The Curator of Contemporary African Design

atelier 55 - The Curator of Contemporary African Design

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Design Senegal Textiles

Weaving Art Objects Promotes High-Quality Made in Senegal Design and Craftsmanship

Throughout her distinguished career, textile designer Aissa Dione has worked to uphold Made in Senegal, by taking traditional know-how and adapting and modernising it to meet global standards. This philosophy extends to designing furniture and objects made in her Dakar workshop in partnership with local artisans. In early 2020 Aissa opened the doors to Weaving Art Objects (WAO), a concept store dedicated to retailing high-quality furniture and interior accessories that continue to showcase the best in local production techniques and creativity.

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Accessories Zimbabwe

Dreamers and Travellers, Macrame Handbags by Vanhu Vamwe

When I interviewed Dr Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, co-founder of Vanhu Vamwe, she hinted at new projects in the works. Fast-forward more than half a year later Pam has debuted a gorgeous collection of statement handbags, made in Zimbabwe. The collection entitled Dreamers and Travellers, celebrates and modernises local craft techniques, and is characterised by oversized silhouettes, accentuated with long fringe-like tassels, and big knotted details.

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Beauty And Wellbeing Ghana Lifestyle

All-Natural, Zero Toxin Eco-Luxury Skin Care Inspired by Africa

Unless we protect it the changing seasons can have harmful effects on the long-term health of our skin. This was the experience of Ms Akosua aka Ms Kosi, a US-based entrepreneur who started creating her own skincare products using shea butter to protect her skin from harsh weather. Born and raised in Ghana shea butter was essential to Ms Kosi’s everyday skincare rituals. Used on her skin from birth to protect it from the sun, when Ms Kosi’s family moved to the UK in her teens she continued to use the butter to protect her skin, this time from the […]

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Celebrate the Beauty in CraftsmanshipPeruse our selection of sophisticated products infused with heart, soul, and stories, and thoughtfully sourced from some of Africa’s finest design ateliers