In a preview of its forthcoming collaboration with African designers IKEA introduces ÖVERALLT a limited edition collection of tableware, textiles, and seating inspired by the modern rituals across all cultures that punctuate everyday life, what we do and use to make us feel at home. The collection was developed by ten designers from seven African countries partnered with IKEA’s team of designers.
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Reform Studio is an Egyptian based furniture and product design studio that I first featured on Atelier Fifty Five a couple of years ago. The company founded by Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem focuses on sustainable design, using materials such as discarded plastic and cotton threads to create Plastex, their durable, eco-friendly material. The award-winning studio now introduces Torero a collection of eco-fashion satchels made out of the company’s signature fabric and crafted by the skillful hands of two craftsmen and two housewives. Torero is all about style with a purpose.
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The ancient art Of Egyptian appliqué has inspired a textile project called Kheyameya. Kheyameya refers to the intricately stitched textiles made by the legendary Tentmakers of Cairo, highly skilled artists who for centuries have created appliqué textiles that were traditionally used to line the interior of tents. As time has passed the number of artists has dwindled and the Khayameya produced today are mainly for home furnishings or wall hangings for the tourist market.
Read MoreReform Studio [Egypt] [Image credit: Ahwa Collection – Reform Studio] Reform Studio is an Egyptian furniture and product studio born out of a belief that design can help address challenging social issues, namely the problem of accumulating waste in Egypt. Reform Studio was founded by Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem who along with design researcher Dina Amin started out by experimenting with various solutions and products to tackle the issue, and ended up creating Plastex, an award-winning eco-material made by weaving discarded plastic bags and threads.
Read MoreMICA [Image credit: Mica Zen Interiors Collection – Mica] Visiting 100% Design in early autumn I came across Mica, a gallery and interiors design company that specialises in modern Islamic interiors and contemporary arts. Based in the UK Mica was founded in 2009 by Reedah El-Saie. At 100% Design, and also Decorex, Reedah launched Mica’s debut contemporary Islamic home interiors collection entitled ‘MICA Zen’. The collection is rooted in traditional Islamic art & architecture and centres on the point of infinity, embodying the principles of beauty and balance. Reedah sought to fuse Eastern holistic designs with Western creativity to create a stylish collection […]
Read MoreZenza [Egypt] A trip to Egypt looking for interesting accessories for a new home accessories business called Zenza led to, not only a bag full of samples but also a blossoming romance. Fast forward twenty years and Karin, who founded the company, together with her partner Hussein have grown the business into an inspiring boutique of beautifully crafted interior and personal products. From enticing jewel brights to shimmering metals Zenza’s collections include woven home textiles, exquisitely carved furniture, tableware, vases; and embellished mirrors, jewellery boxes, purses, and slippers.
Read MoreDalia Sadany [Egypt] Dalia Sadany is an Egyptian architect and interior designer who creates sophisticated, contemporary spaces for her residential and commercial sector clients. Dalia, provides a full service, design, and build solution following the ancient, Master Builder approach to construction, a process that sees the architect retain responsibility for the project from conception to construction to handover.
Read MoreAzza Fahmy [Egypt] [Image credit: Six Strand Floral and Fruits Collection – Azza Fahmy] 7000 years of Egyptian culture and tradition embodies the luxury jewellery collections of Egyptian jeweller, Azza Fahmy, whose elegant, statement designs you cannot help but visualise adorning the necks and wrists of Cleopatra and Nefertiti, Egypt’s legendary queens. Like the ancient culture that influences it, Azza Fahmy jewellery is elegant and regal, featuring handcrafted intricate detailing in gold and silver precious metals, and vibrant, shimmering gemstones, that help lend a contemporary edge. Azza Fahmy began her jewellery career forty years ago when a book on ‘classical jewellery during […]
Read MoreAdrère Amellal [Egypt] [Image source: Adrère Amellal Eco Lodge via Kiwi Collection] No electricity meaning no lights, no TV, and definitely no sockets to charge your phone/laptop/iPod or other media devices, Egyptian luxury eco-lodge Adrère Amellal is the ultimate get-a-way from it all; an enchanting place that blends into the spectacular setting of a desert oasis. An eight hour drive from Cairo, Adrère Amellal emerges out of the desert landscapes of Siwa, Egypt’s largest oasis, which is home to natural hot springs, date palm plantations, salt lakes ancient ruins; and has a strong Berber culture. Adrère Amellal means ‘white mountain’ in the […]
Read MoreJeanne Habashi – Le Caire [Egypt] Ancient Egyptians were among the early pioneers of cosmetology as they continually sought ways to enhance beauty, and preserve youthful appearances in a society where physical appearance was of paramount importance and whose women were famed for their beauty. Plants and natural ingredients were used to create skincare products that included moisturisers and anti-wrinkle creams, and over four thousand years later have inspired a premium luxury skincare line; Jeanne Habashi – Le Caire. The company was founded in 2006 by Jeanne Habashi who is originally from France but moved to Cairo in 2004, and […]
Read MoreThe Tentmakers of Cairo [Egypt] Today sees the start of Art in Action a four-day annual celebration of art, artists and designers that has been running in the Oxfordshire countryside since 1977. Promoting diversity in creative disciplines, regions, and cultures participation is by invite only and sees about 400 artists, designer-makers, teachers, performers, and musicians demonstrating and selling their creations to art lovers. Grouped into sections according to discipline. In the Commonwealth Art section Chapungu Sculpture Park is showcasing the work of, and presenting demonstrations from some of Zimbabwe’s master stone sculptors.
Read MoreChristian Louboutin [Africa Inspired] [Image credit: Christian Louboutin’s Egyptian Retreat – Elle Decor US edition] Doing a bit of light reading I was flicking through Camilla Morton’s ‘A Year in High Heels’ when I happened to land on the page about Christian Louboutin on Egypt. The French shoe designer has a home there, in the desert near the city of Aswân, and inspired by the beauty and tranquility of his surroundings is the place he goes to draw all his shoe collections, I guess away from all the distractions of modern living and fast-paced glamour of the industry he operates in. Recalling his first visit to […]
Read MoreGhalia Alia Mahmoud [Egypt] [Image source: Stills from Ghalia Mahmoud Cooking Show – 25TV] A year ago the Arab nations of North Africa were on the verge of momentous change and amidst the uncertainty of a post-revolutionary Egypt emerged a symbol of the new nation in the form of Ghalia Alia Mahmoud, a former maid and cook turned celebrity chef. Ghalia’s warm personality and humble beginnings inspired ordinary everyday Egyptians, instilling a sense of hope in the future of their nation. Thanks to a 60-minute cooking show aired three times a week on the newly launched 25TV – a revitalised Egyptian television station […]
Read MoreSnob – African Furniture and Interior Accessories [Cameroon / Egypt /Burkina Faso] I stumbled upon the Green Tea Design’s blog arriving on a page displaying some stunning bulbous Egyptian pendant lights adorned with intricate patterns and followed the link through to Toronto based interiors boutique, Snob who have a whole range of gorgeous furniture and interior accessories to covet. Sourced from across the African continent Snob’s products are personally selected by owner Denise Zidel who brings away with her the story each craftsman and designer has to tell in the form of a beautifully crafted object. The philosophy of Snob is to convey one of […]
Read MoreHanan Yanny / Wola Nani / Exclusive Roots [Egypt / South Africa] [Image credit: Hanan Yanny/Wola Nani] I know recycled magazine mirrors have been around for a few years now, but I think they still look good and came across some on the UK based charity retailer, Exclusive Roots who sell fairly traded and ethical jewellery, clothing, gifts and homeware. Hand-rolled tubes made from recycled magazines give structure to these contemporary sunburst mirrors. Designed by Egyptian jewellery designer, Hanan Yanny the mirrors are produced by Wola Nani a non-profit organisation in Khayelitsha, South Africa that works to bring relief to the communities hardest hit by HIV. I […]
Read MoreKarim Rashid [Egypt] [Image credit: Matrix Sofa System, 2009 – Karim Rashid] With over 3000 designs in production, over 300 awards to his name and having worked in over 35 countries, Karim Rashid has been described as one of the most prolific designers of his generation. Half Egyptian and half English, Karim was born in Cairo and raised in England and Canada. In 1993, after studying in Canada and later Italy, Karim opened his design studio in New York City, designing products that span multi-disciplines including: interiors, product, fashion, packaging, identity, art and space. Definitely a man who is futuristic in his […]
Read MoreDorah Sithole [South Africa] [Image source: Tafelberg] Whether it’s a steaming plate of sadza ne nyama, a beautifully fragranced lamb tagine, spicy jollof rice or a Sunday roast; our favourite foods done just the way we like it provide a source of comfort, reminding us of Mum’s good home cooking and with Mother’s Day in the UK a week away, on Sunday 3rd April what a good day as any to get together, cook up a feast and honour our Mothers as we make them feel extra, extra special. As the flurry of gift buying gets underway if your Mum […]
Read MoreAswan [Egypt] The Pyramids of Giza on the outskirts of Cairo and Luxor, often referred to as the ‘world’s greatest museum’ with its well preserved monuments from great civilisations past, are two well-trodden routes attracting visitors to Egypt drawn by the culture of Ancient Egypt and magnificence and mystery surrounding the pyramids, however taking the time to deviate from the norm uncovers the hidden gems along the way. So, in addition to soaking up the must-sees, take some timeout to discover the historical significance of Aswan situated on the Eastern bank of the Nile and said to be graced with the […]
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