Seven Inspiring Modern African Design Collaborations
Collaboration is a powerful thing, the meeting of ideas to create new ones and at times offering up unexpected viewpoints. Collaboration offers those involved a chance to learn, pick up new skills and show off each other’s skills at their best. And in this spirit I have rounded up seven inspiring modern African design collaborations that have come together over the years:
Laduma Ngxokolo x Yinka Ilori
South African knitwear designer, Laduma Ngxokolo, and British/Nigerian furniture designer Yinka Ilori teamed up to create a chair for the Africa Calling exhibition during London’s annual Africa Utopia festival. The Eyin Collection as it was named saw an upcycled chair framed painted silver feature a patterned knitted upholstered seat.
Aboubakar Fofana x Katherine Glenday
The intensity of deep rich indigo meets the delicateness of fine pure white ceramics in this collaboration between indigo dye master Aboubakar Fofanafrom Mali and South African ceramicist Katherine Glenday.
Lulu Kitololo x Sandstorm Kenya
Lulu Kitololois a graphic designer who cites Africa and nature as two of her greatest sources of inspiration based in Kenya she teamed up with local bag manufacturer Sandstorm Kenyato produce a limited edition collection of tote bags featuring her distinctive illustrations.
Ituen Basi x Victor Ehikhamenor
The graphic art of Nigerian artist Victor Ehikhamenoris turned into striking textiles for fashion designer Ituen Basi’srunway collection.
Lalesso x Pichulik
The spirit and inspiration of travel to far-flung places unite Lamu-based resort wear label LaLessoand South African jewellery brand, Pichulikwho collaborated on an accessories collection of jewellery and clutch bags to complement LaLesso’s runway collection for South Africa Fashion Week.
Lisa Folawiyo x Banke Kuku
Textile designer Banke Kukuteamed up with renowned Nigerian fashion designer Lisa Folawiyoto create a bespoke range of textiles for the designer’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection.
Ifeanyi Oganwu x Toghal x Pheobe Boswell
As part of a special project for 1:54 London, 2016. An architect/product designer, textile designer, and jewellery design artist collaborated to create a seating collection that was used in the lounge. Product designer Ifeanyi Oganwu, African inspired textiles design brand Toghal and jewellery designer/artist Phoebe Boswell.
– Tapiwa Matsinde
[Image credits: The images shown are sourced from/belong to from top: Lulu Kitololo; Africa Calling; Amaridian Gallery; MissMoss; Black Fabulosity; Lisa Folawiyo; Lulu Kitololo; Toghal. If downloaded and used elsewhere please credit accordingly.]
