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. 

Sabahar
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, you will find the Sabahar Silk Garden, a place celebrating and promoting the artistry and heritage of Ethiopia's long standing weaving traditions. Weaving in Ethiopia dates back to ancient times and all the products produced are woven on traditional looms using age old techniques, that have been passed down through the generations; however some of the techniques are in danger of dying out in favour of modern, often imported products. Named after the Queen of Sheba 'Saba' and 'Har' the Amharic word for silk; Sabahar works with artisans from around the country, designing and producing stylish collections of luxurious hand woven silk and cotton home and fashion accessories. 

Sabahar is a small fair trade company that was established in 2001 by Kathy Marshall, a Canadian who following a career in the development sector moved to Ethiopia in 1994 with the aim of creating a business that was sustainable, creating employment opportunities and income generation within the local communities. Culturally, the spinning is done by women whilst the men do the weaving an aspect which is reflected in the company. In addition to a staff of about 40, Sabahar outsources work to more than 25 spinners and 25 weavers, who work from their homes or through cooperatives. The products are designed by various people including; the General Manager, fashion designers who help out at Sabahar from time to time, and the weavers themselves as different areas of the country produce weavers with their own distinctive weaving skill resulting in unique patterns and textures.

With the exception of a percentage of the silk cocoons used, every aspect of the production process is local from the silk cocoon's raised by then bought from farmers in the South West of Ethiopia to spinning, weaving and dyeing. Sabahar uses Eri silk sourced from Ethiopia and India and Mulberry silk which comes from Uganda. The dyes used for the silks are 100% natural extracted from plants, leaves, bark, flowers, insects and even coffee. Eri silk is a 'wild silk' relatively new to Ethiopia and is hand spun producing a linen like texture, Mulberry silk on the other hand is reeled into a fine thread resulting in the more finely woven, shiny texture commonly associated with silk. In addition to silk, Sabahar also creates products utilising Ethiopian cotton which is hand spun and dyed using low impact dyes for easier cleaning. Available locally as well as internationally, Sabahar's collections include; scarves, wrap, poncho's and home accessories; cushions, throws, blankets and curtains.

...beautifully hued silks to brighten up any interior

Ethiopia with Wild Frontiers
Often receiving more than its fair share of negative press, means for far too many holiday seekers Ethiopia doesn't immediately spring to mind as an ideal holiday destination, but this year I have read about more and more people choosing it as their holiday destination of choice as they search for a more meaningful way to spend their vacation time. Wild Frontiers is a pioneering, award winning travel company that specialises in taking small groups of it's discerning clientele to places that don't tend to be part of the popular tourist trails and return offering them a unique experience, and one of the places on its itinerary is Ethiopia. Inviting potential travellers to look beyond the usual headlines of a no go area defined by famine and poverty, Wild Frontiers acknowledges a country of dramatic landscapes from flat topped mountains to cascading waterfalls and one that is overflowing with culture. With tours scheduled periodically through to 2013, itineraries can see guests: take a languid boat trip on Lake Tana taking in hippos basking on the banks of the lake and pink flamingoes as you make your way across; or explore the well preserved castles of Gondor that date back to the 17th century Ethiopia is a country brimming with ancient monasteries, castles and churches hewn out of the surrounding rock; or trek through the spectacular Highlands offering some stunning panoramic views whilst visiting villages along the way; and when you’ve had your fill of sightseeing pass through the bustling daily markets to pick up some reminders of your trip and later unwind to jazz fusion sounds in a jazz bar in Addis Ababa. 

Founded in 2002 by Jonny Bealby a travel writer who wanted others to have the opportunity to experience some of those he enjoyed as a writer, Wild Frontiers is first and foremost a company set up by 'travellers for travellers', gathering like- minded people to work in a company that upholds the values of responsible tourism. Taking guests of the beaten track into often inaccessible, yet incredible places, the team at Wild Frontiers draw on an extensive list of contacts to make this happen ensuring the safety and comfort of their travelers; to help you decide there is a handy guide next to each excursion denoting the level of factors like physical challenge, comfort and cultural experience. Wild Frontiers is small and personalised and looking to remain that way.

…, embark on a voyage of discovery to Ethiopia with Wild Frontiers 

Amsale Aberra
If you spent most of your days working with the various shades of a single colour; in this case white and ivory, you could forgive one for assuming that it would be natural to leap at the chance of introducing a splash of colour into other areas of your life, be it dress or living space. Not a theory to be applied to Amsale Aberra, the Ethiopian designer of exquisite bridal gowns, whose New York loft is a free flowing space defined by a monochromatic colour palette that is predominately white; the bridal influence perhaps... Located on the eleventh floor of an industrial building in New York's Garment District, Amsale began creating her coveted range wedding gowns out of the loft and I guess the inspiration remained behind when the business eventually relocated to a showroom close by.

Amsale called upon Vicente Wolf, the renowned interior designer who just happened to be her neighbour, to help design the interior. Vicente Wolf is known for his stylish interior designs inspired by art and design from around the world, and filling his showroom with unique objects from Europe, Africa and Asia. Although helping to create a sense of light and airiness as the open spaces of the loft flow seamlessly into each other, the colour white has the potential to come across as harsh and clinical, however Amsale and Vicente have sought to break up the stark white walls and concrete floors with shades of grey ranging from ‘barely there’ mist to hints of solid black lines along with neutral creams and off white tones. Together this has the effect of softening up the edge, bringing a sense of calm and elegance into the space. The detailing seen in strategically place objects reflect the detailing that go into her creations.

I personally prefer to be surrounded by colour but fully appreciate the stunning effect a monochromatic scheme can have and Amsale's home is a beautiful example of how to make it work. Her home doesn't come across as cold to me but instead quite harmonious, balanced by the colour opposites and tonal ranges, rather like shading in pencil drawings to add light and dark to give the feeling of depth.

...very chic, but must take a lot of effort to keep clean!

Additional information sourced from:
kikette-interiors.blogspot.com

Aiyda
Loving these stylish clutch bags by London-based accessories label, Aiyda. Chic and elegant, the ‘Addis’ clutch is made from supple leather and is secured with a long strip of leather that winds around the side of bag, which makes for eye-catching detailing.

Aiyda is an accessories brand that was founded by London-based Raku Sile. Hailing from Ethiopia, - a place to where Raku goes when the need to escape the hectic pace of London life arises - Raku is continually inspired by the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the country and sought a way to help talented Ethiopian artists struggling to make a living, reach a wider audience. The result was Aiyda; an exclusive line of limited edition fashion accessories that include handbags, custom-made jewellery and traditionally handwoven cotton and silk scarves. All products are handmade in Ethiopia and Aiyda is the vehicle that works to shine the spotlight on Ethiopian craftsmanship and artistry, introducing the beautiful products created to an international audience. Working with artisan workshops around the country and bringing together talented and highly skilled artisans, Raku is helping to provide much needed employment. 

...simply stylish arm candy

Etiyé Dimma Poulsen
Adorn your walls with these rather intriguing mixed-media sculptures from Ethiopian-born artist, Etiyé Dimma Poulsen. Distinctive forms in bright earthy colours show humanity stripped back to its most basic forms, displaying a frail-like vulnerability in the process.

Etiyé is an artist from a diverse multicultural background; born in Ethiopia, she was adopted by a Danish family living in Tanzania and attended an English school in Kenya before going to Denmark with her family. Later establishing herself as an artist, Etiyé opened a workshop in France and then moved to Belgium in 2003 where she currently has a workshop. 

Etiyé bases her sculptures on traditional African art, seeing them as a kind of reinvention of the ancient artform; and on a personal level nostalgia for a continent she left long ago. With African art as a base Etiyé’s creations also display influences from ancient Greek art and through her work Etiyé primarily creates Primordial figures in a process which could be called an examination of human nature. Processes like baking the clay in the oven draws parallels with one of humanity’s basic, most essential activities; that of cooking. Harnessing the elements of earth and fire, the sculptures are handmade using iron mesh and clay - soil from the earth - which is then painted before being fired in the kiln where the final results are left to chance due to the natural chemical reactions that occur.  

Grouping figures together gives them a sense of belonging and it could be said a way of highlighting our shared existence from the joys to the sorrows. They are some funky looking sculptures, but they are also ones that make you reflect on humanity and its basic needs; for me even more so when I see what is currently happening on the streets of London and across the UK.

Additional details:
For further information about Etiyé Dimma Poulsen, upcoming shows, where to purchase visit: www.etiye.com