Afri-love

Buy African: Monochrome Home

 

As much as I love colour in design, black and white can be really interesting too – especially when texture and pattern come into play. Here, some furniture and home decor pieces, in black and white.

The Afri-love List: 5 Must-Follow Pinners

An abundance of Pinterest inspiration awaits you ,with all things Afri-fabulous and much much more. Here are some of my favourite Pinners and a few images to give you a taste of what to expect from their boards … 

Buy African: Beaded Jewellery from Sidai Designs

 

I came across beaded jewellery by Sidai Designs at a Shake the Dust stall during the Open the Gate African market at Old Spitalfields. I loved the different spin on Maasai-inspired jewellery and the quality finishing.

Sidai Designs collaborates with Maasai women in Tanzania who use recycled materials to create the handmade

Inspired: Ornate Patterns in Gurunsi Architecture

 

 

Gurunsi ethnic group consists of different sub-groups in northern Ghana and southern Burkina Faso who do not speak the same language but, share similar socio-economic organisation and are known for their fortified houses. Characteristic of Gurunsi architecture are the ornate patterns that adorn the houses.

 

Buy African: Merchants on Long – Africa’s First Concept Store

 

 

Exclusively stocking design produced in Africa, Merchants on Long is very high on my list for when I eventually visit Cape Town. It’s really exciting to see how the brand has expanded to now include…

Inspired: Bestow Elan's Ayawa Kente Weave

I saw Erzumah Ackerson,  the designer behind fashion label Bestow Elan, in her amazing Ayawa Kente coat, at the launch for Jacqueline Shaw’s Fashion Africa book. I haven’t gotten it out of my mind since! Elegant, striking, memorable.

I had to share it with you, along with other pieces from the Bestow Elan ‘Glamour Dear!!!' collection.

Visit the Bestow Elan online shop here.
Images via the Bestow Elan Website.

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Related:

• Inspired: Fashion by Bestow Elan 
• A Good Coat is Easy to Find with Sika Designs 
• Interview with Fashion Designer Naana B 

 

Buy African: Chichia London SS14

 

Christine Mhando, the designer behind fashion label Chichia London delights us again with another celebration of East African khanga fabrics and cutting edge cool.

Inspired: Lupita, Creative Muse

 

Lupita fever has been such a colourful ride and I’m sure has challenged a lot of us to up our style game! I’ve loved her red carpet dresss (that yellow figure-hugging number with the super V-neck is a particular favourite – you know how I love yellow) but, I’ve found studio shoots such as the ones here, much more interesting. The colours, the shapes, the patterns!

Buy African: Eva Sonaike Furniture, Home Decor & Fashion Accessories

 

As much as I like prints in vibrant colours – I find Eva Sonaike’s latest collection of prints very refreshing. An almost pastel colour palette but far from dainty; these designs pack enough punch and there’s no mistaking the African inspiration behind them!

Afri-love on Instagram (and Why I'm Loving the Network)

 

So I bit the bullet and decided to try out this Instagram thing, despite just not getting it for years. It's been a couple of weeks now and I'm really enjoying it! Pinterest will always be my first love – it's such a useful tool for my design work and creative projects but, I've found space in my life for Instagram too. Here's what I like about it: