African Jacquard has been weaving a variety of home textiles in the heart of Cape Town since 2014. Using the traditional French Jacquard technique, and natural fibres such as French Linen and African Cotton, they blend a variety of weaving styles, such as their signature waffle weave, together with traditional African geometric designs to bring you something truly spectacular.

Inspired by the diverse cultures, colours, and landscapes throughout Africa, each collection from African Jacquard tells a unique story.

“We believe deeply in the power of storytelling, it’s what connect us as human beings,” says the team at African Jacquard. “Our products capture stories and inspiration from all over the African continent in every thread, with the added French touch of the Jacquard weaving technique.”

Bogolan Collection

Bringing a touch of Mali to your home. Drawing on inspiration from the traditional Bogolan mud cloth of Mali, African Jacquard combines geometric patterns with a honeycomb waffle creating a rich and textured look and feel.

Woven with 100% linen and blends of cotton and linen, the Bogolan collection is available in 17 earthy colours and consists of bed throws, cushions and scarves.

Danakil Collection

Inspired by the shimmering salt plains and the vast valleys and sulphur fields of the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia. The piles of salt blocks mined in the salt plains is what inspired the tiny ‘waffle blocks’ found in this fabric, and the mesmerising greens and blues of the sulphur fields, along with the shimmery whites and greys of the salt plains is what inspired the colours chosen for this collection.

The Danakil collection is woven with 100% cotton, consists of bath sheets and hand towels, and available in 5 colours.

Kuba Collection

A bold and playful textile adventure. Inspired by the Kuba patterns found in the traditional Congolese Raffia cloth of Congo, the Kuba collection is a striking addition to any home.

Available in 10 colours, the Kuba collection is woven with 100% cotton, and consists of beach towels, hand towels, throws, cushions and tablecloths. Perfect for the outdoors!

Penta Collection

Inspired by Africa’s rich history and culture, African Jacquard blends symbols and patterns from all over Africa, such as the Ndebele house patterns from South Africa and the Butterfly mask patterns from Burkina Faso

Woven with 100% cotton and available in 4 colours the Penta collection consists of table linen and tea towels.

Metallic Collection

The Metallic Collection, combines intricate waffle structures mixed with African symbols and patterns, woven together with the alluring colours of precious metals.

Everything about the Metallic Collection is bold, rich and generous in texture.

The Metallic collection is woven with cotton and linen, available in 5 distinct designs and colours, and consists of throws, cushions and table linen.

Flamboyant Collection

This striking collection is named after the magnificent red Flamboyant Tree, and features a range of bold hues from fiery red to deep blues.

Woven with 100% cotton and a honeycomb waffle the Flamboyant fabric is luxurious look and feel. Available in 4 colours, the Flamboyant collection consists of wraps and throws.

Classic Collection

The Classic collection features the French traditional Pays Basque stripes on a white background, embossed with African-inspired patterns, giving a new touch to an old favourite design.

Woven with 100% cotton, the Classic collection is available in 4 colours and consists of table linen, tea towels and cushions.

Visit their website at africanjacquard.com to discover the rich heritage and passion behind their textiles, or visit their Cape Town Showroom in Woodstock, their Watershed store at the Cape Town V&A Waterfront, or at their new store in Stellenbosch.

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BELLHAUS Karakulia is a creative textile collaboration between BELLHAUS and Karakulia Weavers which will be presented under the title INTERWOVEN at the BELLHAUS Atelier and Galerie, 18 Bell Street, Windhoek from Thursday, 23 June until Saturday, 23 July 2022. 

The first BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie commissioned artistic collaboration to see the light of day will be BELLHAUS Karakulia. Four bespoke carpet designs by four artists and woven by the well-established Karakulia Weavers situated in Swakopmund will be on display. Invited to submit their designs, which were then meticulously produced to launch a new line of Karakulia carpets, Marcii Magson, Michael Chandler, E-Tunga Studios and Tina Basson each put forward vastly different creative expressions. This resulted in an intriguing and unexpected display that ranges from abstract to a modern take on traditional Oshiwambo handcraft design to pastel proportions and even an enormous serpent!

What makes this project particularly interesting is the fact that none of the artists – all well established in their various mediums – have produced designs for weaving before. Creating a novel approach to the age-old karakul carpet weaving trade, which is nothing short of world-class in craftsmanship, was conceptualized by the co-founder of BELLHAUS Atelier and Galerie, Andrea Behnsen. In complete awe of the craftsmanship of the weavers and her passion for product development as well as equipped with a network of artists, she initiated the BELLHAUS Karakulia project. Product development and value addition initiatives between art and trade lie at the heart of the BELLHAUS’s vision and make this initiative as Andrea rightly notes, more of a product launch than an exhibition – the first of many to follow.

The story of Mr. Moses Helao, who started off as a cleaner for Karakulia Weavers and worked himself up to become the proud owner and manager of the business has been well covered by the media before. What is less known is the fact that this weavery is highly dependent on the tourist market and with the disruption in the travel industry brought about by the Covid pandemic, the business took immense strain.

READ MORE: Frances van Hasselt’s Rugs

Once a year Moses drives to the South of Namibia to buy 50 tons of wool from the farmers in the district. His operation runs like clockwork. Every single part of the process is done by hand. The weavers can produce absolutely any design that they are presented with.

“We want to identify crafters with exceptional skill but who are constrained to break into the current requirements of the market and support them with contemporary design and product development that will appeal to a wider, international audience. At the same time, we would like to give artists the opportunity to explore different mediums from what they are used to and further discover their own potential”, Andrea shares.

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Coral Stephens Handweaving is a bespoke handweaving studio in Swaziland, which specialises in producing the finest hand-prepared and hand-woven textiles and carpets made from mohair, raffia, cotton and wool. 

Coral Stephens founded her business in Piggs Peak, Northern Swaziland in the 1940s. In this rural area she organised the purchase of mohair and trained spinners and weavers to produce unique fabrics. Through collaboration with designers her fabrics quickly achieved worldwide repute and the success continues today.

Production is for domestic, corporate and hospitality projects for the South African and international market. Products have a variety of applications – curtaining, carpets, upholstery, cushion covers, blankets and throws. Mohair curtaining is the cornerstone of the business however product range and materials have diversified and raffia curtaining as well as cotton are also popular. Mohair makes ideal curtaining and carpets and while it is soft, it is still durable and will last for decades. 

For more information, visit coralstephens.com or contact murrae@coralstephens.com

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The new De Boerin collection, entitled Goodly Things, is a range of ever-evolving, slow-produced, handmade lifestyle products inspired by Kleinood farm.

“We dream up all things De Boerin in the petite Flower Room on the farm,” says Melissa van Rooyen of Kleinood. “And it is here, in this little cave on the side of the winery, where we also create all of our Goodly Things – slowly and by hand, of course.”

The Goodly Things offering is divided into three sections. Part I: The Pantry includes a range of olive oil and De Boerin honey, while Part II: The Florilegium features eau de parfum, candles, soaps and mists. And in the charmingly named Part III: From Times When People Still Had Time range, you can expect aprons, mittens, blankets and a variety of homewares made from natural fabrics and yarns. 

Each De Boerin product is carefully considered, and takes time and care to produce, as well as reflecting the overall intention behind Kleinood and its produce, which is to capture the wild and beautiful nature of the indigenous flora that surround the vineyards and olive groves on the farm.

“Every piece is gentle and quiet and real and honest – exactly what, we believe, the world needs right now,” says Melissa. Goodly Things by de Boerin is exclusively available from the Cupboard of Curiosities in the Kleinood tasting room, or via the farm’s brand new online store.

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From a colourful new blanket by Plett-based textile company Mungo to the second Vans and MoMA instalment, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 355.

1. Mungo Cypress Vrou Vrou Blanket

Mungo designer Lenore Schroeder did vast amounts of research into old weaving techniques for the conceptualisation of the Vrou Vrou blanket, adapting the traditional plaid check and waffle weave into something bold and contemporary, while still paying homage to the classic style. The latest iteration, Cypress, draws inspiration from the Garden Route coastline.

Images courtesy of Mungo

2. Lee Broom’s Maestro Chair

British designer Lee Broom has created a chair inspired by orchestral musical instruments. The Maestro chair, launched virtually during the London Design Festival, saw a 30-person orchestra perform while seated on the chairs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Maestro launches today. A film of three parts each 90 seconds long featuring our new Maestro Chair and 30 special guests. Click link in bio to watch the film . . . . . #leebroom #maestro #leebroommaestro #virtualexhibition #ldf20 #ldf2020 #londondesignfestival

A post shared by LEE BROOM (@leebroom) on Sep 14, 2020 at 12:42pm PDT

Video credit: @leebroom on Instagram Image credit: leebroom.com

3. Polly Pocket-Style Fictional Homes

The original 1980s Polly Pocket toy concept has been reimagined by The ToyZone, in collaboration with NeoMam Studios and CGI artist Jan Koudela, to feature spaces from popular movies and series, from Stranger Things to Friends, The Shining and The Simpsons.

Images courtesy of NeoMam Studios

4. Vans and MoMA Debut Second Footwear and Apparel Instalment

As a continuation to its collaborative collection launched in September, featured here, Vans has once again teamed up with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on a second instalment of artist-inspired footwear and apparel. The latest collection includes the work of Edvard Munch, Jackson Pollock and Lyubov Popova, and will be in stores globally from 11 November 2020.

Images courtesy of Vans

5. Zara Home Online Launches in SA

Zara Home has launched its online shop locally, featuring stylish designs to decorate your space, from furniture and rugs to kitchen accessories, tableware and towels. You can shop online here.

Images courtesy of Zara Home

Browse more like VISI picks of the week series – week 355 on picks of the week 172.

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Joburg-based fabric and wallpaper brand Fabric Bank has released Earthy Abstract, its latest VAULT collection, featuring a combination of geometric and abstract forms in serene hues.

Forming part of Fabric Bank’s in-house design collections for fabric or wallpaper applications, Earthy Abstract’s designs feature dots, florals, lines, and bold shapes in a series of calming shades.

Earthy Abstract is suited to a wide range of interior applications, from scatters, table cloths and furniture upholstery to large-scale wallpaper installations.

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The winning print, entitled The Populist, is inspired in part by Desiderius Pongrácz, who revolutionised South African viticulture by challenging and changing the status quo through his visionary ideas.

The design is also inspired by postal art/correspondence art, a popular artistic movement that focused on sending small-scale artworks via the postal service.

Sir Abner designed a code – EOIC 3ULD – which, when folded upwards, translates to BOLD, reflecting the pioneering spirit of Desiderius Pongrácz.

Sir Abner transformed the military camouflage print that symbolises camaraderie and bravery, into black and white, and infused the design with the Shangaan Bag, which represents hope, courage and optimism.

In keeping with Sir Abner’s extraordinary ability to weave ideas, design, fashion and culture into a single vision, the 2020 Bold Print of the Year makes an original statement.

Visit pongracz.co.za or follow @pongracz_sa on Instagram to find out more.

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Design Indaba and the Department of Arts and Culture celebrated 16 years of the Emerging Creatives programme earlier this year, which gives 50 talented young designers a chance to show their work at the event. We caught up with streetwear designer Robyn Agulhas.

What do you love most about being a designer?

It has taken me a long time to discover my creativity and to find what I’m truly passionate about. I had doubts about my ability for so many years, even though I’ve always known that I loved fashion. Every time I design, I do it with my whole heart. To me, it’s not just clothes; it’s the story of the collection. I’m grateful that I have the ability to create from what inspires me, and to see my ideas come to life.

Describe your designs in three words.

Tech-wear, detailed, different. What do you want to convey through your designs? My graduate collection conveys a message of how attached we are to our devices, and what the future of fashion could possibly look like if we had technology fitted into our everyday wear. Through my designs, I also want to convey the quality and attention to detail found in locally made clothing.

Biggest inspiration?

My friends and family. I love to see them grow and do what they love. From really creative friends in music, art, design, modelling and film to those who are in the corporate environment and absolutely own what they do, they all inspire me to keep pushing and keep doing what I love. My mom is also a huge inspiration – thanks to her, I’ve seen what determination and hard work look like.

Do you have any upcoming plans you can share with us?

I’m currently freelancing in the film industry as an assistant stylist, but I would love to push my brand sinCHUI, and collaborate with people in the worlds of art and music. I’m not too sure what the future holds for me, but I’m ready for anything that is meant to be. I’ll continue to create and put in the hard work.

See more of Robyn’s work on Instagram.

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Using a wide variety of different patterns and fabrics, New York-based artist Bisa Butler creates colourful quilted portraits.

Layering vibrant textiles, each piece is brightly coloured, creating technicolour works of art featuring subjects from throughout history.

“I often start my pieces with a black and white photo and allow myself to tell the story,” explains Bisa on Claire Oliver, her gallery’s website. “My stories are told in the fabrics that I choose, the textures I combine, and the colours that create a whole new composition.”

Bisa’s portraits aim to tell potentially forgotten stories. “When you see vintage lace and aged satin it tells you the story of delicacy and refinement of times gone by,” she says. “When you see African printed cotton and mud cloth it tells the story of my ancestral homeland and the cradle of civilisation. When you see multi-coloured organza and netting layered you are being told a story of something or someone colourful and multifaceted.”

See more of her work on Instagram.

(h/t) thisiscolossal.com

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High-end European fabric house Güell Lamadrid has released four new collections that combine creativity, quality and impeccable design.

Güell Lamadrid describes their fabrics as “a wide range of eclectic and versatile designs, where original patterns coexist with attractive plain textures.” The four brand-new ranges include Begur, La Cala, Pals and Fontclara.

Begur is inspired by florals, featuring branched flower designs printed on either cotton viscose or linen viscose, available in three colourways. La Cala boasts 10 designs by studio Lázaro Rosa-Violán, which are printed on cotton.

La Cala

Pals also draws on flowers and floral motifs, printed on a linen viscose base, while Fontclara offers three different colourways, featuring floral designs on 100% linen fabric.

Fontclara

The collection is now available locally at T & Co. Fabrics. For more information, visit tandco.co.za.

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