Gone Rural

In VISI 51, we introduced you to Gone Rural – a non-profit organisation that creates Afro-chic home accessories and bold statement pieces. Now the creative team from Swaziland has launched a new collection in partnership with Lisa Strapp of Blancanvas.

With the 2011 “Even Lighter” Collection, Gone Rural has continued to push the use of mixed media, combining traditional techniques to create products from waste materials and sustainable fibres.

They’ve also launched a new range of textured vessels made form waste leather and tin cans. The range uses organic shapes and colours, and stands in contrast to their existing collection of quirky textile trays, baskets and vases that use bright and pastel colours.

The collection is inspired by the positive work done in Swaziland’s communities. “We’re all taking more notice of the environment and accepting different people and their beliefs,” says General Manager Julie Nixon. “At Gone Rural we see ourselves as one family, and the beauty of this is translated into the products.”

Introducing the world to the beautiful, strong and talented women that create these products is one of the organisation’s primary objectives. “African women have much to teach the rest of the world in terms of humility, acceptance and to laugh in the face of adversity,” Julie continues.

Gone Rural supplies over 400 retail stores worldwide, with products sold in some of the world’s most renowned home stores. All the profits made are re-invested into the organisation to generate more work, or to run health and education programmes. They employ over 700 women, who work under carefully selected designers.

Gone Rural products are available from Lisa Strapp: 082 4445443, mwlisdee@iafrica.com, www.goneruralswazi.com