Ryan Frank
Squishy upholstery on chairs and smooth rounded shapes making up some fun stacking stools form the basis of a range of furniture just begging to be touched and played with. These quirky and innovative designs are from Ryan Frank, a South African designer now residing in London’s trendy and bohemian East End. Starting his business in 2005 sustainability is at the core of Ryan’s work.

When I first saw Ryan’s 'Inkuku' Chair I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, however I must say it has grown on me; I’m finding something rather comforting about it, reminded of very random things from a cuddly fluffy character on Sesame Street to life force beating its way through the body; real and alive pulsing with energy. What gives the furniture designs their unique appearance are the materials used. Creating funky eco furniture, Ryan Frank’s work is literally made from bits of rubbish given a new lease of life. Ryan’s furniture often makes use of recycled materials such as reclaimed office furniture and plastic bags as seen in the aforementioned Inkuku chair and he continuously seeks out different types of materials to work with including; wood, cork and felt in bold colours, patterns and textures. 

Covering a range of limited edition interior products the furniture is available to purchase by contacting Ryan directly. In addition to London Ryan also has a studio in Barcelona, Spain working through both studios to produce his bespoke commissions and furniture for companies within the corporate and hospitality sectors.

Ryan work makes constant references to Africa, as seen in the 'Inkuku' chair which was inspired by the handcraft techniques found in South African handicrafts and references can also be seen in the 'Ishongololo' stool which takes me back to my childhood. Ishongololo means centipede and in Zimbabwe’s Shona language we call it Zongororo, squirmy things that usually come out during the wet season; whenever we saw one crawling along the veranda a quick flick of the foot would send it into a tightly wound ball and provided endless hours of squealing amusement – well we were kids and animal cruelty was not part of our vocabulary...I'm starting to feel squeamish just thinking about it!

Njee Muturi
Ever wondered what jewellery made from everyday objects like spoons and forks would like? Well these items are what inspire Kenyan jewellery artist Njee Muturi, who takes and turns them into exceptional wearable pieces of jewellery, that have captured the imagination of collectors.

Looking at the way Njee bends the cutlery, see how the fork ends curl into flourishes; I can’t help but be reminded of Uri Geller the man who made his name bending spoons and other objects made of metal. Trained in the US Njee also learned elements of jewellery making from his grandfather and with all these influences has been creating jewellery for over a decade. The etched patterns and what looks like an oxidising technique gives the jewellery an antique look enhancing its value.

...so surreal, makes for engaging conversation pieces

Hamed Design International
The contemporary art market in Burkina Faso is relatively young, and needs nurturing by those who are becoming successful in the field be it creator or buyer. One such creator doing just that is Hamed Ouattara. The innovative fine artist and furniture designer from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso set up Hamed Design International in 2008 with the intention of promoting visual art from Burkina Faso to an international audience.

‘I create an African design which is consumed by Africans’, a statement that highlights his desire to help people gain a sense of pride in what has been designed and manufactured locally. Of his furniture Hamed says his key goal is to counteract cheap imports that do not reflect the local culture, instead ending up causing the erosion of traditional artisan craftwork. Citing the local African experience as his source of inspiration; through his work Hamed reinterprets discarded materials into unusual everyday objects; such as cabinets and tables.

The minute I saw Hamed’s furniture, I immediately knew of one person for whom they would be a perfect match; a person who would absolutely love them, I can so picture several pieces making a home for themselves alongside their other furniture. That said, the love or hate response that art tends to elicit from viewers fully applies here; the visual aesthetic of Hamed’s highly unique furniture designs, that are so distinctive and bold will almost certainly divide opinion and encourage debate on what defines luxury. Whatever your opinion there is no denying Hameed's ingenuity in fashioning contemporary functional furniture from materials that include discarded metal and other objects; materials that give the pieces a raw, lived in look and ultimately tell a story. 

Through Hamed Design International, Hamed brings together local artists from the fields of; sculpture, painting, design and installation providing them with the opportunity to participate in exhibitions across the world and in those that Hamed has also organised. The organisation also runs competitions to encourage new talent and hosts gala dinners to draw sponsorship from those who are keen to get involved in its initiatives.

…Hamed’s furniture speaks volumes about a person and a place. Full of character I can see Hamed’s furniture setting the tone in a funky bar, restaurant, salon or office/studio; instantly adding to the mood. 


Additional information sourced from: www.africancolours.com/hamedouatarra.htm   

Frazer Parfum
I find it fascinating that perfumes I can’t stand are really loved by someone else. Shrouded in mystery and intrigue; the art of perfumery has to be an incredibly personal process as the perfume maker chooses and blends the scents that essentially please their nose, but at the same time requiring an element of commercial appeal. Frazer Parfum is a niche perfume house based in Cape Town, South Africa; the scents produced are in essence a fragrant ode to owner and parfumer Tammy Frazer’s travels to the source of the materials used, meeting all those involved in the production and gathering inspiration along the way. Grouped into chapters; each reflecting a particular source of inspiration, the perfumes are created using natural and organic raw materials sourced by Tammy herself from farmers around the world.

Delving into her family history one could say that it was inevitable Tammy would end up in the career she has. Her grandfather was Graham Wulff, a chemist and inventor who created the world’s leading beauty fluid, ‘Oil of Olay’ in 1959; her father worked at Swiss perfume house, Givaudan; and an aunt and uncle both chemists helped popularise homeopathy in South Africa. A legacy like that would surely come with pressure to succeed, and for Tammy it has been one that has unquestionably had a profound effect on her as she did not receive a conventional education in the cosmetics industry; instead learning every aspect of the business from leading scholars around the world.

Frazer Parfum believes in sourcing locally, championing entrepreneurship and protecting ecology and works to uphold responsible farming and support conservation efforts like the African Blackwood Conservation Project. Before creating a scent Tammy researches the history, horticulture and locality to help create the framework and ensures Frazer Parfum is involved in every aspect of harvesting and production. Frazer Parfum does not use synthetic molecules or chemicals; the perfumes contain no pesticides, paraffin or genetically modified materials and are not tested on animals; instead all scents are 100% vegetal, natural and biodegradable.

Selecting a perfume really engages the senses; from the smell to the look and feel of the bottle, so creating a scent is only a part of the process. Frazer Parfum’s glass flacons housing their scents are each hand-blown by leading South African glass artist David Reade and come enveloped in silk to heighten the luxury experience. Available in liquid and solid forms, I love the packaging for the parfum solide, which come in a uniquely carved sustainable African Blackwood compact. They are so chic and elegant, perfect for travelling and look so tactile to touch cradled in the palm of your hand. Frazer Parfum products retail at the exclusive Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie in Harrods, London a private room dedicated to celebrating creative perfumery and the Annindriya Perfume Lounge in Oud-Zuid, Amsterdam. Tammy also runs a consultancy service creating bespoke scents for private clients upon request. 

...In addition to perfume, indulge in Shea butter handmade by the women of M’Pedougou village, Mali which comes in a beautiful Cedarwood box.

Additional Details:
For further information and to find a stockist visit: www.frazerparfum.com
 

Akoubakar Fofana
When I lived in Harare, Dendera Gallery in the city centre was a favourite haunt of mine. Close to the studio I worked in, I would spend many a lunch-time browsing and occasionally buying from the fascinating collection of art sourced across the African continent. I fell in love with the beautifully dyed authentic Indigo fabrics, and to this day kick myself for having not bought one… I'm not sure why I didn't as I kept saying I would, I guess I got caught up in my move to the UK. I still think of them every now and then, even more so whenever I see a feature on Malian artist and Indigo master craftsman, Aboubakar Fofana. It’s the colour that gets me every time; that gorgeous shade of indigo. Blue is my favourite colour; brilliant deeply pigmented hues of blue like ultramarine, azure, cobalt and cerulean; the first colours to get quickly used up in my pastel and watercolour boxes.

Born in Bamako, Mali Aboubakar Fofana is a textile designer, calligrapher and artist who has lived in Paris for over thirty years. Passionate about the preservation of the Malian cultural heritage of Indigo dyeing Aboubakar found himself increasingly intrigued by the Indigo plant and the benefits of using natural plant and mineral dyes in general. His research drew him into exploring the roots of indigo fabric in Malian culture, discovering the traditional techniques; and deepening his knowledge. The artist is also working on the revival of the indigo plant, which has gradually been abandoned in favour of chemical dyes that have had a catastrophic effect on ecosystems.

Aboubakar has chosen to concentrate on natural organic fabrics that can take the vegetable and natural dyes and his experiments have led to unique works of art for clothing and décor accessories. The fabrics are further enhanced by hand made stitching and finishings. Ever the scholar Aboubakar’s interest has seen him collaborate with well-known Senegalese-based textile designer Aissa Dione on a textile accessories range; and has taken him far a field to Japan to study under the tutelage of master dyer AKIYAMA Masakazu to learn about Japanese indigo. Visit Amaridian gallery online for a fascinating pictorial giving an insight into the indigo dyeing process.

...simply stunning, just my kind of blue!

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
At first glance Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge itself is relatively unassuming; however it’s the surroundings that grab you first, set in 11 acres of lush, rolling landscape on the edge of the Parc National des Volcans, a premier eco-tourism destination in North Western Rwanda.

Facing the imposing volcanoes that rise to almost 15,000 feet, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is located 7,000 feet above sea level in hilly terrain. Designed to maximise the striking views, the simple structures of the lodge are scattered; tucked away amidst the vegetation and comprise a central building hosting the reception, library, bathrooms, shop; and a dining/bar area that has an extensive outdoor area for guests to enjoy the calm. Five private, detached cottages offer privacy, in addition to 2 suites and a family suite;  all coming with a private veranda, sitting room, bedroom(s) and a bathroom. Large windows are designed to give optimal views of the surrounding vista. Because of the high altitude it can get rather cool, so buildings constructed from local stone finished with a natural ochre coloured plaster have double thick walls to ensure that the warmth from the living room fireplaces remains. Topped of with terracotta tiles on the roof, the overall effect is a homely rustic feel.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge was conceived, built and managed by Governors Camp Kenya who made the decision to turn ownership of the lodge over to a community trust named SACOLA. SACOLA was set up specifically to receive the rental and income gained to fund socio-economic development and conservation objectives through out the area. SACOLA's initiatives encompass a range of programmes outlined here.

A serene area about 2 hours drive from Kigali, one said to draw out the emotions; the Parc National des Volcans is a draw for those interested in catching a glimpse of the endangered mountain Gorillas in their natural habitats (note children under 15 although welcomed at the Lodge they are not permitted to go on Gorilla trekking) and visiting the picturesque lakes in and around the park. More importantly the area also draws those who want to pay homage to the victims of the genocide by visiting the various memorials. Be prepared to get some vigorous exercise, due to the hilly setting so you are warned to expect a bit of a trek from the car park to the main lodge and generally when you go out and about. 

…Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge comes across as a place that allows one to take the time to simply pause and reflect

Shirley Ephraim
Like glistening dew drops hanging of shimmering silken strands in the early light of dawn, thus I was reminded when I first viewed jewellery designer Shirley Ephraim's breathtaking organic and free flowing designs. Shirley's work is hauntingly beautiful; delicate strands of hand woven fibres are combined with rare gemstones, crystals and sterling silver to give the pieces depth whilst managing to maintain the barely there aesthetic.

The fact that Shirley was born into a culture of weavers is a defining aspect of her Nigerian heritage that weaves its way through her work and is one that collides beautifully with the intricate skills of Spanish needle-point learnt at a young age from her Costa Rican mother, along with other ancient techniques of lace-making and hand-weaving. These influences combined with world travels and a love of nature are brought together to form jewellery creations under her eponymous collection 'SHIRLEY EPHRAIM FINE EARTH JEWELRY'. Giving artisanal handiwork a luxury modern makeover, Shirley currently resides in New York CITY and hopes her work will contribute towards the preservation of the various ancient cultural techniques; some dating back 40,000 years.

Displaying a fragility unlike that of the spider's web, Shirley's finely detailed work is crocheted or hand woven by the designer herself and can take several months to design and produce each of the limited edition pieces, which are numbered for collectors items. A socially conscious designer, all Shirley's jewellery is made with sustainable, natural and ethically sourced materials including precious stones, luxurious handmade silk fibres, organic plant extracts, recycled 19th century sterling silver and organic nacre; in addition to this 10% of all profits from the 'SHIRLEY EPHRAIM FINE EARTH JEWELRY collection go to support environmental and social responsibility initiatives and organisations throughout the world. The designer also works closely with fair trade local mining cooperatives in Nigeria to source the gemstones used, which are often left in their natural unpolished state adding to the natural quality exhibited in her designs.

More recently Shirley has created an exclusive luxury Spring/Summer 2011 capsule collection for New York label Donna Karan, simply entitled SHIRLEY EPHRAIM for Donna Karan and is available in Donna Karan stores across the US and in the UK. The collection exhibits the hallmarks of her design style whereby soft whispers of silk and crystal caress your skin and gracefully drape about the body.

…just make sure to remember that you are actually wearing a necklace as I have in the past ripped off delicate jewellery forgetting I had it on... 

Akoma Skincare
The closer Father's Day gets certain businesses must surely see an upsurge in hanky and sock purchases from those who have left it to the last minute. I admit I have been guilty of this at some point, but I always try to get something meaningful and imaginative. How many socks and hankies can one man have anyway! Why not treat the treasured men folk in your life to some loving skin care, a thoughtful gift that can say a lot if it is the right product. UK-based Akoma Skincare specialises in organic fairly traded products using raw natural ingredients like the ever-popular Shea and cocoa butters and have a male grooming gift pack of specially selected items to soothe, nourish and pamper. 

Offering high quality skincare to their customers Akoma Skincare's philosophy is to do business in a way that benefits everyone involved and to have a positive impact on emerging economies within the developing world. Akoma Skincare was established by Angus Klufio and has a particular focus on Ghana where the company maintains cooperatives in various parts of the country, mainly processing the Shea Butter and Palm Oil products. Through the Akoma Cooperative Multipurpose Society in Bolgatanga, Ghana women within the community are able to collect, process and sell Shea nuts and butter earning a valuable source of income. All work carried out is mindful not to disturb the local ecosystem and Akoma Skincare adheres to Fair-trade guidelines. Akoma Skincare was set up as a result of the work being done by the cooperative to assist with getting the products to wider international consumer base.

With a comprehensive range of natural luxury products to choose from including the company's popular oils that work to rejuvenate tired skin; soaps and skin butters that like many of the products contain Shea butter, renowned for its healing and soothing properties, particularly to dry cracked skin; and a hair care range that is also free from chemicals; Akoma Skincare also retails the raw products so you can go off and experiment with make your own, this includes bottles and jars for storage.  

…so whether its younger skin that needs protecting or older skin in need of soothing and healing, ravaged by the passage of time turn to the healing benefits of natural organic skincare

Additional details:
Prices on the website range from: £1.65-£19.97
For further information about Akoma Skincare visit: www.akomaskincare.co.uk

Luella
I am on the prowl for a pair of wedges for summer. I covet these knotted espadrille wedges by South African footwear company Luella. I know I could find something similar on the British Highstreet, but that's not the point…I like them. Being a fussy shopper I don't tend to buy on impulse, I'm happy to browse going back and checking an item until I am satisfied and then purchasing, if it is no longer available then... oh well its on to the next thing. 

Passionate about sharing all things shoe related, designer Luella has been catering to the needs of SA shoe lovers since 2005; tantalising her customers with stylish, sexy and free-spirited footwear retailed through her self-named stores across the country and in Namibia. Unfortunately for me these wedges are from last season and given that the Southern Hemisphere is currently in the middle of winter are no longer available - but there's no harm in looking and of course daydreaming!

...will just have to wait to see what the next season brings...

Nena Kal Hunter
Today was Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, one of the most anticipated days on the UK's summer social calendar. I had planned to go this year, but for one reason or another didn't get round to ordering my tickets on time and part of me is rather glad I didn't! Today hasn't been the nicest of days, one where an umbrella would get in the way of showing off your fabulousness given the way the rain has been bucketing down. I shouldn't complain though the rain is desperately needed after an unseasonably dry spring- it has been rather strange not having it around. Although the thought of frolicking around in muddy grass in heels sounds far from appealing, somehow I don't think that deterred the revelers.

Ladies Day at Ascot is the place to see and be seen; and aside from racing, is famous for the parade of colourful headgear on display in an attempt to out do the next. Creations range from elegantly demure wisps of netting to the fabulously outrageous; and thanks to a certain 'wedding' the fascinator remains as popular as ever. Speaking of stylish headgear I'm loving the gorgeous cute and whimsical creations by milliner Nena Kal Hunter ...would have been perfect for Ascot. Sumptuous fabrics like velvet and silk in gorgeous jewel-toned palettes are given a touch of playfulness and modern romance with strategically placed embellishments.

The ultra-feminine creations are from the hand of milliner Nena Kalu Ogba. Born and bred in Enugu, Nigeria; Nena has from a very young age always had a passion for designing and all things creative. Initially training as a footwear designer before moving into fashion design, Nena's entry into millinery came about by accident when she designed herself a hat to wear to a friends wedding. On the back of many compliments her creation garnered Nena came away with several orders and has continued crafting her stylish hats and fascinators ever since. What I like about the designs is how simple the base is with the carefully placed fun embellishments like ribbons, bows and feathers adding the interest.

…chic and fabulously girly the kind of hats that make you want to find an event just for the pleasure of wearing one

Additional details:
Worldwide shipping available
For further information about Nena Kal Hunter millinery visit: www.nenakalhunter.com