Design: Mali Chic Boutique and Workshop
[Image credit: Embroidered Bench – Mali Chic]
Perfect perched in a hallway or at the end of a bed, when I first saw the image of this embroidered bench I thought it had beaded detailing across seat area, such is the effect of the textured pattern from afar. Beautifully and skillfully woven, the textile covering is made from cotton upholstered onto a wooden bench frame handmade by the artisans of Mali Chic, a boutique and workshop based in Bamako, Mali. Mali Chic works with a network of over 195 local artisans; to produce a diverse range of traditional and contemporary home décor, furniture, fabrics, clothing, jewellery and personal accessories for export and local markets. The business aims to take the traditional skills and heritage of Malian crafts and combine them with contemporary design influences, as seen in products like the Dogon Door Table, Bogolan Ottoman and Bozo Baskets. Mali Chic also offers a bespoke service for those with a specific design or fabric in mind.
Mali Chic was set up in 1998 by Elaine Bellezza, an American designer who in addition to design and producing products ran training programmes for her employees and the local artisans she worked with, equipping them with the skills needed for the effective handicraft production and design. In 2006 Elaine turned over control of the business to the five employees and since then the business has continued to grow, currently employing a staff of 14 in addition to the artisans, who work from home, in their own workshops or in the Mali Chic workshop. Elaine went on to set up a gallery in Santa Fe New Mexico, but still maintains contact with the boutique, running development workshops and assisting with new product designs when she visits.
Additional details:
For further information about Mali Chic and for order enquires visit: www.malichic.net
