AFRICA unite
The African design scene is burgeoning, so much so that interiors giant Ikea has catapulted designers from five nations into the international spotlight with its ‘Överallt’ collection. Creatives across furniture, architecture, fashion and sculpture teamed up with Ikea’s in-house team to create a limited-edition range, which the brand says is about ‘ building bridges, not walls’ (ikea.com). Here we meet some of the key names…
SELLY RABY KANE
Senegalese fashion designer and artist Kane founded her eponymous label in 2012, and is known for her uninhibited, eclectic style. Her basket for Ikea (from £10) is based on the art of hair braiding, woven in polypropylene and steel. ‘Transforming this ritual into an object will preserve it – bringing braiding into a global dialogue is a way to connect the rest of the world to trans-african customs,’ she says.
STUDIO PROPOLIS
Architects Bethan Rayner and Naeem Biviji’s Nairobi-based Studio Propolis specialises in designing bespoke furniture as well as buildings. For Ikea, they created cookand tableware ( bowl, from £3.95), as well as modular indoor/ outdoor furniture (stool, £45), focusing on natural materials such as eucalyptus and cork. ‘Our inspiration came from Kenyan life,’ they say, ‘people getting together to chat, drink tea and cook outdoors.’
ISSA DIABATÉ
Based in Abidjan on the Ivory Coast, architect Diabaté is a strong believer in the power of architecture to address social issues. The plywood chair (from £50) and shelf he created with Ikea are designed around simple functionality – they are assembled without tools – and affordability. ‘This collection will make African design less confined to the continent,’ he says. ‘Hopefully, more designers will realise that we need to address worldwide issues using local approaches in order to increase sustainability.’
REFORM STUDIO
Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem founded Reform Studio in Cairo in 2012, with an aim to explore ways to make the most out of waste materials. Their ‘Överallt’ rug (£65) and cushion (£7) are made from a fabric woven using factory offcuts of a silver plastic found in food packaging. ‘On this continent, reusing and recycling are everyday rituals,’ they explain.
LADUMA NGXOKOLO
Best known for his men’s knitwear, fashion designer Ngxokolo’s brand Maxhosa by Laduma is inspired by traditions and arts of the South African Xhosa culture. Of the flatweave rugs he designed for Ikea (from £40), he says: ‘The patterns are inspired by where I come from and the journeys I’ve made – I hope they will bring pride to people.’