Adèle Dejak
‘Lots and lots of Africa with an injection of European influences’ is how jewellery designer Adèle Dejak describes the inspiration for her striking collections of contemporary jewellery. Born in Kano, Nigeria and raised in Cambridge, UK; Adèle moved to Nairobi, Kenya in 2005 where she started her business Magik Grace Art and Design. Although trained as a typographer Adèle’s move to Kenya saw her take up painting before eventually turning her artistic attentions to jewellery design, launching her new eponymous accessories brand, Adèle Dejak earlier this year.

African art in the form of West African masks, pottery and other symbolic artefacts is a major source of design inspiration for Adèle. Inspired by the natural beauty and colours of ebony, horn and bone; Adèle experiments with different techniques of carving the materials into dynamic, organic shapes that become earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings accentuating the body and reflecting the women who wear them. Other materials used to produce the bold and subtle statement designs include metals, beads and locally sourced leather. In addition to jewellery, the Adèle Dejak accessories range has grown to include belts, bags and footwear using unique materials like cement bags, sugar and rice sacks; along with traditional African textiles, another major source of inspiration and most likely a reference to Adèle’s West African roots. Each item of jewellery is presented to the customer in a drawstring Khanga cloth bag. 

Operating from a workshop in Kiambu, the Adèle Dejak team has grown from 1 to 28 workers to include skilled artisans, jewellery makers, tailors and apprentices producing her designs; to the local managers and the shop assistants helping to run her three retail outlets.

…stunning statements of African shapes and textures

New York in Design and African in Décor
While looking around for interior inspiration I came across a feature on The New York Times online showcasing a home where New York meets Africa in Italy. Loredana Tarini, born in Zambia to Italian parents and her husband, New York-born architect Adam Gaon opened their doors to reveal a living space where chic New York style loft living provides a canvas for contemporary African elegance.

The couple who live in a spilt level 15th century apartment in Florence, Italy sought to create a home that brought their two worlds together; a home that would reflect the different cultural influences that have impacted on their lives. Dimly lit when purchased, Adam set about opening up the space to capture the airiness of New York lofts; whilst Loredana was drawn to Africa; the place of her birth, home for eight years and the place she visits often. After several years of hard work the result is a sophisticated redesigned interior where spaces flow into each other. Stark white walls, wooden floors painted black and iconic minimalist furniture reproductions are intended to act as a backdrop giving a gallery feel to the subtle African accents; objects collected on their travels and those inherited from Loredana’s parents. 

Objects include a carved teakwood table inlaid with snake shapes and wooden antelope carvings from Cameroon, a bronze statue from Benin, sculptures from Mozambique and Madagascar, Kuba cloth panels bought in South Africa, wooden combs from Lusaka, Zambia and decorative bowls made of tree bark bought along the roadside on a visit to Malawi. Perched upon a Kuba cloth runner, the decorative balls on the tray were bought from markets in South Africa and Madagascar, whilst the ball of intertwined vines was picked up on a beach in Malawi; and spotted on the dining room table, a Zimbabwean sadza batik. In a nod to Loredana’s Italian heritage contemporary Italian fittings and furnishings can be seen throughout the apartment. 

[Image credits: Apartment Interior - Arrigo Coppitz]    

I think Loredana and Adam have done it well, getting the balance right; you can see the New York in it, you can see the African in it, you can see the Italian in it...

...a highly personalised space of contemporary understated elegance.  

Isossy Children
Whether prim and proper or cute and stylish, Isossy Children caters to the needs of today’s fashion forward children with a beautifully designed contemporary collection of designer clothing for girls aged 2-10 years, that aims to transcend cultural differences. Isossy Children’s founder Amanda Rabor’s first venture into designing children’s clothing was in 1994 when she started Culture Kidz with the help of a Princes Trust grant. Amanda left the world of children's fashion to raise her son; eventually establishing Isossy Children 15 years later in 2009.

Taking inspiration from African and Asian textile prints; Isossy Children embraces global influences, reflecting the world we live in today and the fabrics used are selected for their suitability to a child’s active lifestyle. Vibrant colours and richly patterned prints are translated into a collection including; party and day dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, tops and jackets, in cuts that are flattering and age appropriate. Many of the print styles are available as limited edition to keep things fresh and maintain a level of exclusivity. Collections come in classic and trendsetting styles ensuring that most tastes and occasions are catered for.

The African prints contrasted with plain complimentary colour fabrics are all 100% cotton, as too are the linings. The Asian influences appear in pretty party dresses, where brightly coloured 100% silk is enhanced with beaded trimmings to make them extra special.

…celebrating diversity, Isossy Children is perfect for global princesses everywhere

Additional details:
For further information and to purchase visit: www.isossychildren.com

Ibenstein Weavers
With a weaving heritage spanning over 50 years, Ibenstein Weavers is a family owned business located a hour’s drive from Windhoek, Namibia. Run by Anne Ramdohr, the great-granddaughter of Ibenstein Weaver's founder Marianne Krafft, high-quality carpets, wall hangings and runners are created using Karakul wool which comes from the Karakul sheep, a species not indigenous to Namibia, but one that was first introduced into the country in 1906 from what is now Uzbekistan. The company also produces fabrics from natural yarns like cotton, bamboo, wild Kalahari Silk and linen.

The first carpets started out using a knotting technique, later switching to weaving a process, which takes less time and uses less wool. In the early days abstract geometric patterns formed the main designs created using natural colours. A while later Marianne began experimenting with various forms of yarn dyeing; and inspired by their surroundings the weavers started to add animals and other forms of flora and fauna. Described as the ‘heart and soul’ of the business, 17 weavers currently work for Ibenstein Weavers, some of whom have been with the business for several decades, and over the years a community has grown up around the Ibenstein Weavers farm as many of the weavers have settled and raised families in the area. Having all learnt their trade in-house the weavers bring their passion and creativity into the designs they produce; whether weaving intricately detailed carpets or spinning the yarn for the fabrics.

Like finely detailed paintings that use yarn as the medium of choice, elements of Namibia’s landscape and wildlife are beautifully portrayed in rich textures and colours; this is what makes them special.

Rhonda Drakeford/Darkroom
The bold and highly distinctive geometric patterns adorning the walls of traditional Ndebele buildings have provided the inspiration for some colourful art prints. Created by Rhonda Drakeford, Creative Director of acclaimed London store Darkroom; the prints are A1 in size, printed onto Enhanced Velvet paper and make use of the Giclée printing process; a spraying/squirting technique used for large format work, one that is not dissimilar to how an inkjet printer works. Giclée prints use special light fast inks that if kept out of the sun should hold the colour for about 25 years. 

The Darkroom is a concept store carrying an eclectic mix of handmade fashion and interiors accessories and aims to promote the works of unknown and emerging designers and artisans from across the globe. Continually questioning the boundaries between design and art, the Darkroom explores the intersection of fashion and interiors and looks at how different factors like materials, scale and form impact on each other. African art, jewellery and textiles are a passion, influencing the Darkroom’s own collections. 

...an iconic South African classic

Additional information sourced from: http://painting.about.com

Radisson Blu Hotel - Dakar
Lately it seems everywhere I turn on the net I keep seeing the banner advert for Radisson Blu Hotels; curiosity got the better of me so I clicked in a bid to find out what was on offer and when it came to African properties there are quite a few scattered across the continent. The Radisson Blu in Dakar caught my attention; I admit I was seduced by the opening image of a chic property in a spectacular night setting.

The Radisson Blu, Dakar is situated on the Fann Corniche waterfront; one of Dakar’s premier beaches along the Cape Verde peninsula; an area said to exude glamour and stylishness. Very modern in style, the Hotel's focal point appears to be the Olympic sized pool that gives way to relaxing, panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Hotel prides itself on being a place of serenity, fusing classic African elegance with contemporary stylishness. Offering the latest amenities services including a spa and wellness centre, the Hotel has 180 spacious rooms; including a selection of suites, that come with with views of either the ocean or the lush gardens. I did notice that there is rather a lot of blue about, maybe something to do with the name 'Blu' or the fact its near a lot of water!

An ideal base for business or pleasure given its proximity to the hustle and bustle of Dakar’s vibrant city centre and cultural attractions like the IFAN museum and Grande Mosque; the Hotel comes across as the place to be for Dakar's stylish urban city dwellers, whether attending a conference or having drinks around the pool. 

...cool and stylish, would be a stunning backdrop to a fashion event or wedding

The Zata Family
To some it may simply be a piece of wood of little or no significance beyod being gathered and thrown onto a fire, but in the hands of a member of the Zata Family it becomes a work of art; the shape of the wood dictating the eventual sculpture. The organic forms of gnarled and twisted, or smooth and shiny wood give way to slender sculptural figures, furniture and other inspired carvings. Through their work the Zata Family sculptors celebrate the beauty of nature, echoing the process of Zimbabwe’s stone sculptors who are renowned for working on a piece of stone only when it speaks to them.

The skills of the Zata Family are built upon those passed down through the generations, whereby five brothers followed in their father’s footsteps to become sculptors. Today the talented family is led by Abel Zata; said to be the master carver who in turn taught his brothers Aggrey, Namo, Collins and Kudzai and they in turn are passing the skills of a traditionally male-oriented craft onto their wives. Of the five brother’s Aggrey is said to have been the first to specialise in carving driftwood. The driftwood that forms the sculptures mainly comes from the Ozoroa Reticulata tree; locally known as the Muacha (Shona) or Raisin Berry (English); a tree whose roots are used in traditional medicine, said to aid digestion. Sculptures from the Zata family have been displayed in galleries and publications including Habitat Magazine and Condé Nast Magazine.

I like the benches, the first image especially, which could double up as a side table; softening up the hard sleek lines of a hi-tech interior, blending in beautifully within a rustic style interior or simply adding character to a garden.


...sculpture that celebrates the beauty of nature with all its blemishes

Information sourced from:
www.amaridianusa.com; and
www.juliameintjes.co.za

Kuati
Feel like a goddess with a spectacular choker style necklace from Kuati. Made up of many individual pieces the Sahara necklace is handmade in North Africa and is a beautiful study of intricate craftsmanship, it looks like an ancient heirloom and carries within it the intrigue, mystery and wonder of the desert and people that inspired it. Complimenting the necklace are hand made cuffs that come in 18k gold plated or silver and are available in a long or short length depending on your preference. The cuffs feature intricate North African design details etched into the metal.

Based in London’s fashionable Mayfair, Kuati is a stylish boutique offering a selection of unique luxury gifts sourced from across the globe. A perfect place to shop for those you want to spoil, and to give your gift an extra special touch, a luxury gift-wrapping service is available with a range of stylish and unique wrappings to choose from. 

…makes a stunning statement whether worn with a polo neck jumper and jeans or a red carpet gown

Nuvivi
Nuvivi is a company founded on tradition, using tried and tested traditional methods to create their luxurious hand made soaps. Growing up in a soap making home and utilising the skills learnt along the way; founder Antoinnette handcrafts the soaps herself using recipes handed down from her mother. Nuvivi soaps are 100% natural; no artificial colours or additives that can irritate the skin are used, instead only the best natural ingredients go into making each product and include; wild herbs, spices, olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, cocoa butter and shea butter. Rosemary extract is used to preserve the soaps, which have an earthy colour. The products also have a holistic quality containing essences like; Lavender to calm and relax the mind, Peppermint to leave your skin and senses refreshed, Lemongrass to rejuvenate and Maychang to stimulate the senses. Having seen and picked up the De-Stress soap bar at an event a while ago, I found Nuvivi soaps to have a pleasant subtle scent that is not overpowering; one of the things I liked about the product; that and the fact that the bars were a generous size. If you are stuck for ideas for your child’s party or fancy having a go at making soap yourself, Nuvivi does a party kit with all the ingredients for some soap making fun. 

An ethical company in terms of people and environment, Nuvivi sources it’s raw products directly from farming cooperatives in Antoinnette’s home country of Ghana. By going direct to the supplier Antoinnette is able to cut out the middleman and ensure the money goes to those who need it. Soaps are wrapped in pretty, brightly coloured recyclable handmade paper, avoiding the need for plastic and giving you a personalised product. 10% of every Nuvivi product sold goes to the Ghana Cancer Control Society, which works towards raising cancer awareness in Ghana.

...lovingly handcrafted, natural skincare goodness