Olele
When it’s stifling out there and the caress of a cool breeze is nowhere to be found I always find myself wishing I had a fan, and enviously looking at those who had the foresight to carry one. A self-indulgent pleasure, but oh so ladylike; fans are one of those things you don’t think about until you need it right then and there; and then prove impossible to find. Blending African prints with Spanish tradition, Etsy store Olele has a covetable range of fans that are just the thing to have to hand to keep you cool when the mercury rises. 

Olele’s fans are handmade in Gipuzkoa, Spain by Karmele Luqui; a multifaceted creative who has worked in diverse areas from graphic design through to restoration of Roman frescoes and vintage books, and now finds inspiration in African prints. The fans comprise staves made from Spanish beech wood and 100% cotton fabric ranging from vibrant wax prints to recycled vintage batiks for the fabric area. All fans come with a smart elegant case for protection when carrying around in your bag, helping to keep the shape. 

To make them comfortable for users Olele’s fans are available for both right and left handed users, but you will need contact Karmele before placing an order for the left-handed version as they are made-to-order.

... stylish and functional, a pretty summer accessory.

Indalo Project
The King Protea is South Africa’s national flower and the inspiration for some very different and thoroughly modern looking lighting from the Indalo Project, a pioneering initiative based in Cape Town, South Africa whose creations serve to fuse traditional elements with contemporary design whilst adhering to a responsibility towards the community.

The highly stylised, organic forms of the Protea collection are constructed using hand bent steel and wire rod components. Natural materials, like wood lend texture and warmth to the overall look and feel, helping to soften the hardness of the metal. The products are available in eight colourways; ranging from bold red, white and aqua to the more muted cream and charcoal shades.

The Protea collection is a result of the partnership between the artisans of the social entrepreneurial organisation, Streetwires; and architect and designer Nicci Drzewicki, and in addition to lighting there is also a range of complementary furniture including tables and stools.

The Indalo Project, itself is a social enterprise working towards providing a culture of financial independence and offers some inspiring works of art for interiors, lifestyle and gifts. Bringing together crafters, producers and designers to learn from and inspire each other through the sharing of cultures, the Indalo Project supports its partner organisations from direct sales through to marketing strategies encouraging sustainable self-sufficiency. Capturing the essence of the initiative, ‘Indalo’ is an isiXhosa word that can be translated to mean ‘creation’ or ‘nature’, and the Indalo Project looks to changing lives through original and sophisticated design and encourages contribution towards collective capacity and opportunity from all those involved.

...Very distinctive, very quirky and some lovely colours too!

Giraffe Manor
As is so often the way, one post leads to another so in keeping with the pull of all things wildlife I was led to the rather charming Giraffe Manor located 20km from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. The name ‘Nairobi’ I found out comes from the Maasai phrase ‘Enkare Nyirobi’ meaning the place of cool waters.

Set in 12 acres of private land amidst 140 acres of indigenous forest, Giraffe Manor is a luxury boutique hotel. Known for its resident herd of rather friendly Rothschild Giraffe that wander the grounds; can you imagine having a long graceful neck poking through the window whilst you enjoy a leisurely breakfast, greeting you at the front door or a face peering at you through your bedroom window… it would be a surreal experience, but one that is the norm at Giraffe Manor.

Not only a sanctuary for the rare species of Giraffe; the Manor is also home to: warthogs, bushbuck, dik dik and 180 species of bird. Combining modern and traditional elegance offset with the stunning backdrop of the majestic Ngong Hills, Giraffe Manor was built in the 1930’s modelled on the style of a Scottish Hunting Lodge and boasts six well-appointed double bedrooms; each with a large four poster bed; and resplendent in antique furnishings, art décor and spacious bathrooms. If travelling as a family then the Karen Blixen suite; named after the famed author, is perfect with access to a courtyard that opens onto the giraffe sanctuary providing you with many unforgettable moments to treasure.

To help guests learn more about their inquisitive companions the Giraffe Centre, set up by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) operates a conservation and educational programme from which Kenyan school children have benefited.

... Giraffe Manor, experiences you only dream about.

Shumba Inc
Brighten up the walls of a nursery or young child’s room with adorable, quirky and colourful felt wall-hangings from Harare-based, Shumba Inc. The diverse wildlife found across the African continent is a constant source of inspiration for many and Shumba Inc’s interpretation sees buffalo, lion, giraffe and man’s best friend captured in the delightful childlike innocence that can be found in children’s drawings and give each animal a personality. ‘Shumba’ means lion in Shona, one of Zimbabwe’s languages and Shumba and his friends come in a colourful array of hand puppets, magnets and decorations to name a few.

Operating with the ethos of ‘empowerment through creativity’ the basis for Shumba Inc began in Cape Town where amidst battling cancer, designer and creator Hayley Rogers began creating things as an outlet. The pastime soon turned into a business as a means to enabling Hayley to raise the funds necessary for her medical treatment and long recovery process. Eventually moving back home to Harare, Zimbabwe in 2003; Hayley decided to formally established Shumba Inc as a self-funded philanthropic business, with the support of her mother and sister, bringing together family and the local community all working together to help each other through difficult times.

I can just picture the wall-hangings in large white frames dotted around the walls; and Shumba’s Inc other creations could set the tone for a birthday party or even baby shower… so cute!

Sammy
These stylish tie-dyed leather clutches from Sammy feature signature circular and stripe patterns of the dyeing process. Currently retailing online at Liberty London, the clutches are hand made in Ethiopia, making up part of a contemporary range of hand-woven, dyed and embroidered products that serve to build upon and preserve Ethiopia’s great tradition and skill in weaving.

AimIng to empower those within local communities by employing the talents of skilled artisans, Sammy’s products include bags, scarves and home accessories such as: pillows, throws and table runners.

... just the thing for storing your essentials

Pyromaniac by mp
The legendary unpredictability of the British weather calls for the need to be prepared at all times when venturing outdoors and gives rise to a spring/summer staple; the trench coat, a wardrobe must-have in classic beige but mix it up with some colourful options for head turning style. Fusing timeless and with a touch of African glamour and designed to give a flattering chic silhouette, Pyromaniac by mp have a couple of bold, graphic print knee length trench’s that would look good whether dressed up or down.

Hailing from Yaoundé, Cameroon, the driving force behind Pryomaniac is designer and stylist Michèle P who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. This is after a time spent in Paris learning her craft and honing her skills at various ‘maisons de couture’ around the city. Living in three continents combined with various travels and her upbringing has shaped Michèle P's designs; her mother is a well-known and locally acclaimed fashion designer in Cameroon influencing her love for clothes.

Michèle P’s debut collection entitled ‘Be Wear’ envisions a daring, fiery woman who embraces her femininity and was inspired by the classic 50’s pin-up look characterised by defined busts and cinched in waists, all brought up to-date with striking prints, embellishment and fabric combinations such as cotton, leather and silk. I was enamored by the simple style and colourful print of the dress below, cute and perfect for summer; and as an added touch you can choose your hemline length from the playful mini to elegant just below the knee.

…I do love trench coats - they make me feel empowered, sexy and stylish... I guess its because I always think they give a polished, often mysterious look to the wear

Imiso Ceramics
Four dynamic individuals; Andile Dyalvane, Abongile Madabane, Zizipho Poswa and Mlamli Charles Mayosi came together in June 2006 to form Imiso Ceramics, a contemporary range of ceramic products.

‘Imiso’ means ‘Tomorrow’ in Xhosa and formed the basis of the company’s slogan ‘Dawn of a new era’ and defines the hopes and dreams the owners have for themselves, the future and their flourishing business. Based in Woodstock, Cape Town the four owners are committed to building a unique South African brand and have a strong determination to inspire other up-and-coming artists and entrepreneurs; this has seen the business take on two talented artists as orders continue to increase.

Imiso Ceramics has a distinctive signature style; combined with an African aesthetic. I see a strong Surrealism influence running through the decoration, in the form of Spanish painters, sculptors and ceramicists; Pablo Picasso - pioneer of Cubism and Joan Miró - whose work exhibited freedom and energy.

From the beginning Imiso Cermaics chose to manufacture and sell their ceramics from the same place and attribute this to the success of the business, as customers are able to watch and interact with the artists at work, helping to form a bond with the products they go on to purchase. Imiso Ceramics also export their products to Paris, New York and Austria; and have supplied the US-based Anthropologie stores. 

…. Imiso Ceramics are unique, bold and making a name for themselves in the world of contemporary ceramics 

Nkuku
Display your treasured memories with eco chic metal and wooden frames from Nkuku. Handmade in Malawi the frames shown are stylishly simple allowing your pictures to stand out. Aiming to use natural or recycled materials where possible, the frames in the Nkuku collections are produced using wood taken from sustainable forests, in addition to aluminium and other light metals.

[Image credits: Nkuku - Recycled Aluminum and Wood Frames selection]

Named after a village in Zambia, Nkuku is an online retailer of stylish, handmade eco-friendly home ware, accessories and gifts and seeks to combine contemporary designs with the traditional skills of artisans in Africa and India. Built on the principles of fair trade and equal opportunity, Nkuku supports local community initiatives and works to ensure their local suppliers are paid decent wages. Nkuku also maintains close relationships with the artisans, regularly visiting supplier countries. 

... see the full range online for some beautifully inspirational decor

Out of Africa
Moroccan chef, Hassan M’Souli has been tantalising the taste buds of Australians in New South Wales, since arriving on the shores of Sydney from Casablanca in 1985. Opening the door of his award winning restaurant ‘Out of Africa’ in 1995, Hassan cites being in his mother’s kitchen from a young age as the source of his passion about cooking; and Sydney provided the opportunity to introduce a new and unique taste to the local dining experience.

Out of Africa serves up aromatic dishes that pay homage to traditional Moroccan influences and have become such firm favourites with customers that the core menu has changed little over the past 10 years, instead introducing ‘Specials’ on a weekly basis to offer variety. Accolades have included features in Sydney’s top food guides as well as recognition from his home country, Morocco for ‘ his outstanding contribution to the promotion of Moroccan Cuisine and culture’. 

In addition to restaurateur Hassan is now the author of two cookbooks; 'Moroccan Modern' and 'Make it Moroccan'. The latter awarded 'Best In The World- African - Cuisine Category' at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards held in Paris in March 2010. Whether new to Moroccan cooking or a dab hand, Hassan has brought out a range of ‘Out of Africa’ condiments to help you recreate the flavours at home; and if you want to see the Chef in action Hassan regularly offers demonstration classes on the fine art of Moroccan cooking, finishing with a traditional Mint Tea Ceremony. 

... if in the area indulge your senses with wonderfully aromatic flavours of Morocco

Patrick Mavros
Wildlife artist and master sculptor, Patrick Mavros is passionate about the African bush, moments of which are beautifully captured in his evocative finely detailed sterling silver sculptures. Self-taught, Patrick started his eponymous business in 1978 when he created a pair of rose earrings for his then fiancé, now wife and this led to ever increasing requests from friends and family for their own unique sculptures and helped hone his skills in the process. Now a fully-fledged family business involving his wife and four sons, Patrick works from a studio-cum-gallery located just outside Harare, Zimbabwe; and also retails his covetable, whimsical pieces from a flagship store in London. In addition to this two of his son’s are based in Mauritius where some of the collection is designed.

Products range from the decorative to the functional; such as napkin rings, coffee spoons, desk accessories and jewellery for men and women. I was quite taken by these table lamps depicting the playful and notoriously pesky, Vervet monkeys (a common sight throughout the savannahs of Southern Africa) clambering up and down a stem that leads to a shade of what looks like overlaid guinea fowl feathers. The realistic sculptures allow you to create your own wildlife scenes like the ever-graceful giraffe content to graze amongst the acacia trees which double as candle holders seen below.

The intricate sculptures cast in sterling silver reveal the high attention to detail using an ancient technique of lost wax casting, acknowledged as a long and involved process. The silver is extracted from gold; the precious mineral which has been mined and panned in Zimbabwe for over 500 years. The silver is a by-product of the gold refining process; however in its pure, fine state is too soft to use in jewellery or sculpture, so the British Silver Alloy standard of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper is used giving way to the 925 mark commonly seen on sterling silver products. Each Patrick Mavros piece comes with: the PM hallmark, signifying the artist/maker and is registered at the Assay Office in the Goldsmiths' Hall in London; the Sterling Silver Mark of Zimbabwe which is a Sable antelope head within a triangle; and the English Date Stamp.

... exquisitely captures the wildlife inhabitants of the African landscape

Additional details:
Prices currently on the website start from: £60 / USD$97; Lamps shown cost £30 000 / USD$48 684
For further information about Patrick Mavros visit: http://www.patrickmavros.com/