Madécasse
Pink pepper and citrus, exotic pepper, and sea salt and nibs are just some of the rather interesting flavour combinations you will find in a Madécasse chocolate bar. Recently named ‘one of the world’s 50 most innovative companies’ by Fast Company magazine, Madécasse is on a mission to revolutionise Africa’s chocolate industry by becoming one of the few fine chocolate companies to produce a bar that is not only grown in Africa, but is also produced in Africa. The stats on the website highlight the fact that although Africa produces 70% of the world’s cocoa, actual chocolate production amounts to less than 1%. Made in Madagascar, Madécasse is luxury gourmet chocolate from a single source and available in a range of chocolate and cooking chocolate bars. I think the packaging is beautiful, a clean and elegant blend of subtlety contrasted with a colourful strip that not only identifies the type/flavour, but also serves to help them stand out on the shelf.

The founders of Madécasse; Brett, Tim and Joe spent over ten years living and working on the island as Peace Corps volunteers, eventually setting up the business there in 2008. Madagascar is said to produce some of the best cocoa in the world; a factor that can be attributed to the soil it grows in and the result is a bean with a unique and fruity flavour. Madécasse's chocolate products made fresh at the source of where the cocoa is grown; partnering with the farmers of the Ezaka Cooperative, which situated in a remote corner of the island, the cocoa bean pods are cultivated by hand and then sent to a factory in Antananarivo where, led by self-taught chocolatier, Shahin Cassam Chenai the chocolate bars are made by a local team who have perfected the roast that gives Madécasse its taste.

Madagascan vanilla is said to be the best in the world, grown in organic, fertile soils and Madécasse also produces a high quality range of natural; vanilla bean powders, sugars and extracts for all your baking and cooking needs.

…a very tempting chocolate bar that stays true to the source

willowlamp
Illuminating your home or business space, ethereal constructions from willowlamp provide a sense of mystery and wonder. Operating from a studio and workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa willowlamp’s striking chandeliers look like they’ve been spun out of silken thread and belie a solid framework that holds it all together.

The establishment of the company was an organic process, a sharing of ideas as co-founder Adam Hoets, an eco architect was experimenting with creating curtains from ball chains and needed an effective solution to aid the suspension. The answer came through a collaboration with jewellery designer, Sian Eliot, who had devised a way of securley fixing the chains to the framework. After months of research and development, 2005 saw the completion of the first willowlamps, meticulously hand assembled using hundreds of chain strands that are cut and shaped by hand. The intricately arranged chain detailing gives way to amazing patterns that gently shift with changes in the surrounding air. Handcrafting the chandeliers means all lighting is made to order avoiding mass production and can be tailored to specific needs. A custom design service is available for seeking an truly unique piece.

Nature; flowers and spiral forms in particular are a strong source of inspiration and include the distinctive forms of Frangipani blooms, Fuschia flowers, the Protea and seashells. Cleverly constructed the dynamic, organic forms are multi-faceted changing their appearance depending on your view point; look from the side and the shimmering ball chain strands form a gently cascading curtain, stand underneath looking up and you are confronted by a totally different view, like the patterns you seen through a kaleidoscope, and in the case of the award-winning ‘Flower of Life’ not unlike traditional African woven baskets, I am again reminded of techniques like crochet and weaving. The design duo are also inspired by the art deco and victorian eras, elements of which can be seen in the way the chains drape.

I, however keep thinking of water when I see them, the way they look so effortlessly lightweight suspended in the air, they come across as gently floating creatures from the deep, I almost expect them to start drifting off across the screen any second. Just as the ebb and flow of water changes its surface, so too would the air moving through the beaded strands break up the light, leaving you with soft undulating light sources. Very soothing. 

…elegant creations with a glamourous touch
 

Rupert Sanderson
I know I said don’t get me started on Rupert Sanderson shoes when I profiled his protégé, footwear designer Liam Fahy; but they found me! I came across the Rupert Sanderson Resort 2012 Shoe Collection on Fashionologie whilst following a link trail; and instantly falling in love with the gorgeous Kibo wedge I just had to pause and have a look at the rest.

An African Inspired collection, Rupert Sanderson’s Resort 2012 is described as the ‘Caribbean meets Kenya’ and sees towering wedges and platforms in seductive shapes brought to life with leathers and fabrics in vibrant tropical colours like pink, turquoise and coral; held together or accentuated with contrasting zig-zag pattern detailing. I can't help but think of the carnival spirit, especially since yesterday saw West London partying to the pulsating rhythms of the flamboyant Notting Hill carnival; the annual showcase of music, song and dance that attracted over a million visitors. 

…shoes designed to infuse you with the vacation spirit

Haldane Martin
‘…meaningful for the spirit, beautiful for the soul, and nurturing for the body.’ Words that describe the design philosophy of innovative furniture, product and industrial designer; Haldane Martin. Based in Cape Town, South Africa; Haldane set up his eponymous company in 2002 and works to create designs for life; designs that serve to harmoniously connect us to the world in which we live in. Its fair to say in most cases our home is our sanctuary and Haldane believes that the environments we live in and the objects we fill them with should reflect the core of who we are, and how we think of them; from our day to day interactions, the need for balance, our impact on the environment and taking pleasure in the objects we chose to surround ourselves with. 

Inspired by South Africa's diverse cultural and creative influences; both past and present Haldane’s contemporary designs are inviting, drawing you into the space and this characteristic is evident in styles like the Zulu Mama Chair; which I simply love. It's being chic, feminine and comfortingly familiar came as little surprise to me when I read the description and found the chair to be inspired by Zulu basket weaving and that it was intended to pay homage to a time honoured activity of women gathering round for a good chat! These factors make the Chair ideal for the home; think placed around a breakfast table, on a sun warmed patio or in a quiet nook to lose yourself in your latest read; or commercially in a café setting as shown above. The chair reminds me of one giant crochet and is made from recycled plastic, woven onto recycled stainless steel frames.

Other sources of inspiration include the creepy crawly Songololo, a retro inspired sectional sofa that is designed to curve into the spaces of the chosen environment. Initially created for a Cape Town wellness spa, the Simplicity Chaise Longue makes me just want to curl up onto it. The Chaise is covered in indigenous game skins and Inguni hides from a sustainable source, giving a luxury look and feel that is unmistakably African.

Showrooms in Cape Town and Johannesburg showcase Haldane’s award winning designs, currently amounting to a collection of 50 unique furniture pieces that can be found within stylish interiors across the world; in particular the high-end residential and hospitality sectors. 

...sublime modern classics

Rachael Ruddick
The recent trend for the 1970’s and global fusion has seen a resurgence of tie and dye across fashion and lifestyle products and whilst browsing Selfridges online I came across a vividly coloured Tangerine clutch bag by Australian luxury leather goods and accessories brand Rachael Ruddick. Displaying a bold tie and dye pattern I immediately thought African inspired, however I do not know if Africa was the specific inspiration for the brands Spring/Summer 2012 piece.

When I see tie and dye I can’t help think of ancient African textile techniques; for example the Indigo dying methods of West Africa; however tie and dye also has it roots in many other cultures, and reached the height of global popularity in 1960s/1970s when it became synonymous with the American Hippie movement. In India you will find the complex and highly intricate Bandhani method that dates back 5000 years and various the Shibori methods from Japan can be traced back to the 8th century.

Rachael Ruddick’s take has resulted in a sophisticated range of mini traveller and clutch bags in luxurious suede that come in a choice of Tangerine or China Blue; whose colour I adore as it reminds me of Indigo textiles. Based in Sydney; Rachael Rosken Ruddick established Rachael Ruddick in 2008 after fifteen years spent working in the luxury sector, most notably for the LVHM group. Working in the luxury sector has had an impact on the brand, resulting in designs which see classic design, a love of travel and an appreciation of timeless style go into creating each collection; a process that constantly takes the creative team across the globe in search of inspiration from; high quality craftsmanship and design to unique materials that get combined with high-quality Australian leathers. Rachael Ruddick’s ethos is to embody elegance and modernity in everything it creates and in addition to a ‘Forever’ range of permanent pieces, the company also produces four collections a year ensuring it meets the needs of its discerning clientele.

…tie and dye, a truly global textile

Kaya Mawa / Lake of Stars
At the moment, there seems to be a festival taking place everywhere you turn and not to be outdone Malawi will soon host what has been dubbed ‘Simply the finest festival in the world’ by noted UK leading music magazine; Q Magazine… high praise indeed! In partnership with arts and development organisations from the UK, the three-day extravaganza entitled the ‘Lake of Stars’ has rapidly made a name for itself across the region and beyond since launching in 2004. The showcase has grown considerably over the years; attracting top musicians, DJs and artists from Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia and off course Malawi as well international talent from Sweden, Canada and the UK. The award winning festival was set up as a platform promoting Malawian arts and tourism to the international world and to attract visitors to the country; aiding economic development. Along the picturesque shores of Lake Malawi; the country’s most well known tourist attraction, local and international visitors enjoy music, dance, theatre, spoken word, market stalls, film and exhibitions from over 90 notable artists, and this year the festival will be held from 30th September to 2nd October at the Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi, Malawi.

…but all that partying can take its toll, and if a few days of ‘recuperation’ is needed head to the tranquil far north east of the Lake where you will find Likoma Island, a place covered with mango trees and ancient baobabs and encircled with white sandy beaches and rocky coves; and home to Kaya Mawa, a luxury eco lodge rated by Condé Nast Traveller magazine as one of the ten most romantic destinations. Unique in that it was built entirely by hand with no power tools; Kaya Mawa is an environmentally-friendly Lodge that was completed in 2000 after construction started in 1995 and is a place that takes community spirit seriously. Keeping things local, the workforce is drawn from the three villages that border the Lodge; from carpenters to stonemasons who assisted with the build to the Lodge staff, many of whom were involved in the construction and moved over once the Lodge was operational in a process that has built up a strong family atmosphere, one of mutual trust and respect between the villagers, owners of the Lodge and the guests who come stay. The Lodge prides itself on running on renewable energy without comprising its high standards and guests comforts; so if you really can’t bear to be totally cut off from the outside world; internet, printer, scanner and telephone access is available running on solar and wind power. 

Kaya Mawa is made up of ten houses ranging from standard to premium depending on the level of privicay you are seeking; two of the houses are suitable for families and a third for honeymooning guests. Large beds, stunning views of the crystal clear water, private plunge pools, foliage covered walkways and relaxing lounge areas are just some of the features available. Dine on local and international cuisine in the restaurant and reflect on past events by the bar which is perfectly situated to provide the refreshment to accompany a spectacular sunset over the Lake.

Occupying one fifth of Malawi, Lake Malawi is one of Africa’s greatest lakes; the third largest in the region. At 575km long and 85km at its widest point, the Lake’s existence can be traced back to 500BC. Populated with large numbers of freshwater fish, Lake Malawi is of economic importance to the country not only drawing tourists, but is also a source of living for many Malawians; fishermen, net makers, canoe makers and of course fish traders who sell the catch to the mainland. Despite all this activity the Lake has remained relatively unspoilt, thanks to government efforts in not letting the Lake become over-commercialised and visitors can enjoy relatively un-crowded beaches, a variety of water sports and views of the spectacular birdlife including kingfisher, heron and fish eagle.

…party then relax in Malawian style 
  
Additional information sourced from: www.ecoafrica.com/africa

Mikuti
Get a glimpse into a vibrant part of Tanzanian culture with these gorgeously colourful bangles from Mikuti; a socially active company founded by US-based Erika Freund, who after spending time in the country as a volunteer set up the business to produce simple yet striking jewellery designs in partnership with various artists, individuals and workshops in Tanzania. Inspired by the colourful and distinctive Maasai jewellery and beaded adornment, the ‘Musa Bangles’ are hand cut and shaped into a circle of polished aluminium that comes from an airplane wing and is accentuated with two colourful swathes of glass Czech seed beads.

The word Mikuti means ‘Dried Leaf’ in Kiswahili, and is a is a reference to the company’s use of natural, organic and recycled materials such as banana bark and local textiles. Mikuti’s aim is to help towards creating sustainable economic success within local Tanzanian communities and a portion of Mikuti’s profits are reinvested back into the communities to fund various development initiatives. Other designs produced include bangles and cuffs made from banana bark and another range called the ‘Furaha Line’, sees chokers and bracelets created in a fusion of cultures, taking local wax cloth textiles and weaving them using the traditional Japanese weaving technique of ‘Kumihimo’.

Available in a wide range of colours, the Musa Bangle is great for stacking up; mixing and matching the colours as you please or wearing alone. Every bangle produced is numbered and engraved with a Mikuti logo.

…simply stylish arm candy

Ibeabuchi Ananaba
I have spent the past few months reconnecting with my creative self; using the summer to indulge in strolls along the Southbank taking in the various open-air exhibitions, going to the theatre and visiting galleries. Speaking of the latter I visited the National Portrait Gallery recently, a place I've always wanted to go but somehow over the years never made it through the doors; I can’t work out why considering how often I’ve been to others like the Tate. Portraiture fascinates me; the way an artist can capture a person’s likeness with various mediums, and getting to view portraits from the 16th century onwards was a slightly surreal experience; one I got totally immersed in. It’s incredible rapidly viewing the passing of time laid out before you; for the most part I had to keep reminding myself as I moved from room to room that these were real people who existed in another other time. I was however forced to abandon my viewing as after several hours my eyes were hurting, my brain overloaded and my ankles were killing me, but have planned round two to complete the contemporary portraiture section in the coming week. There is something special about a painted portrait; today it's so easy to snap loads of images that just get stored on your computer without being printed to display. I guess the fact that you can capture images and view them instantly takes away the anticipation you used to feel when having to wait for the film to be developed… or maybe its just me showing my age! It is perhaps with this sentiment in mind that I am inextricably drawn to the work of Nigerian painter Ibeabuchi Ananaba.

I came across Ibeabuchi’s hauntingly beautiful work whilst browsing the African Digital Art’s website and following through to the Lagos-based Painter's blog, found that two of his collections resonate with me – ‘Victors or Victims’ and ‘Fluid Expressions’. Starting out as a Fashion Illustrator Ibeabuchi’s work spans drawings and paintings using subjects drawn from everyday life. Focusing on the face through different emotions, ‘Victors or Victims’ is a series intended to be a thought provoking study into how the last decade has impacted on people, how it has shaped identities. ‘Victors or Victims’ invites the viewer to formulate their own opinion of what they see. 

Rendered mainly in watercolour Ibeabuchi’s evocative work is full of sensitivity; the beauty of watercolour being that it allows the artist to build layer upon layer of colour giving the work depth and a transparent, luminous quality. Due to the watery colours bleeding into each other, watercolour is known to be unpredictable and therefore I think harder to control than say pastels or oil paint, which can be blended more easily on the canvas reworking any mistakes. The colours used are heart-warming and generate a sense of dynamic energy. This style is a continuation of the wonderfully vibrant ‘Fluid Expressions’ collection, which draws you into the lives of the subjects portrayed. The dripping nature, letting the colour run down the canvas is intentional and connected to the theme of the ‘face’; I interpret them as tears of joy or tears of sorrow, bringing to life Ibeabuchi’s desire to represent the happy or painful expressions people display at any given time, delightfully captured by Ibeabuchi as a slice of everyday life in all its beauty and joyfulness, as well as the flip side of unhappiness and heartache.

If you have kids can you image how precious it would be to capture a moment in time through a commissioned painted portrait, using your walls as your own personal gallery to show them off; or how about two lovers, be it love just blooming or an elderly couple celebrating a lifetime together? Ibeabuchi’s style just lends itself beautifully to such subjects, given the tenderness that radiates from the finished paintings. 

…people’s tastes are different but Ibeabuchi Ananaba’s watercolours have moved me

Choolips
Ok… so I’m coming to terms with the fact that autumn is around the corner and gradually letting go of the hope of a sudden late summer; after such a promising start it hasn’t been the greatest. In preparation for the chilly days to come London-based clothing and accessory label Choolips have a range of boldly printed cotton scarves. Choolips is a fair-trade clothing company whose philosophy is one of simple stylishness, whilst helping to preserve ancient textile traditions. Part of Choolips ‘Gold Coast’ collection, all scarves are hand printed using traditional batik methods a signature across the company's clothing and accessory collections, which are produced in Ghana.

Portraying elements in relation to Ghana graphics such as; coffee beans, the rainforest, tropical flowers and fish scales in vibrant colours adorn the scarves, which are made from 100% soft Ghanaian cotton. With a keen interest in ancient textile traditions including batik, Choolips was established by Annegret Affolderbach, an East German national now living in London, who chose to base her production at the source of where the textile originated, in this instance Ghana, rather than simply importing the fabric into London to construct her designs. For Annagret this was a way of honouring the skills and knowledge of those involved and Choolips works with local batik artists such as workshop owner Juliana Mustapha, seamstresses and tailors to devise new ways to utilise local processes.

Slightly bigger than a metre squared, these unisex scarves, although launched for Autumn/Winter are in reality perennial and  ideal for; wrapping up warm on chilly days, a headscarf to cover up a bad hair day or a mini beach wrap.

...also, do check out Choolips clothing collections for some cute dresses in colourful batik prints

Wonder Welders
Invite the African wildlife into your living space with these striking metal sculptures from Wonder Welders; a social enterprise based in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania. Wonder Welders was formed in 2004 when a group of adults afflicted with polio came together and established a welder’s workshop with support from a local charity, Blue Mango Photography, along with donations of scrap metal from local businesses. After receiving initial training from a local welding expert the members soon began creating a range of objects including wildlife, birds and boats sold to the local market. The Welder’s have also worked with an international metal sculpture artist from Scotland and held their first exhibition, raising funds to officially launch the business.

Wonder Welders prides itself on being self sufficient and demand from local and international customers has enabled the training and employment of more disabled Tanzanians. Over the years Wonder Welders has evolved into a design collective, bringing together diverse talents in papermaking, carpentry, soap making and beading.

In an effort to promote recycling everything created by Wonder Welders is made from recycled waste and the sculptures are suitable for placing indoors or out. With incredible attention to detail; cogs, bolts, sheet metal, coils and springs are fused together to form the familiar; lions, rhinos, giraffe, buffalo and lizards; I recall encounters with lizards scuttling across walls as they sought refuge having lost their way from outdoors so a metal one mounted on the wall would serve as a reminder, however the large elegant flamingo and the playful leaping rabbit are two of my favourites.    

… so life-like in the shadows of a garden at night-time might just make unwanted guests think twice!