Historic South African company Aranda’s new Young Basotho Designers Collection is a celebration of heritage and cool, and empowers a new generation of Basotho designers.

Cinephiles may recognise these intricately patterned coverings from Marvel’s Black Panther film, but Basotho blankets – and their maker, Aranda – were a household name with deep significance long before Hollywood came calling. Started in 1953 by the Magni family, and located in Randfontein outside Johannesburg, the Aranda Textile Mill is the oldest blanket, throw and shawl manufacturer in South Africa.

They source raw materials locally and internationally, and spin them into yarns, which are dyed, woven and made into an array of brilliant products. They’re especially known for their range of heritage blankets, including the Ingcawe, a Xhosa blanket traditionally used for burial and initiation; the Umbhalo, a striped blanket worn by the Ndebele people; and, significantly, the Basotho blanket. These are the beautiful, warm and distinctive blankets worn by the Basotho people in the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.

Now the West Rand business has introduced the Young Basotho Designers Collection to provide a platform for budding creatives to showcase their talent, contribute to the rich blanket-wearing tradition, and tell Basotho tales. This is fuelled by the recognition that they need to enable authentic blanket designs by Basotho youth, for Basotho people. Most critically, all the designers chosen for the project will earn royalties for as long as the blankets sell.

The class of 2022/2023 comes from a variety of design backgrounds, including fashion, interiors and graphic design. They are Ntate Stunna, Material Don Dada, Alice Bereng, Masikane Masike, Khosi Leteba and Mokete Mohapi. Between them, they have created 10 designs in a variety of colours.

Ntate Stunna, aka MegaHertz, is a Lesotho-born rapper, songwriter, cinematographer and record producer, whose sound is a mix of trap and famo, a type of accordion music that originates in Lesotho. His blanket, Manoti a Koriana (Accordion), is inspired by his love for traditional music, hip-hop and fashion.

Material Don Dada (Tshepo Pitso), a fashion designer, 3D designer, model, video editor, cinematographer and entrepreneur, has created three blankets: Lipere tsa Pitso, Lerato la Basotho and Lithota. Lerato la Basotho translates to Basotho Love, which the designer explains is as “beautiful as the shining stars, a light that shines throughout and provides warmth”.

The Bodulo blanket is the work of interior and furniture designer Khosi Leteba. Born and raised in Durban, Khosi’s designs pay homage to Lesotho, the land of his origin. Inspired by a Basotho mural art called Litema, the blanket tells the story of the Basotho people’s traditional lifestyle. The people are represented by the iconic Basotho hats; the mountains depict the landscape of Lesotho; and the horses show the primary mode of transport used between the mountain villages, where people make a living through subsistence farming (represented by the crops).

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Johannesburg-based collaborative textile design studio Something Good Studio runs an annual pattern design competition for all young aspiring designers under 25. We caught up with this year’s winners, Meg Philip, Eon Rheeder, and Leo Rheeder – the latter being a pair of twins by total chance! – to find out what makes them get up in the morning, the twists and turns in their budding design careers thus far and the physical spaces in which they are most creative.

What are you most passionate about and what drives you? Work-related and beyond. 

Meg: I love curating things. In my day to day, I’m always zooming into details and constantly looking out for beautifully-curated spaces and things around me to capture. I don’t know what it is that gets me going but I do have a streak of resilience. If I really want to do something, I will do whatever it takes to reach my goal. I think maybe my desire to create something beautiful and my perfectionism is what keeps me at it.

Leo: Using my voice through design and illustration to generate an influence on society is what I am most passionate about. My motivation stems from a number of early experiences. My first memory is of my brother and me creating stories and illustrating them at my grandparents’ house. I was also subjected to masculine norms at an early age, I was told that boys who like to draw and appreciate art are aberrant. As a result, I was labeled as a bit strange at a young age. I’ve found my voice as an artist through the years and the things which used to tear me down are now fueling my passion. I call these two recollections my Yin and Yang mentality. It’s a mix of the good and the bad that has shaped who I am today.

Eon: My drive is powered by a memory of when I was very young, age 7 or 8. The memory is of my twin and I at our grandparents’ house in Richards Bay. We were creating stories about fictional characters, drawing them. I remember this moment of pure bliss and this is when my twin and I decided this is what we want to do one day. We want to use design, film and illustration to create moments people can relate to and have open emotions to.

Tell us about a time that changed your life as an artist/creator.

Meg: I would say that getting my first proper job as a template designer at a photo editing mobile app. Having had no training and hardly any experience, it was a turning point for me. It gave me the opportunity to learn so much about design and gain skills. It boosted my confidence but at the same time has been a huge learning curve.

Leo: Being bullied and feeling like I didn’t fit in school played quite an important role in my life and, strangely enough, I am grateful for those years today. All of those years have taught me that my voice as an artist is meaningful and that following your instincts and trusting yourself will lead to you becoming the person
you were meant to be.

Eon: After high school, I was too afraid to follow my twin on the dreams we had as children, so I went on to study a trade and work in a factory where I was unhappy every day. One of the only things that kept me going was drawing patterns and shapes with my finger in the dust on the floor. My twin returned home from university one weekend and showed me his designs and what he was working on. This inspired me to overcome my fear and to embark on the journey we had wanted as children and become a designer.

Tell us about your Something Good Studio blanket design.

Meg: The “Planted” blanket design was born out of a sketch with pen and paper. Leaves are my go-to things to draw. There’s something quite soothing and methodic about drawing them. The name “Planted” refers literally to the leaves, however it also bares the figurative meaning of staying grounded and finding my feet during this time of uncertainty. The design turned out to reflect themes of growth and new beginnings which are very relevant themes for me this year. The colour green, associated with life, renewal and growth, emphasises these themes.

Leo: The artwork is conceptualised with a metaphoric representation of how our lives are. We go through life and the road has all these twist and turns but you’ve got to hold on and just move and groove right through it. For the pattern I wanted to design something interesting as well as serene. The colours I chose for this pattern were influenced by the thought of sea water running through beach sand, tying into the metaphoric representation of the different paths life takes you on and the serene feeling I wanted to create.

Eon: From a young age I have been mesmerised and fascinated with the ocean. It brings me clarity on stormy days and when floating in the ocean, starring up at the clouds, it calms my mind and I catch a moment to find rest in myself. I wanted to express those most valuable and vulnerable feelings in a design that would appeal to people from all walks of life. Just like a fish in the ocean, you must keep swimming forward in life. The design itself, with its various types of fish, shapes, and minimalist lines flowing throughout, reflects my feelings toward the soothing ocean. I also hope to showcase the precious diversity of sea life we need conserve.

What advice would you give a budding creative who is afraid of putting their work out into the world.

Meg: Just do it! I always wanted my work to be perfect before putting it out into the world, particularly when it came to my singing, and that’s held me back so many times. I now realise that things don’t always need to be perfect, you can learn and grow as you go. Another big one is not to compare your work to others’. Stay on your own path.

Leo: You are worthy. Artists put a lot of pressure on themselves by comparing their work to that of others. The truth is that there are many excellent artists out there and, while it is admirable to enjoy their work, you must first be your own number one fan. Believe in yourself and know that you as an artist are worthy.

Eon: We are all unique in everything we do – even my twin and I have two very different and unique design styles. Show off your individuality to the world. I promise you no one can be better at being you, than you.

Follow the designers on Instagram – Meg @andabananas, Eon @eonrheeder, Leo @eonrheeder – and find out more about Something Good Studio here.

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The Lesotho-based artisanal homeware brand encompasses the myriad of  possibilities that exist in designing a sustainable future; one that is inclusive and lifestyle oriented.

Although the exciting space of eco-conscious brands is expanding, it is still a niche that is yet to transform when it comes to representation. Barali, a Black-woman owned design duo from Lesotho prides itself on creating sustainable products that are not only stylish but resonate with people beyond the borders of Southern Africa. Bold expertly crafted rugs and throws are only the beginning for this growing brand, which is creating impactful change through their community, by working with Lesotho artisans, sourcing their materials locally and preserving their culture in aesthetic and name.

Barali is a Sesotho word which translates to “daughters”, an ode to who they are and what they come from.

VISI  spoke to the duo to find out more about who they are and what has gone in to the process of birthing their inimitable brand in their homeland.

Who are the powerhouses behind the brand?

Barali’s co-founders are Mookho Ntho, Creative Director and Moliehi Mafantiri, Operations Director. Mookho Ntho is an African contemporary artist with surrealist influences and Moliehi Mafantiri is an environmental scientist with an eco-feminism lens.

How did you choose the name for your brand?

We wanted a name that would be simple and memorable. Barali is the Sesotho word for daughters, it seemed apt for us to have a name that represents who we are and where we come from.

Where did the idea of creating an artisanal lifestyle brand come about?

Lesotho has a long and rich design history, and that inspired us to create a brand that would highlight our local artisans’ strengths.

What is your background as individuals in terms of design?

Although we both are passionate about design, Mookho as our creative director is a visual artist by profession. She started by creating fashion illustrations and now her surrealism influenced paintings primarily explore fashion, pop culture, gender expression, and social lives of Black subjects.

You are based in Lesotho, how has that influenced or inspired your brand’s evolution?

We have been conscious to build our brand in a way that will center Basotho. So, we insist on working with local artisans and when we consider increasing our capacity, centering Basotho means that we would like to train more Basotho weavers. It means that we would like to facilitate cultural continuity by keeping our weaving tradition going. As a sustainable brand we also look to use as many locally sourced materials as we can, which is why locally sourced hand spun mohair yarn is used for all our designs. Ideally, we would like to only use locally sourced materials to contribute to our local economies.

Talk us through the creation of your products from concept to final products?

We draw inspiration from memory, natural surroundings and our cultures to create a design. Once the design is finalized, we figure out how it can be most efficiently produced locally. It’s not always as easy as reaching to artisans via cellphone to discuss the design so at times we have to make field trips. These can be short trips within the capital city, or trips to artisan’s workshops in neighbouring districts. The artisans we contact all work with local materials, specifically with locally sourced mohair and sometime wool from South Africa. If we are lucky, the sampling process goes smoothly and we can move onto rolling the product out.

How do you come up with the concepts behind your strikingly beautiful look books?

Because our designs are inspired by Basotho cultures we also like to incorporate the beauty of the natural landscape in our editorials. We are lucky that there is much to choose from here in Lesotho.

What would you say makes your brand ethos stand out from other sustainable homeware brands?

We design for the eco-conscious customer that desires homeware that is both beautiful and ethically produced. One of our central values is cultural continuity, which is why we ensure stories of Basotho cultures are told through our products. That’s sets us apart because our designs are made by Basotho and inspired by Basotho- we’re telling our own story.

What are the challenges of navigating the design space as two young black women based in Lesotho?

Because we are young, we are often undermined when we require services from older service providers. Where funding opportunities are concerned, it seems we are higher risk due to a perceived lack of experience. Being young Black women often means that we have to frequently explain that we are in fact working for ourselves and we do have ownership of our company.

Where do you hope to see your brand in 5 years time?

We see our brand branching out to have more different types of products, in addition to rugs and throws. This also includes us succeeding in our goal to build a workshop where we will be able to train our own young weavers.

For more information on the brand and where you can shop it visit their website here.

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These stylish throws can be used to keep you snug throughout the year. Here are 11 to consider, from cotton options to chunky knits.

SMTNG GOOD ‘Move & Groove’ Throw by Leo Rheeder

‘Move & Groove’ by Leo Rheeder was selected by the public as one of the top three winning designs as part of SMTNG GOOD’s annual Young Designer Competition, 2021 edition.

R2 450 | SMTNG GOOD

Buy Now

Woven Geo Throw

This throw comes with stunning woven geo detail and fringe borders for a unique finish. It’s available in four different colourways: yellow, light grey, dark orange and dark green.

R299 | Woolworths

Buy Now

Vrou-Vrou Throw

The neat, pocket-like structure of the waffle weave and the cross-sections of colour synonymous with the plaid check are the building blocks for the 100% cotton Vrou-Vrou.

From R3 315 | Mungo

Buy Now

Weylandts Cotton Throw

This range of throws adds texture to your living space and effortlessly combines style with functionality. 

From R497.50 | Weylandts

Buy Now

VISI Collab: African Jacquard Kuba Beach Mat

The Kuba Beach Mat is a versatile and lightweight textile inspired by Kuba designs found in Congolese fabrics. Made from 100% cotton these 130X210cm mats are perfect for the beach, garden picnic… or as a throw on the bed. There are only two left in stock, so grab one before they sell out!

R1 275 | VISI Shop

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Retreat Quilt

The Retreat Quilt is perfect for picnics or as a throw on the bed. This quilt is hand-stitched and hand quilted and has wadding to give it weight.

R899 | Poetry

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Taylor Waffle Bed Cover

Woven in Portugal from beautifully soft cotton, this bed cover features a tactile waffle design and a raw edge.

R2 199 | Country Road

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Sloane Square Throw

Featuring a bone-white maze-like design on Caramel, Meadow, Naval or Noir, these throws will drape beautifully over your bed or couch.

R1 300 | Hertex Haus

Buy Now

Summah Throw in Afrique Black

Summah drew inspiration from vast open spaces, clay like sand, open plains, dry grass, clear pink skies and the coziness of being wrapped up in doors with tea and marmalade toast for this throw.

R690 | Summah

Buy Now

The Ninevites Mohair Throw

This stylish throw is handwoven from 100% Mohair.

POA | The Ninevites

Enquire

Penny Cotton Throw by Sixth Floor

This 100% olive green throw by local brand Sixth Floor will add interest to any space.

R699 | Superbalist

Buy Now

Looking for more local buys? Here’s 11 statement table lamps for your home and 10 monochrome buys for your home.

The post 11 Stylish Throws For Any Season appeared first on Visi.

MRP Home has teamed up with local designers on two new collaborative collections: a winter blanket range and an extensive collection with designer Amanda du Plessis.

The winter blanket collection is made up of four 200 x 230 cm blankets, designed by artist Sid Mulaudzi, textile and surface pattern designer Joy Ezeka, fine artist and designer Neo Mahlangu and designer Amanda du Plessis.

Amanda du Plessis’s blanket is inspired by the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve.

Joy Ezeka’s blanket is inspired by the iconography of Joburg and Lagos.

Sid Mulaudzi’s blanket is inspired by the vibrancy of the streets of Joburg.

Neo Mahlangu’s blanket is inspired by her childhood memories.

Amanda du Plessis has also created a bigger collection with MRP Home, inspired by the ridges and natural surroundings of Melville Koppies Nature Reserve. The range features duvet cover sets, towels, scatters, throws, wall art, placemats, side plates, notebooks, gift boxes and bags, wrapping paper, a rug, a chair and the winter blanket.

The winter blankets retail at R699.99 each, while products in the Amanda du Plessis collection retail between R15.99 for gift wrap and R3 500 for the Maddox Chair.

The collection is available online and in store from 30 May 2019 for one month, or while stocks last. Visit mrphome.com for more information.

The post New MRP Home Collab Ranges appeared first on Visi.

A celebration of South Africa, art and all-girl creatives, Something Good Studio is the little start-up with a grand vision.

Armed with the will to pursue something greater than her eight-to-five, Joburg-based Zydia Botes started Something Good Studio with dreams of creating corporate-sponsored charity blankets that are equal parts art and warmth for those in need.

Getting corporate sponsorship as a start-up proved trickier than expected, so she decided to start off with an art blanket range, comprising six blankets/throws designed by some of her favourite female artists and all made here of locally sourced yarn. The art blanket range features an in-house SMTNG GOOD design, as well as creations by artists Karabo Poppy Moletsane, Renee Rossouw, Fran Labuschagne, Tammy Joubert and Janet Lightbody.

Zydia continues to pursue corporate sponsorship and her dream of charity blankets. In the meantime, every sale of these limited-edition art blankets support women and local manufacturing. Blankets cost between R3 450 and R3 800 and are available online and at selected shops.

For more information and to shop online, visit somethinggoodstudio.com.

The post Something Good Studio’s Blankets appeared first on Visi.

Cape Town-based studio Room 13 Design, in association with Collabonative, has launched Madiba “The Dreamer”, a new homeware and accessories collection endorsed by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

“This commemorative project has given us as designers the chance of a lifetime: to represent our much beloved Madiba – an international symbol of liberty and equality, to a country that sees him as the ‘Father of our Nation’, to a world that celebrates his international fight for human rights,” says Nina Berolsky, owner and Creative Director of Room 13 Design. “We wanted to create something unlike anything else – vibrant, energetic, bold and free.”

The range includes cushion covers, blankets, ceramic hanging plates, birchwood clocks, tablecloths, gift cards, posters, scarves, tote bags, placemats, coasters, wallpaper, and more.

For more information and to place an order, email hello@collabonative.com.

The post Madiba “The Dreamer” Collection appeared first on Visi.

COMPILED BY VISI

When temperatures drop, nothing beats the comfort of a cosy throw. Whether you love traditional patterns or prefer a contemporary look, these throws will keep you super snug.

Mungo Vrou Vrou

Made from 100% cotton the Vrou-Vrou is a bold statement in textile design. With its chameleon personality, no two folds appear the same.

From R3 840 | mungo.co.za

Babylonstoren Plaid Mohair Blanket

This handwoven mohair blanket is naturally lightweight and breathable. Because it’s made of 90% natural fibre, it’s naturally insulating, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.

R4 900 | shop.babylonstoren.com

Coricroft Teagan Throw

The Teagan Throw is ideal for adding an extra layer of warmth to your bed, or snuggling up on chilly evenings.

R899 | coricroft.co.za

Country Rivana Throw

The Rivana Throw is made in a luxuriously soft blend of cotton with a touch of cashmere and features a subtle stripe pattern to complement any room at home.

R2 499 | woolworths.co.za

Bofred Mohair SOFA Blanket

Made from end of the run mohair yarn stock, this collection is made up of small, limited edition colour ways.

R4 300 | bofred.co.za

H&M Wool-blend Blanket

This woven throw, featuring a check design and fringed sides, is made from a super soft wool blend with a brushed finish.

R899 | superbalist.com

Babylonstoren Tree Boiled Wool Blanket

This intricately designed wool blanket was produced by boiling. With a striking design featuring leaves in a deep jade, this blanket is one way to add dimension. A stunning blanket that serves as a warmer, this piece is a more durable and windproof alternative to traditional wool blankets.

R4 900 | shop.babylonstoren.com

Haus by Hertex Tatter-tale Throw

Composed of a classic blend of cotton, polyester and linen, this throw offers both warmth and style. A classic checked pattern adds a homely charm, while their soft texture ensures ultimate comfort.

R2 400 | hertexhaus.co.za

smtnggood Artist Designed Blanket by Lulasclan for Kruger Shalati

This blanket was designed by South African textile designer, Bonolo Chepape of Lulasclan, for luxury lodge Kruger Shalati, The Train On A Bridge. 

R6 950 | somethinggoodstudio.com

African Jacquard 100% Cotton Kuba Bed Throw

The Kuba bed throw is made from 100% African Cotton.  Available in 10 different colours, these throws will add a pop of colour to any room in your home.

R3 000 | africanjacquard.com

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The post 10 Throws To Keep You Warm This Winter appeared first on Visi.

From adorable unicorn-themed decor for kids and the Museum of Ice Cream to an architectural shelter for tourists, these are the top VISI Picks of the Week Series – Week 192. 

1. Museum of Ice Cream

“The Museum Of Ice Cream has two locations – one in Los Angeles and one in New York,” says Features Writer Amelia Brown. “I’d love to walk through these magical interiors that are simply a celebration of all things ice cream. It looks like so much fun!”

Image credit: museumoficecream.com

2. Le Haut Perché

“To encourage the exploration of Bordeaux, architects Studio Weave designed this interesting stay-over shelter in Le Parc des Jalles,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “The little abode, which is made from timber and weathering steel, sleeps up to nine people free of charge.”

Image credit: Yvan Detraz via Archdaily.com

3. A Little Lovely Company

“This aptly named company in The Netherlands designs adorable decor and accessories for the little ones in your life. There are even a few things I’d pick out for myself…” says Content Producer Mary Garner.

Image credit: alittlelovelycompany.nl

4. Swop Shop by Studio H

“The Swop Shop by Studio H is a fun event leading up to the Food Studio conference to be held in August,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “For one night on Thursday 3 August, you’ll be able to try out anything from ugly fruit jams to sea bacon popcorn – all you have to do is submit a food memory at the pop-up shop to take your pick. Head to Chandler House on 53 Church Street on First Thursdays to get involved!”

Image credit: studio-h.co.za

5. Snuggle Friends Blankets From HAUS by Hertex

“These Snuggle Friends blankets from Hertex’s range of designs for the home are just too cute,” says Assistant Editor Tracy Greenwood. “I love the classic bunny print. It would make for a welcome, cosy addition to a child’s bedroom.”

Image credit: hertex.co.za

Check out more VISI Picks of the Week Series here.

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Feeling the chill? From kelim and faux fur throws to woven and woolly blankets, any of these 10 snug buys will keep you warm this winter.

1. Kelim Throw R479 (150 X 180 cm) R479, Superbalist.com

2. Zigzag Knit Throw (150 X 180 cm) R799, Woolworths

3. Elephant Grey 100% Merino Wool Blanket (100 X 120 cm) R3 800, Knus

4. Jacquard Weave Blanket in Mustard Yellow (130 X 170 cm) R399, H&M

5. Cotton Throw (150 X 200 cm) R179.99, MRP Home

6. Melange Throw (140 X 240 cm) R1 059, Haus By Hertex at Yuppiechef.com

7. New York Day Hudson Wool Throw (130 X 180 cm) R3 530, Hinterveld

8. Vale Knit Single Blanket R1 399, Country Road

9. Faux Fur Grey Wolf Throw (150 X 200 cm) R2 999, @home

10. Gradient Motif Throw R2 495, Weylandts

The post The Cosy List: 10 Blankets To Keep You Snug This Winter appeared first on Visi.