BLANKET SOLUTION

When Zydia Botes came across the work of American platform Slowdown Studio, which works with illustrators and artists on woven blankets, she wanted to create a similar, South African concept to showcase our talent. And so Something Good was born. The studio collaborates with local artists, whose designs Zydia translates onto blankets. Zydia plans to sell the beautiful throws through pop-ups locally and abroad. We caught up with her to find out more about this exciting initiative.

You’ve just launched your first range. Can you give us a snapshot of what you’ve created?

So far we’ve made six blankets, by artists Renee Rossouw, Fran Labuschagne, Janet Lightbody, Tammy Joubert and Karabo Poppy Moletsane.

Did you intentionally work with all women?

I am all for girl power. Magic happens when we as women support each other instead of competing.

Were any of the designs unexpected?

Yes, Tammy`s naked lady was quite unexpected and is a talking point — people love it or hate it. Translating an image in proportion onto a versatile form requires years of expertise. There are so many variables; the stretch of the yarn, the different colour reactions — there is nothing easy about it.

Is being a proudly South African brand important to you?

So important! South Africa is a special place, and if we all work together, making use of our resources and talent in a responsible manner, we can affect our economy for good.

The next phase of your launch is charity blankets — could you tell us a little more about this?

I am in desperate need of sponsorships. I have a vision of a man walking down the streets of Soweto wearing a Nando’s blanket, approaching his friend who is wrapped in a Nik-Naks blanket, both are warm and happy. By means of corporate charity funding, we can create a range of Proudly SA blankets to be donated to those in need in South Africa, in Africa, and beyond. Everyone needs a blanket, it is a tragedy that so many are without.