7AMECHI MANDI
The emerging design talent on his influences and dynamic new collaboration
After a spell in fashion, Cameroon-born and London-based Amechi Mandi made a successful pivot into furniture and product design. Describing his design identity as ‘pan-african’, Amechi’s distinctive textile homeware is bright, bold and often beaded, drawing upon his heritage. We caught up with him to find out more about his work and what to expect from his new wallpaper collaboration with Dado…
How did your move to London influence your work?
My outlook on design has changed quite a bit. Before, even though I always loved colour, my aesthetic leaned more towards minimalism. I worked at Pooky for five years and that helped me find an appreciation for the more traditional aspects of British design. I would never have done something like wallpaper a room but now I have a wallpaper collection with Dado and I love it! My taste has expanded so much, and I feel quite enriched as I can combine all these influences and lived experiences with my African side.
So what are the design cues that represent that side?
My first series of cushions for the Kirdi collection were quasi direct interpretations of the traditional textiles as it was very important for me to showcase these indigenous textiles in their intrinsic beauty as much as I could. The subsequent series have been more nuanced, where I’ve brought my own creativity into play. While this is the direction I see the collections going in, the beading and its artisanal handwork effect will remain the common thread in all the designs.
Your foray into wallpaper seems a natural move. How did the collaboration with Dado come about?
Dado loved the colours and the beadwork effect and thought they would look great as wallpaper. Together we exchanged ideas and reworked the patterns until we created the collection of beautiful offerings we have now. The designs include the simple geometric Sapowaydidi design, which has been recoloured in a calming charcoal, a striking blue and red, as well as being produced in the jewel-like Candied Fruits colourway taken from the original cushion designs.
How would you suggest people use your wallpaper?
I’m imagining the wallpapers being used in a multitude of spaces with different styles and can’t wait to see how people use them in their own interiors. It’s exciting!
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