Hillary Thomas
Give your lamps and light fittings a touch of contemporary African design with a range of colourful lamp finials from US-based interior design company, Hillary Thomas. I must admit it took me a while to figure out how a lamp finial works; more common in older style lamps and light fittings, finials are the metal bit that attach the shade to the light socket element, and for a personalised touch can have decorative elements added to the top part, which when placed in the lamp peek out of the top of the shade; an addition that Hillary Thomas refers to as 'jewellery for your lamps'. Hillary Thomas Designs have created a range of decorative lamp finials featuring vibrant gemstones and intricately cut designs. Amongst the collections available is the striking Zulu Love Train collection, which features vibrant discs, at only 3 inches high and 2.25 inches wide, each individually hand woven from telephone wire by a group of Zulu weavers in South Africa. These finials would make an interesting wall feature if added to a line of wall lamp fittings minus the shade, and a touch bigger in size.

... a quick and stylish way to add a touch of character to your interior décor

Taunina
Displayed on one of the prettiest websites I have seen in a while, is an adorable, colourful range of soft toys that have been exquisitely handcrafted by a group of talented artists in Woodstock, Cape Town. Taunina is a company that produces an enchanting collection of one-of-a-kind collectable teddy bears, bunny rabbits and puppy dogs; each a precious gift designed to be passed down the generations as future heirlooms. Individually crafted, comprising of more than twenty panels, each soft toy takes around four to seven days to complete, in a process that involves hand cutting and stitching together the fabrics, before the intricate appliqué and embroidery is applied to create dainty images such as butterflies, birds and flowers. The fabrics used are selected for the vintage feel they give to the toys, and include iconic Liberty prints, as well as 100% natural fibres with no harmful dyes or colours. The initials of the artists are incorporated into each creation. The toys are delivered in custom-made hatboxes and come with their own passport, a certificate of authenticity that details information about the artist who created it and their wish for the world, the seamstress, the date the toy was created, the toy’s name given by its creator, and unique identification and registration codes. 

Taunina is more than just toys; a social enterprise that seeks to bring together art, commerce and greater social awareness for the benefit of the communities it works with. Co-founded in 2011 by Tracey Chiappini-Young, Taunina is an anagram comprising the word ‘Tau’, which means lion, and ‘NINA an acronym that stands for ‘No Income, No Assets’, and conveys the philosophy of giving the artists who work at the company, mainly women from disadvantaged communities, an opportunity to earn an income and provide for their families, enabling them to become ‘lions of their own destinies’. Employees at Taunina are paid above market salaries, following a structure that sees 30% of the business’ profits before tax going to the artists; 20% going to a fund, entitled the Bear Essentials Fund that was set up to pay for needs such as education, housing and healthcare; and 10% going towards productivity-related bonuses.

Globetrotters; the toys have appeared at Barneys, New york, and have now made their way to the iconic department store Selfridges, in London, Birmingham and Manchester, where they have taken centre stage in the store’s legendary displays, just in time for Easter; after which they will still be available to purchase in store. Following the success of the soft toys, a home décor line will be launching in April 2013.

Nando's - Leigh, UK
Nando's flame-grilled Portuguese/Mozambican style chicken, is a favourite in my household, not just for the taste, but also because of the familiarity the brand brings in transporting us back home for a little while. The South African based restaurant chain opened up in Zimbabwe the early nineties, so being able to pop into one in the UK is always a welcome reminder. Nando's was founded in South Africa in 1987, and now has restaurants in over thirty countries, including over 250 restaurants in the UK alone.

In a departure from the usual interior style of Nando's restaurants I am used to, the 2012 opening of a Nando's restaurant in Leigh, Greater Manchester in the UK transports diners to a colourful, bustling market, invoking stalls bursting with items such as fabrics, baskets and fresh produce. Designed by B3 Designers, a UK interior design studio, the designers took inspiration from a South African market, creating a vibrant space that is full of life, bursting with colours, patterns and textures, both inside and out.

The restaurant has the feel of an open air market, and is designed to allow the seamless flow of exterior and interior spaces, through the use of carefully selected details, with the intention being to create a space where visitors could discover something new every time they visit the restaurant. One of the most striking details in the restaurant is on the ceiling, where one hundred brightly woven traditional baskets double up as light shades, as well as others being mounted on the walls. In every Nando's restaurant sustainability is a key feature of the interior design solutions, and in the Leigh restaurant reclaimed wood has been used for some of the structures. The design makes use of brightly painted metal chairs that complement vibrant custom-made wax cloth print fabrics used to upholster the booths in the seating areas and are a nod to the Continent's love of the fabric. When decorating their restaurants, Nando's also have a tradition of using their restaurants as a gallery, adorning the walls with the work of talented South African artists. The Portuguese heritage of the business is showcased through the incorporation of hand painted Portuguese tiles on the wall, and in the form of the signature Nando's red and black cockerel logo. 

... bringing contemporary African flavour to the UK

Rain
The days may be getting longer, but the prevailing sentiment is of winter going on for much too long now. I could not agree more, finding myself feeling tired, sluggish, and longing to shake of the layers of hibernation. This calls for a spot of rejuvenation and pampering; and what better way than using products with the best ingredients Mother Nature can offer. Based in Swellendam, South Africa, Rain is a natural skincare and home accessories line inspired by the life-giving sustenance of its namesake; a philosophy that marks everything the company does from the products created to the people the company works with.

Rain’s line of products are formulated from naturally sourced ingredients from Southern Africa’s indigenous plant life, and include the likes of: avocado, apricot seed, baobab, cedar wood, coconut, grapeseed oil, Kalahari melon, marula, palm oil, neroli, sunflower, rooibos and shea butter to name a few. These ingredients go into producing bath and body products such as soaps and body scrubs, in addition to home fragrances in the form of candles and reed diffuser perfumes. All the products are tested to ensure they meet international safety and toxicology standards, and are not tested on animals. To help create a luxurious spa experience at home, Rain also have a line of personal accessories including; slippers, robes, towels and blankets.

Everything produced at Rain is handmade, from the products to the packaging by a team of approx sixty men and women from the local community who are affectionately known as the ‘Rain-makers’. Beautifully packaged, all packaging is biodegradable made from either recycled or raw materials and can be reused. The company has retail stores in South Africa, the Netherlands, and the US; which all serve to bring the brand to life, offering customers a highly interactive experience where products like body scrubs can be customised, bath salts mix and matched, products tested. Rain also encourages customers do their bit for the environment by bringing their own containers from home to fill with foam bath or liquid soap to help towards cutting down on waste.

… natural African skincare

Additional details:
Products priced at approx.: ZAR12-ZAR3,995/€2.53-€40.62/USD$3.50-USD$125
For further information about Rain and to purchase visit: http://rainafrica.com
Online shopping is also available    

Khumbulani Collection
Hand-sculpted by The Khumbulani Collection in collaboration with artist Julie Leakey, ostrich egg shells are turned into decorative tea light holders, that when lit up with a candle give off a warm soft glow, and would be perfect as table centrepieces, or placed on ledges and in recesses to light up dark nooks. Beautiful in its simplicity the tactile shape and natural texture of the shell outer, is enhanced with the smooth shaped edge. The Ostrich egg laying season is a short one, and combined with the fact that ostrich numbers have declined in recent years, the shells are harder to find making them all the more precious. An ostrich egg is about twenty-four times bigger than a hen's egg, and the shell is extremely strong, said to be able to take the weight of an adult without breaking.

The Khumbulani Collection is an initiative of the Siyazisiza Trust, a not-for-profit organisation that was founded in 1987, and is focused on developing sustainable enterprise in South Africa's rural areas. Originally called Khumbulani Craft, the business merged with The Siyazisiza Trust in 2012 becoming the craft division of the organisation, with the objective of creating independent, sustainable craft enterprises. Other products produced include decorative stone ornaments, beaded items, ceramics, wooden items and jewellery.

House & Garden
Flipping through the latest issue of House & Garden UK (February 2013) I came across a design editorial inspired by African craft and design. Co-ordinated by decoration editor, Gaby Deeming, bold bright colours, graphic prints, textures and handicrafts are combined for a modern take on African interior style. Products used to pull the looks together include leading African designers and producers; beaded cushions from Soboye; Eva Sonaike’s distinctive, signature fabrics in the form of pouffes, cushions, notebooks, upholstered armchairs, as well as lining walls; woven telephone wire bowls in contrasting graphic swirling patterns from Zenzulu; striped black and white beaded animals from Monkeybiz; and a wax cloth umbrella from Babatunde. African design continues to make its mark in international design.   

Yswara
Working for many years in the design industry, I have always been fascinated with the way brands develop, the stories behind them, and so have delighted in watching innovative luxury tea brand, Yswara blossom into something truly special. When I was first introduced to Yswara about a year and half ago, the brand was still in its infancy, developing its visual face so to speak, and whilst their current website was being created, their blog had some insightful information on the evolution of their logo and icon, which if I remember correctly is based on the Chi Wara, itself a well-known African icon, in the form of a headdress representing the antelope, that were carved and worn by the Bamana people of Mali. Yswara's resulting logo pays homage to African tradition, heritage and culture, and to me also looks like the sun radiating warmth. As a tea lover, the Yswara brand holds much appeal for me, and can appreciate the thought, care and attention to detail that has gone into creating an exceptional tea drinking experience.

Inspired by the ancient tea drinking traditions across the African continent, and based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Yswara appoints itself as the 'curator of precious African teas', creating a space to indulge in the luxury of taking the time to enjoy the tea drinking ritual, and the precious moments of life. Tea lover, Swaady Martin-Leke, who hails from Côte d’Ivoire, created Yswara upon observing that although Africa was a leading exporter of tea, there were no luxury tea brands coming from the Continent and set out to change this. Yswara's sophisticated tea infusions and blends are produced in small quantities in a process that involves ensuring only the best leaves are hand picked, sun dried and hand rolled. Beautifully packaged in signature ebony and gold copper, and named for warriors, queens and mighty kingdoms, Yswara teas offer an adventurous journey into the legends and rich histories that have defined and captivated the Continent for centuries.

Accompanying the tea drinking ritual and reflecting the beauty of the African continent, Yswara has also created a range of handcrafted accessories in the form of; an elegant collection of spoons entitled 'Secret Garden' that were created by South African designer Pamela Schroeder; the majestic 'Akan', black earthenware rimmed with gold detailing tea set that was created by South African artist Adrian Lombard; and home scents from the Johari la Africa candle collection created to transport you to ancient, inspirational cities of Africa, including Accra, Marrakech and Abidjan.

Yswara offers personalised corporate and gift hampers that combine their speciality teas with carefully selected gourmet treats and fine champagnes, and a by-appointment exclusive high tea (currently only available to those in Johannesburg) allows attendees to partake in the Yswara experience first-hand. Yswara teas are now available in Nigeria through selected retailers, and for the truly devoted tea lover and customer Yswara introduces Yswara Privé, by invitation only and is the place where one can have a bespoke teas created, make use of a tea sommelier on hand to recommend teas for your social events and gain access to Yswara's social calendar of exclusive tea collection previews, and VIP fashion and arts events.

Thuthuka
In September I visited International Jewellery London to see what was happening in the world of jewellery. It was dazzling to say the least with a range of businesses from precious gem dealers to independent emerging designers. Several countries had trade exhibition stands showcasing the designs and opportunities with their various sectors, and stopping by the South African pavilion, I got chatting with several of the individual designers and business representatives. Amongst them was Thuthuka, a jewellery development programme that was founded in 2009, and is an initiative of South African based organisation Jewellery Africa. Thuthuka works with young emerging jewellery designers from community jewellery schools and tertiary institutions, and focuses on promoting contemporary South African design, by encouraging individuality and craftsmanship amongst their students. Products produced include jewellery and tableware, all hand made in limited editions, some of which were on display at International Jewellery London in the form of exquisite statement necklaces and beautifully crafted spoons, which would make lovely keepsake gifts.

Thuthuka, meaning to grow and develop in isiZulu, equips students with the necessary skills in areas such as sales and marketing, to help towards gaining employment or creating their own businesses and generating sustainable incomes. Thuthuka holds an annual competition; which is open to all participants in community jewellery groups and tertiary institutions.

Bundu Bags
I do like messenger bags for their practical functionality, given they are usually roomy enough to store a laptop or iPad, and South African based Bundu Bags have a trendy range oozing a retro cool vibe, one that calls to mind Graphic Art, specifically the '60s trends of Op Art and Mod style. Bundu Bags' collections also include beach bags, totes and cute bags for kids. Employing traditional basket weaving techniques, Bundu Bags are made from commercial recycled cargo strapping, upcycling a product that would most likely end up in landfills. The strapping is first cleaned and then woven into the designs and shapes required using colour combinations that include blue, black, red and white. The bags are waterproof and feature an adjustable shoulder strap, magnetic closing and three zippered pockets on the inside. In keeping things local, traditionally printed Shwe Shwe fabric is used to line the interior of the bags, giving a contrasting burst of colour and pattern when opened.

Founded by Colleen Thompson, Bundu Bags was created around the belief that lives can be changed with design, and following this ethos Bundu Bag is a fair trade business, and located just outside Johannesburg, South Africa, works with forty women, who are invested in the success of the business.

Tsakani
Silk is pure natural protein, gentle on the skin, naturally biodegradable; and because insects do not like to eat silk, does not house dust mites; making it an ideal fabric for those, who like me, suffer from allergies and respiratory conditions like asthma. Sericulture, which is the growing of silk, needs to take place in a chemical free and natural environment, and is a practice supported by pioneering South African silk product developing company, Tsakani. Situated in New Forest, on the border of Mpumalanga Province, Tsakani started life as a government silk project before being privatised in 1994. In recent years, concerns have been raised over harmful silk production methods; and Tsakani is a company committed to sustainable silk harvesting. Tsakani develops and promotes a range of luxurious natural organic African silk products, including bedding and linens, silk filled duvets, cushions and soft furnishings, clothing and personal accessories, that are made using both natural and cultivated silks. Tsakani’s handcrafted Wild African silk is derived from a local species of wild moth.

Tsakani’s hand woven silks are different in look and texture to the more widely known traditional Eastern silks. The silk yarns are hand spun; with one spinner producing approximately five kilograms of silk yarn a month. The silks are hand dyed on a small scale, resulting in each batch of colour differing from the next, giving rise to unique and beautifully-hued collections. I do like the softness and lightness of silk, and the colours created by Tsakani's make for some tempting products indeed.