Starting today June 12, visitors to West Elm’s stores and website will be able to peruse and purchase that store's latest collaboration featuring goods from 16 different South African artisans. While the Brooklyn-based brand has a strong global outlook, this is their first time the company is working intimately with the design community of one country.
The collection is typified by bright colours and traditional, primitive designs like the ceremonial Senufo bench pictured above. Some of the designers include husband-and-wife duo Trevyn and Julian McGowan of design studio Source who blend traditional African design details into their collections and renowned Cape Town designer John Vogel who is inspired by South African riempie weaving and has created some stunning, sculptural pieces like the Mantis Lounger pictured after the jump.
While it is commendable to see the work of South African artisans featured and sold by West Elm, I hope the culture of the country is not being distilled to the extent that traditionally significant items will lose their importance. The full collection will roll out over the next month.
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| Images: West Elm |
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