Kudhinda Fabrics
Back home in Harare no school art lesson was complete without a potato carved with a design that would then be printed across paper or fabric in an array of colours. I haven't done potato-printing in ages, but used to love stamping whatever I could get my hands on, getting caught-up in the rhythmic process of it all. In Zimbabwe's Shona language 'Kudhinda' means to stamp or imprint, and is the name given to locally based textile brand that produces distinctive colourful textiles that have been carefully hand-printed using potato prints, screen-printed and hand-painted. I first got to know of Kudhinda through the design studio I worked at in Harare, where I got to work on some of the company's branding and promotional materials.

Using local inspiration to inform the imagery and design choices, Kudhinda's designs are highly-detailed and along with the 'Sadza Batik' have become instantly recognisable as a form of contemporary Zimbabwean textiles. Typically characterised by clashing patterns and vibrant colours it could all get a bit much, but order comes in the form of very neat lines and rows that form grids, something that took me ages to achieve in class as it is quite difficult to accurately line up the potato stamp across a small length of fabric let alone metres of it. Also some of the designs are framed by complementary patterned borders that have the effect of neatly containing and blocking off the different design areas allowing the eye to rest on a specific area at a time. Printed onto 100% Zimbabwean cotton, the production process is labour intensive; it can take up to 950 print impressions to complete a square metre. A typical production day sees the potatoes and rubber blocks cut each morning in preparation for the day's stamping process, then moving on to the preparation of the pigments. The printing of the fabric is a multilayered process; first the fabric is dyed then marked out to guide the printing, many of the designs feature plain areas of colour as an additional underlay, so this is then the stage added. Once completed the carved potatoes and blocks are over-printed. All resulting in the rich tapestry of pattern in vibrant colourways.

Kudhinda was founded in 1989 by Ros Byrne who was and still is a practicing potter. Ros set up the business to help young school leavers who were talented in textiles and looking for employment. In addition to fabric printing Kudhinda has a sewing and cutting department and this expansion over the years has seen the business grow to 60 employees producing a popular range of interior furnishings and accessories that include cushions, table runners, table cloths, placemats and bed linen; along with personal accessories like cosmetic bags and even clothing. Rolls of fabric are also produced for those who want to make up their own items. Kudhinda's fabrics can be found in hotels, lodges and gift shops across Zimbabwe and the company has two retail outlets one in Victoria Falls; and the other in Harare which is located within in the Doon Estate, Msasa a hub of creativity and a place I visited several times when seeking out gifts for family and friends living overseas. If looking for inspiration on how to make the fabrics work for your interior, the bedroom above is in the home of a Zimbabwean Ceramic tile designer living in South London and shows how well the fabric can work as an accent.

...fabrics that instantly transport me back to the sunshine city

Azzedine Alaïa
I recently came across a feature into the interior style of Tunisian fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa, who converted a 300 square metre loft in a traditional 17th century building into three separate apartments. Located in Rue de Moussy, Marais, one of Paris' most exclusive districts, Azzedine wanted to create a boutique hotel feel giving guests to his home a taste of his style and appreciation for art and design, as well as a feel for Parisian life from his point of view. The apartments are also located close to Azzedine's private home, atelier, showroom, boutique and warehouse.

From articles and interviews I have read about the designer, Azzedine Alaïa is known to be a shy and quite private person, and when I first saw the images it struck me that the interior seemed devoid of any personal touches and interestingly enough no artwork on walls bar functional pieces like a mounted bookcase/cabinet and sculptural side lights, this however seems intentional as closer examination reveals that the true beauty lies the attention to detail; finely crafted furniture chosen for its exceptional design aesthetics, the textures of table tops, work surfaces and upholstery, and the organic and sculptural shapes of the seating.

Wanting to achieve the feel of a luxury hotel whilst retaining a sense of a home away from home feeling for his guests, Azzedine personally designed the interiors which are decorated with carefully selected furniture and lighting from his favourite designers who include; Jean Prouve, Charlotte Perriand, Marc Newson, Andre Sornay, Pierre Paulin and Arne Jacobson. The spaces are kept minimal in style, designed to focus attention on the furniture and objects which are given ample space around them like works in a gallery, and in contrast to the stark white walls the colours of the furniture are warm, creating the effect of calm open spaces designed for relaxation and thinking. The apartments have a sense of nostalgia about them which emanates from the modern classics style of the furniture and the occasional bright blocks of colour as seen in the kitchen and on the dining room table chairs lends a sixties vibe. Each apartment has its own entrance and doorway and is equipped for the comforts of every day living with its own fitted kitchen.

...the overall result are simple, light, open spaces where the furniture is the star and is treated as such

Information sourced from:
www.yatzer.com

Additional details:
For the full feature visit: www.yatzer.com   

Mickaël Kra
Whilst on my MA course, in-between perusing the university library shelves for reading material I would often find myself wandering down isles that did not directly relate to my subject area but proved too irresistible to bypass and during one of my wanders stumbled across the book, 'Mickaël Kra: Jewellery Between Paris Glamour and African Tradition'; and was introduced to a jewellery designer who has been hailed as one of the most important jewellery designers in the world today.

Mickaël Kra was born in France and raised first in Switzerland, then Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire where he left to study Fine Art in New York City, and in embodying the spirit of the global citizen, has divided his time between Abidjan, Paris, Dakar, New York, and at last count was based in Cape Town. From a young age Mickaël learnt to appreciate beauty, art and fashion, and from his mother Mickaël learnt to respect what is handmade and the impact that adornment, along with hair and makeup has on a woman. Greatly inspired the history of body ornaments used across the continent, and by his Ivorian background; the rich heritage, local design, creativity and materials; Mickaël continuously adapts traditional styles to suit his contemporary design aesthetic, and uses materials such as; gold, silver, molten glass, crystal, clay, coral, terracotta and ostrich shells for his luxury masterpieces.

Mickaël Kra's designs are lavish; dripping with strand upon strand of luscious shimmering beads and sparkling jewels that are intertwined, woven and strung together with traditional beads and ornaments, and sensuously adorn the head, neck, wrists and body. His first collection saw the adaptation of gold weights used in the ancient Ashanti Kingdom, entitled 'Queen Poku' the collection brought Mickaël recognition for his creativity and talent, starting an illustrious career that has seen him work with some of the world's leading haute couture houses creating the jewels to complement the clothes. The level of detail and workmanship has resulted in some truly stunning creations.

Throughout his career Mickaël has been an advocate in bringing African style to global audiences and made a commitment to helping the preservation and promotion of Africa's cultural heritage. Amongst other initiatives, this commitment has seen a collaboration with the San of the Kalahari that resulted in the development of a contemporary line of jewellery made with Ostrich eggshells and was intended to help generate ongoing revenue streams for the communities involved. 

Not afraid to experiment, Mickaël Kra's designs are dramatic yet still retain a sense of sophistication that reflects regal African princesses with the strength and glamour of urban warrior chic.

...afroglam at its finest

Additional details:
For further information about Mickaël Kra visit: 
Francine Vornese, Annette Braun. (2006). Mickaël Kra: Jewellery Between Paris Glamour and African Tradition. www.afribd.com
http://bhfmagazine.com

Calabarte
Oh...my...goodness...how incredibly beautiful are these lamps and light fittings from Calabarte, a business based in Lodz, Poland that was founded by Przemek, a Polish artist designer. It took a while for the fact that they were made from gourds to sink in, because I saw the lit versions first; and illuminated they look like glass reminding me of the Art Deco glasswork style.

Found in Africa and Asia gourds, also referred to as calabashes, have long been collected for their; functional qualities as bowls, spoons, scooping utensils, water bottles and drinking cups; and decorative qualities, usually painted or etched with traditional motifs. The ones used for Calabarte's lamps are collected in Senegal sourced by Przemek who then creates the finished product back in Poland. The designs are hand carved and manually perforated with the aid of a drill in what must surely be a delicate and painstaking process to ensure, amongst other considerations, that as the intricate designs are engraved parts of the white membrane that need to remain visible are not accidentally pierced. Each lamp or pendant produced is one-of-a-kind, determined by the shape of the dried gourd and the designs themselves have an Eastern/Mediterranean/North African quality about them in terms of the intricate pattern styles, but in fact have been inspire by fractals, nature and evolution. There is also a range of individually hand carved globes that add an elegant touch to a study or library.

The lamp gourd is supported by a stem, which is wrapped with waxed string and mounted onto a wooden base that has been polished with Italian natural oil. The Calabarte logo and the month in which the lamp was carved are burned into the underside of the base.

I love the way the light casts unusual and mesmerising patterns on the wall; perfect for creating mood lighting in a bedroom, soft light in a study or living room; or to simply highlight an alcove in a hallway.

...fruits of the earth enhanced with skilled hand carving techniques

Muya Ethiopia
Muya Ethiopia was founded in 2005 by fashion design entrepreneur Sara Abera, whose primary aim was to introduce Ethiopia's rich traditional weaving heritage to the world through a range of interior and fashion textiles that combined the traditional techniques with modern influences.

Located in Addis Ababa Ethiopia the business brings together Ethiopian weavers and craftsman retraining them in the production of high quality products destined for international markets. Muya means 'talent' in Ge'ez, Ethiopia's classical, liturgical language which has been traced back to 5th century BC; and is the language that gave rise to the Amharic script.

The hand woven product ranges include luxuriously soft furnishings; cushion covers, table runners, rugs and linens; and personal accessories; handbags and shawls in sophisticated colour palettes. Muya Ethiopia also produces pottery and furniture that portray a blend of traditional and contemporary design aesthetics. The products have a certain warmth and comforting feel about them.

A socially responsible business, Muya Ethiopia employs over 150 people, many of whom are weavers and the business is in the process of developing a larger site to enable around 600 weavers and potters join the business over the next few years. One of the core principles of Muya Ethiopia is to share wealth in knowledge and experience; and inspiration comes from traditional Ethiopian patterns and working together to preserve a rich cultural heritage. Custom products can be commissioned as seen in the majestic handwoven Tibeb banners that great visitors to Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport's international terminal. 

L G R
Denoting the name of founder Luca Gnecchi Ruscone, the initials L G R represent a range of Italian handcrafted eyewear inspired by Africa. Luca was born in Italy but his family has strong ties to East Africa and it was between these two parts of the world that Luca spent his childhood. His father lives in Kenya, his mother was born in Eritrea which is where his grandfather opened an optical store in the 1930s, selling frames imported from Italy. It was a chance discovery of one of these classically styled frames that inspired Luca to set up his own eyewear range. Having found a pair of sunglasses Luca sought out the original manufacturer to create a line that captured the timeless elegance of a time gone by.

Bringing old-school glamour to modern day, L G R evokes a bygone era of screen sirens and effortless sophistication; think Sophia Loren, Dorothy Dandridge, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly and the languid hazy days of holidays in the sun. Luca wanted to combine the two worlds that inspired him and L G R merges the adventure of Africa with the glamour of the Riviera in styles that pay homage to some of Africa's exciting and inspiring cities; Asmara, Casablanca, Dakar, Kampala, Cape Town, Luanda, Tripoli, Mogadishu, Freetown, Livingstone, Cairo and Mombasa are just a few of the one included. The L G R range comprises sunglasses and optical frames for men and women and also sees collaborations with some of the world's most exclusive clubs and companies.

Each frame is built by one person from start to finish showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of Italian artisans who have honed their skills over many years. Every frame used is composed of an ultra durable celluloid acetate which allows the frame to bend to fit when worn for greater comfort and the tempered lenses are made from a high quality anti-scratch mineral glass.

...out comes the sun, out comes the sunnies

Justin Plunkett
Growing up we had a dark red rocking horse that for a while was quite overworked...poor thing...if it was not piled high with children then it would be hitched to prams, pushchairs and other sorted toys with wheels to form the head of a train (that inevitably did not move) carrying dolls, teddy bears and the occasional small dog that happened to get in the way...talk about hours of endless fun and runaway imaginations. Bringing back the memories was the Springbuck a contemporary update of the rocking horse.

 Springbuck was created by Justin Plunkett a Creative Director at a South African marketing and creative design studio, Joom. Based on the Springbok, a South African icon and the Springbuck was produced in a limited edition run in 2006/7; granted a while ago but it still looks fresh a testament to the timelessness of the design, a contemporary design that was intended to blend into 'adult' living spaces as this where many a child's toy ends up. The Springbuck was part of an ongoing collaboration with fellow South African, furniture designer John Vogel.

Other innovative products produced include the beautifully inspired Loves Me Loves Me Knot table which is made up of eight individual petals that come together to form a flower; and the fun and quirky Animirrors which are based on the silhouettes of various local species of antelope such as Kudu, Impala and Nyala; and also a Bunny Rabbit. Animirrors were made in a range of colours including berry and chocolate, or if preferred natural wood.

...products to inspire and fuel the imagination

Mimi Plange
Spring has sprung; record-breaking temperatures and the clocks going forward over the weekend, got me thinking its high time I dusted of my strappy sandals, as well as dreaming of adding a few more to the collection. Being able to create that perfect pair of shoes to accessories that perfect outfit is I suspect a dream for many a budding fashion designer; and is one that was realised by fashion designer Mimi Plange, who partnered with legendary footwear designer Manolo Blahnik to create two pairs of custom-designed shoes to accessories her Spring/Summer 2012 collection.   

Inspired by the Himba and Herero women of Namibia; their distinctive traditional adornment combined with the colourful and flowing Victorian style dresses; and an English floral print (circa 1757), the collection entitled 'A Flower in a Desert' features a leather tasselled sandal which pays homage to the Himba women, and an open-toed intricately beaded and embroidered floral bootie which pays homage to the Herero women's modern take on Victoriana. Both styles echo the pastel colours of the main collection which accentuates bold floral prints across beautifully tailored dresses, blouses and cropped trousers. The collaboration has continued onto Mimi Plange's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, entitled Labyrinth which was inspired by Nordic Forests and is laden with luxury textures. The collection features two round- toed stiletto shoe styles with ankle strap detailing.

Born in Ghana and raised in Southern California, designer Mimi Plange later moved to New York City to pursue her fashion dreams. Starting out as Boudoir D'huitres in 2008 creating American sportswear with Victorian and African historical fashion influences, the brand has since evolved into an eponymous luxury womenswear label, dedicated to exceptional quality, craftsmanship and exclusivity. Mimi Plange is about the experience, taking her customers on a journey into her inspirations and imagination, through designs that are modern and sophisticated, using strong lines and symmetry to illustrate the shapes of the body. 

Miöja
I fell for Miöja's packaging as soon as I saw it; the colours, so intense and gorgeously vibrant makes you take notice. However, the colours as I later found out not only serve to create standout packaging but have a deeper significance in distinguishing and highlighting the specific benefits of each range. Based in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa Miöja was started by Tasha Saha, a practicing Holistic Healer and as a chronic sufferer from eczema sought to create her own natural and holistic skincare range using the plants from her garden, simple ingredients that are not just known for their healing and restorative benefits on the outwards but inside the body too.

   Based on the principle that our bodies are wonderful, highly evolved self-regulating systems and that the less we tamper with its natural balance the better, Miöja 's products are created to harnesses the energy of plant life. The formulations are based on sustainably sourced natural and organic ingredients and see carefully selected herbal extracts, essential oils, minerals and flower remedies work to aid the body's natural restorative and regenerative processes, treating a range of skin ailments from dry, blemished or damaged skin, as well as working to nourish and protect mature skins. Understanding the connection between mind, body and soul; Miöja's formulations not only treat the skin but also work to help balance specific energies that contribute to our overall feelings of health and wellbeing. Ingredients known to be toxic to the body or environment are avoided, which means Miöja's products contain no parabens, artificial fragrances or colours. Miöja's products have been formulated to comply with Ecocert regulations for organic certification and are currently undergoing the certification process.

Wild Ginger, Pomegranate, Honeybush, Rosehip, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Fennel and Aloe are just some of the extracts used in products that include cleansers, renewal oils, lip treatments, masks and skin polishes across three core ranges:

Green range: Deeply calming and restorative works to heal and nourish mature and sensitive skins, and helps to enhance emotional resilience, optimism, courage and trust.

Orange Range: As the colour would suggest is energising and enlivening containing herbal extracts and citrus oils to stimulate circulation in dull and congested skin, boosts renewal of skin cells, and helps inspire creativity, enthusiasm and focus.

Violet Range: Formulated to detoxify and brighten the plant extracts used bring luminosity to the tone and texture of dry and mature skin through their intensive clarifying actions and helps to facilitate openness, awareness and integrity.

Miöja has also put together a selected range of products to create a Home Collection Spa for a luxuriously indulgent treat in the comfort of your home.

...every once in a while it good to take time out to nurture and refresh mind, body and soul

Peacock Pavilions
Maryam Montague is probably best known as My Marrakech, the inspirational blog she established documenting her life in Marrakech, Morocco running the boutique hotel, also her home Peacock Pavilions; which she designed, built and decorated from scratch with her architect husband Chris Redecke. You can take a peek into Peacocks Pavilions as the home is featured in the April issue of Elle Decor, which celebrates beautifully, decorated homes from around the world as part of their international issue. 

Peacock Pavilions is bursting with pattern and texture, filled with objects drawn from the couple's travels and the various places they have lived. Having fallen in love with the culture and weather of Morocco, the country offered the lifestyle the couple sought as a place to put down roots for their family and a place to finally house their extensive collection of global treasures. The couple chose a working farm with views of mountains and surrounded by olive trees, but to purchase the property local council requirements stipulated that an investment benefiting the local community also had to be made and was the reason for the property evolving from a home into a boutique eco-hotel.  

Although it took a few weeks to design, permits, finding builders and completing construction took almost four years. Spread over two storey's Peacock Pavilions is based on the traditional Moroccan Casbah architecture with a central great room and features numerous Moroccan style arches, high ceilings and polished concrete floors. The complex also features a pool, two guesthouses and the couple's home furnishing shop, Red Thread Souk. The complex was mostly built with sustainable materials and 2009 saw the couple move in and start on the interior. On her popular blog started just before the property was purchased Maryam talks about her design style and approach, buying things that she loves and mixing with abandon. 

Vintage berber rugs help break up the space of the great room creating smaller, more intimate seating areas. Chris designed some of the furniture seen, upholstered with Moroccan and Malian textiles. Chairs are adorned with beads from Ghana, a peacock mirror from India graces a wall. Masks and statues from various African countries can be seen dotted around the living spaces. Star lanterns commissioned from the souk line the hallway. The guest bedroom, above is my favourite, the blue and the rich pattern detailing it looks so regal. Upholstered with Moroccan carpet fragments, the walnut dining room chairs and table were designed and built by Chris. The library is a colourful space filled with a comfy couch covered with a Suzani fabric on which rests appliqué cushions from Guatemala, and the coffee tables are made from old Moroccan traffic signs.

If visiting Marrakech and looking for a luxuriously relaxing and inspirational getaway, guest accommodation comes in the form of the two-bedroom Atlas Pavilion which has, as the name suggests, views of the majestic Atlas mountains, and each room has its own fireplace, bathroom and a private terrace; and the Medina Pavilion which has three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a dining room. Evenings bring memorable feasts in the dining tent, and the romance of an open air cinema complete with surround sound, deckchair seating and a fire pit for those cooler evenings. Peacocks Pavilions has become something of a creative retreat, a factor that was intentional from its conception, as Maryam and Chris wanted to attract 'creative spirits': artists, designers, jewellery, photographers, filmmakers, poets, and writers who would come and draw inspiration amidst the tranquil surroundings; and the hotel has already seeing artists pass through its doors,  occasionally leaving their stamp in the form of wall murals and hand-stencilled floors and ceilings. Several retreats have been lined up for 2012/2013 and if you fancy hosting your own retreat contact Maryam for further information. 

...unique little touches here and there add character and are a reflection of a life well-travelled