known for its strong anti-aging properties.

…feed your skin with organic botanical goodness

Tekura
Imbued with the spirit of Ghana's rich culture and heritage, Tekura is a Ghanaian furniture and décor accessories company that was founded in 2000 Josephine and Kweku Forson. Tekura draws inspiration from the ancient cultures such as the legendary Ashanti and Fanti to produce stylish yet functional collections that include stools, tables, benches and storage containers; in addition to complementary home décor items like bowls, vases and mirrors.    

Reinterpreting the local traditional crafts, iconic symbols such the Ashanti Stool and Headrest are given contemporary makeovers; the well known shape is streamlined and is available in several finishes; other designs see patterns carved into the wood. Some of the Walking Tables look like they were inspired by the legs of the giraffe, standing elegant and tall. Tekura ensures that every piece produced is of high quality and having gained a following in Germany, Italy, the US and the UK, many of the products are created for the export market.  

Working with highly-skilled local artisans who are contracted to the production workshop, Tekura's designs are handcrafted from carefully select pieces of wood found on the ground from reforestation initiatives and as well as using recycled metals.

...tradition redesigned

Forest Town Long House
I love the element of surprise (as long as it's a good one of course!!); and the Forest Town Long House located in Johannesburg, South Africa rises to the challenge...resembling a large shipping container, this house doesn't look like much from the entrance approach; however swivel round to the back and what you get is an impressive expanse of open spaces maximising on light, and views that take in a forest of trees and an extensive garden covered with dense foliage. What drew me to the house was the vast sliding door that acts as a removable wall; completely opening up the living space to let the outside in a vice versa.

Built in 2005 by studioMAS and Urban Designers, a South African based architectural practice Forest Town Long House was created to reflect the requirements of contemporary urban living in South Africa, safety, comfort and privacy. Vertically lined with a series of small walls the street facing building  façade was designed to function as a boundary wall which explains the utilitarian appearance, behind which are three levels of living space. 

Concealing a cellar, workshop, study and private patios on either side of the garage, the basement level is flush with the street. At 12m long the glass sliding door opens onto a swimming pool and the lush garden; and is the focal point of the next level up, the living area consisting of a family room,  movie theatre, dining area and an open plan kitchen that leads out a large vegetable garden. Overlooking the living and entertainment areas the top level sees two mezzanines on which an additional study and reading room are located. Two bedroom wings lead out from the study landing, one two the west houses the master bedroom en suite and dressing room, whilst the rest of the bedrooms are located to the east.

Offset by the abundance of greenery, the décor is highly contemporary; minimal urban chic with lots of hard angles that complement the rigid structure of the building.

The Roots Project
Absolutely stunning; I am in awe of this draped cape, it looks like it has been knitted but in fact has made with strand upon strand of tiny beads and in what is most certainly a time consuming process. Known as a Dinka Corset the garment takes a few weeks to make and is just one of the examples of contemporary and traditional jewellery being produced by members of the Roots Project, a not-for-profit organisation with a centre based in Nimra Talata, Juba, the capital of South Sudan located by the Nile River. Founded in 2009 by Anyieth D'Awol; a human rights activist, researcher and writer on women's rights the Roots Project provides a platform and secure environment to help women gain economic independence from creating and selling traditional crafts.

As with many African cultures and traditions, traditional Sudanese jewellery is deeply symbolic relating to ceremonies, rites of passage, age and social status. Highly prized possessions, the intricately beaded Corsets are traditionally worn by unmarried men and women of the Dinka tribe, removed once married. Creation of the Corsets is said to be a dying skill and the ones produced at the Roots Project Centre are made by Mary Padar, a South Sudanese grandmother and artist, who is the only one at the centre who knows how to make the Corsets, a skill learned in her youth and one which she is teaching to the younger members of the centre. Mary will be attending the Santa Fe Folk Art Market in July 2012 as part of a team representing the Roots Project. The jewellery made at the Centre is often one-of-a-kind reflecting the creative styles of the different South Sudanese tribes including; Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk and Mundari.

South Sudanese by birth and having lived and studied in various countries around the globe including the UK and the USA, Anyieth returned to the newly created nation to open the Roots Project Centre, a multipurpose space used for literacy and numeracy classes, jewellery production, exhibitions and cultural gatherings. The philosophy of the ROOTS PROJECT is to bring the people of South Sudan together, helping to promote peace and understanding whilst exploring and developing economic and educational opportunities. The centre relies on funding as well as selling it's locally made products; and thehope is to expand the model to other cities across South Sudan.

..a celebration of beauty, heritage and artistry

Ndali
I love the taste and smell of vanilla; and find creamy vanilla ice-cream, the kind where you can just see the bean flecks, and light fluffy sponges made with real vanilla extract irresistible and comforting. Good quality vanilla bean pod sticks, extract and paste is valued by bakers and chefs looking to add that familiar rich flavour and intense aroma to their culinary creations. One brand favoured by some of the UK's leading chefs is Ndali; a 1000-acre farm located in the midst of the explosion craters of the Ndali Volcanic Field in Western Uganda; and is a farm that specialises in producing high quality vanilla extract, powder and pods. Extracted and cured on the farm, most of the vanilla produced is exported in bulk, with the cream of the crop packaged into small batches and sold under the name Ndali.   

The Ndali estate has a long history, originally bought in the 1960s by Major Trevor Price who initially meant it to be a tea growing estate but found the soil to be too alkaline, resulting in the farm being left to grow wild. Following a period of political turbulence the farm was seized by the state but today is now privately owned by the Price/Sturdy families; with Lulu Sturdy having taken over the farm in 1998. Lulu began experimenting with growing chilli, rice and coffee before turning to, and finding success with vanilla. Ndali vanilla products are 100% vanilla; no pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilisers are used, along with no additives being used in the curing and extraction processes. Ndali is fairtrade focused; and as well as growing vanilla on the farm vanilla is also sourced from local farmers in a partnership that has seen 1000 farmers becoming fairtrade accredited. The farmers cultivate their vines along 200 miles of road, stretching from the Congolese border to the Rift Valley. Vanilla is an orchid vine that originated from Central America and is a plant that grows in leafy tropical latitudes, requiring lots of patchy sunlight, buckets of rain and rich soils. Vanilla thrives best as small-scale forestry as it requires large amount of care; pruning, mulching and hand pollinating. Taking around five to seven years to break even with a vanilla crop, vanilla beans are harvested 9-11 months after pollination and the longer the beans are left on the vine the better the quality. Alongside cultivating vanilla, the farm also breeds milking cows; grows bananas, cocoa, cardamom, Arabica and Robusta coffee; and distils banana gin.

...if looking for other ways to cook with vanilla besides baking, the Ndali website offers some tasty recipes

Jewel by Lisa
What an unexpectedly warm and gorgeous spring day we are having here in London; given the fact that we are still meant to be in the midst of winter! It has me daydreaming of pretty summer dresses amongst other things, and Jewel by Lisa's Spring Summer 2012 Collection entitled 'Vintage Love' has some gorgeous ones for stylish sunny days ahead (one hope's give last year's disappointing summer!). Taking retro inspiration from 1950's and 60's Nigeria the collection sees beautifully contrasting; bold, colourful graphic prints and textures translated into easy-to-wear yet very stylish dresses and separates. Perfect for any occasion, the collection is a slight departure from the use of Ankara fabrics a signature look which has defined previous collections.

One of Africa's leading luxury fashion brands, Jewel by Lisa was founded in 2005 by Lisa Folawiyo, a fashion lover whose sophisticated and glamourous style sees crystals, beads, sequins and other trimmings meticulously hand sewn onto Ankara fabrics, that are combined with linen, Chantilly lace, silk, taffeta, cotton and chiffon to create unique and sought after collections. Jewel by Lisa's creations are all handcrafted and individually embellished, a process that can take about 120 hours, giving an insight into just how much work goes into the creation of a garment. Carrying the signature embellishment and Ankara prints, Lisa also established a diffusion line, The J label which is a girly, youthful brand embracing life's pleasures and the joys of dressing up. In addition to this Jewel by Lisa has also expanded to include bejewelled accessories and home furnishings ranges. 

...gorgeous summer style

Vermont Wood Studios
Hand carved from Mahogany, this elegant sofa table was inspired by East African wood carving traditions and features intricate detailing based on floral and geometric designs from the region. The attention to detail and finish gives it the look of a precious antique. Each table is custom built in Vermont, USA by a highly skilled furniture maker from Vermont Wood Studios; a local company that works with artisans drawn from the small workshops scattered across Vermont, giving them a platform to bring their products to a wider market. The style of Vermont wood carving is said to be characterised by simple, strong designs that serve to showcase the beauty of the wood used, and Vermont's long history of wood carving and furniture making is a heritage Vermont Wood Studios prides itself on upholding, making and retailing furniture that can be passed down through the generations as treasured heirlooms.

Vermont Wood Studios began when a group of independent furniture makers came together to share and promote their commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and sustainable forestry. Now an ever-growing community, the company is a showcase of the best in craftsmanship and heritage from the local wood carvers, and in the process is helping towards supporting the local economy. An environmentally and socially responsible business the furniture products retailed through Vermont Wood Studios are natural and eco-friendly, made with sustainably harvested solid hard woods such as cherry, maple, oak and walnut. For every piece of furniture made a tree is planted as part of the Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees Initiative. Most of the pieces retailed can be customised in size and wood finishes.

FIGS
Attending an all girl’s school, my senior school uniform was not the most attractive thing, well at least until I entered sixth form. In the summer terms it was a short-sleeved belted green and white check affair that was far from figure flattering, improving in the winter term when it changed to a bottle green tunic and a khaki long sleeved blouse complete with tie, both styles would be topped off with bottle green cardigans or pullovers. Sixth form brought a much more smarter grown up look in bottle green a-line skirts, khaki short and long sleeved blouses which we were allowed to wear with stockings and dark brown high-heeled court shoes when representing the school; the perks of finally having reached the top of the school chain. We felt grown and it showed in our attitudes holding ourselves that bit taller wherever we went. Donned with a bottle green blazer these uniforms instilled in us a sense of pride and belonging to the school whether or not we realised it at the time. FIGS is a luxury neckwear label that recognises the role school uniforms have in the educational experience and partners with local weavers and tailors around the world in making school uniforms for the students in their local communities for whom buying a uniform would be difficult but is often a requirement of attending school.

FIGS stands for 'Fashion Inspired Global Sophistication' and was set up in 2010 by American social entrepreneur, Heather Hasson who was inspired by a love of fashion and her travels from Northern Kenya to Rome. Using high quality silks, woollens, linens, cashmeres and cottons; Heather developed a stylish collection of tailored ties and bow ties in quirky and classic prints and colour schemes, that are hand sewn in New York and Los Angeles.

FIGS is a business with a global outlook and brings together a community of artists, entrepreneurs, students and professionals who are looking to make a positive impact. Setting up an initiative called ‘Threads for Threads’ FIGS currently partners with 105 schools in Kenya, Tanzania and Nepal; and with every product sold donates an entire school uniform to a child who needs to go to school. FIGS also have a range of luxuriously soft cashmere scarves made from natural un-dyed fibres.

...helping you take pride in your appearance no matter where you are or what you do

Mijikenda Workshop
The irregular form of a solid wood dining room table with a spilt seam running deep into the wood and held together with steel pins is just one of the characteristics pieces from Mijikenda Workshop, whose furniture and decor accessories give a new lease of life to the natural beauty of centuries old wood salvaged from the beaches, oceans and old railways around East Africa. Based in Diani Beach, Kenya the Mijikenda Workshop was opened in 2008 by Nicole Engelfield a local resident who spent many years working in the tourism industry before turning her creativity and focus towards woodwork. Nicole works with the highly skilled wood carvers and artisans of Mijikenda, Kenya's coastal region that stretches from the Somalian border in the north to the Southern Tanzanian border. The name Mijikenda means 'The Nine Cities' and represents the nine indigenous groups found along this coastal region, whose artisans are renown for their skill and craftsmanship in wood carving. 

Driftwood, naturally felled trees, rare and antique timbers like East African Rosewood, Burmese Teak and African Mahogany are just some of the wood types whose organic shapes give a highly distinctive appearance to finished products such as stools; coffee, bar, conference and dining tables that are certain to become conversation pieces wherever they are placed. Weathered from the elements and general use over the years the wood is naturally scarred with cracks and holes; and evidence that some of the wood used has spent time floating in the ocean can be seen in the distinctive marks visible on the surfaces of finished piece that were left by wood boring Teredo Worms, also known as Ship worms. The wood used is laden with history, from the source, the original usage through to the local carving heritage. Some of the woods were imported into East Africa in the 1800s used in the building of the East Africa Railway. The Shijiji Bench was made from a 500 year old Mango Tree that had been struck by  lightening and features intricate hand carved detailing that was inspired by the Doors of Zanzibar, elaborate examples of which can be seen in Stone Town. The tradition of carving doors dates back to 1500AD in Kilwa and Mombasa, flourishing in 1870-1880.

Illustrating the solidness and size of the woods found, the 'Mijikenda Stools' were crafted from a single 25ft Mahogany tree that was floating in the ocean; and a piece entitled the 'Mahogany Console' was made from a piece of driftwood weighing over 2000kgs, which took 35 men two days to recover it from the beach, and a further six months for the artisans to turn it into a finished piece; also highlighting just how involved the process of preparing and hand sawing the wood is. The size of some of the beams means a requirement for stability and support in everyday use, to aid this the beams are reinforced with wooden braces and other forms of support, and some of the tables are supported with stainless steel legs which gives them a contemporary look.

Mijikenda Workshop product ranges also includes antique mirrors, decorated boxes, wine bottle stands and picture frames, offering a framing and picture mounting service to local customers; and those in need of wood for bespoke commercial or residential interior projects are invited to the Workshop choose from a range of rare reclaimed timbers and see for themselves the beauty in what has been discarded.

...interior style statements by nature

Additional Information:
To find out more on the Carved doors read:
Mwalim A. Mwalim. Doors of Zanzibar.