Design: Yinka Ilori and Laduma Ngxokolo Creative Collaboration

Yinka Ilori and Laduma Ngxokolo

Last week’s Africa Utopia provided the opportunity to catch up with what was happening creatively in terms of design from and inspired by Africa. One design in particular that caught my attention was a chair comprising an upcycled frame in a matt silver finish, and knitted upholstery covered with striking geometric patterns, and a woven backrest also in matt silver.   

Radiating cool sophistication the design was the result of a creative collaboration between British/Nigerian designer, Yinka Ilori and South African knitwear designer, Laduma Ngxokolo. The collaboration was commissioned by and formed part of Africa Calling contemporary design showcase at Africa Utopia, which has now moved to Design Junction 2014.

Yinka is a London-based furniture designer who breathes new life into old and unwanted furniture through the process of upcycling. Yinka draws inspiration from Nigerian parables, using each one to inform the personality of his designs. I have previously featured Yinka’s work, which you can read here. Laduma Ngxokolo is a knitwear and textile designer from South Africa, who creates his designs under the label Maxhosa. Laduma’s work is influenced by the patterns and culture of the Xhosa from the South-Eastern part of South Africa. I have also previously featured Laduma’s work on the blog, you can read the feature here.  

Additional details:
For further information about Yinka Ilori visit: http://yinkailori.com
For further information about Laduma Ngxkolo visit: www.maxhosa.co.za
For further information about Africa Calling visit: http://africacalling.co.uk

[Image credit: Images shown belong to: Africa Calling. If downloaded and used elsewhere must be credited accordingly]