I’m pleased to let you know that the clothes made it to the children in Namibia and House of Orange wrote all about it on their blog last month. They wrote a post about each of the 6 days they spent there, including the day they held a little fashion show for the kids. There are heaps of photos, and the posts are inspiring and very moving. Click here to read them all, and be sure to scroll down to the end of the page to start with so you can read the days events chronologically.

It’s wonderful to see and read the results of this special project  – to know that the clothes that were sent in have made it to their destination. 3 cheers for House of Orange and Orange Babies, and thank you again to all who sent in clothes.

xx

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Anyway, not only does my agency – which is called House of Orange – represent me, they represent hair and makeup artists, fashion stylists, models and photographers. They also have their own charity which is called Orange Babies and throughout the year they hold different fashion events here in Holland to raise money to help HIV infected women and their babies in Africa.

I will be helping out with one of the upcoming events next month and as part of the project we would like to send clothes to the children in Africa. We need HEAPS of children’s clothes and I was hoping some of you might have some to offer? We need clothes for children between 0-12 years, and we need them by the first of July which is only 1 week away! So, if you live in Europe and have some clothes you can offer, please send them to House of Orange at this address…

I hope to show + tell you more about the project once we get started on it next month, it is going to be alot of fun! For now, we need childrens clothes so please, send send send!

If you don’t have children’s clothes you can also send a donation or offer to be a sponsor for the event – for more information, please contact joanne.

xx

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a very special book

You are all probably well aware now that I am a nature girl. I am drawn to all things natural, and I gain all my styling inspiration from nature. And so while I am on my Sunday sloth fest, instead of getting out there amongst nature, I am going to bring the nature to us today. And all in the name of fabulous design. Let’s start with these beauties…

Hans Silvester is the photographer of this incredible book called Natural Fashion: Tribal Decoration from Africa. My fabo friend Beve from the wonderful blog Afropolitans sent me this link knowing full well that it would make me jump up and down with girlish excitement. She also sent me the link to this great article about the book which is described as a tribal fashion show inspired by the wild trees, exotic flowers and lush vegetation of the area bordering Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan… “these tribal people have created looks that put the most outlandish creations of Western catwalk couturiers to shame.” I have already ordered my copy from Amazon, as even though this article is so full of awesome images from the book, I cannot get enough of them. I need this book. now. Plus, who doesn’t love having their face-painted? Oh I am sooooooo inspired…

Next up on our nature walk through the blogosphere, I am taking you all with me here:

I found this treasure on what I believe to be my personal secret source of life’s most interesting and incredible things, a blog authored by a mysterious and extraordinarily talented chick. So who and what am I raving about? Cherry Coloured. And the author I must reveal, is more than just a pretty blogger, she answers by the name of Nyla, and she made this documentary about Jeff Buckley, which I only just realised (GASP!!!); she takes these beautiful photographs; and she finds and shares these treasures with us. Nyla’s blog is a must on your daily blogroll, that’s if you want to find such a place as this:

Yep, we are talking the ULTIMATE in fine nature backyards here. I am completely enraptured – a totally sustainable rainforest community nestled into the tree tops of a 6,000 foot rainforest mountain on the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The residence is called Finca Bellavista, and they even have high-speed Internet and WIFI. That means we could all live there and STILL blog away. Can’t you imagine us coo-ing each other from across the tree tops? You would all be invited to dinner on my treehouse terrace, where we can have a bloggers meeting right here…

So who is coming with me?

Oh I almost can’t keep up with this post, my imagination is running wild now. I am thinking of how we could dress our treehouses, with all the incredible finds we have been sharing on our blogs, including these French creations which I want vite…

These are called Living Stones, floor cushions in the shape of oversized pebbles that are made from 100% wool and are environmentally friendly with no use of chemical dyes. They also have an outdoor range:

Don’t the French just know what we want? But so do Kim and Jo, because they started me on the wander that lead me to these delightful pieces. As it goes, I was perusing their WINK post as I always do on my free weekends and as you know they introduce new bloggers, and this one called Shift caught my eye. So over I went and that is where I found the rocks for my new treehouse accomodation. This new blog has loads more inspiration, so go check it out. While you do that, I am just going to stick a flower in my hair, leaf through the pages of my new book, and sit on my treetop terrace on my new furniture. Hope to see you there…

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There are two words that I like to use when describing my chosen style and decor: raw + sophisticated. And rarely do I get to use these two words together. But this is one of those rare occasions. So pack your suitcases, slap on some sunscreen and come with me while I take you on an epic visual journey through this African retreat. This is one place you will never forget…

Tucked away amongst sand-dunes and coconut palms on a vast beach of Kenya, this down-to-earth dwelling is pure imagination. It is beautifully described as a house of light, flowing lines and quiet spaces that is open to the elements and fresh air…

It is owned by famed designer Marzia Chierichetti who, using her background in Art and Interior Design and working as a stylist for the likes of BOFFI and CAPPELLINI INT, has created this rustic retreat drawing direct inspiration from the natural and wild surroundings. This magical dwelling is complete with all the essentials for a modern life of indulgence and relaxation, and is furnished by Marzia’s own creations…

Marzia owns a fabulous design studio in the heart of Kenya where she designs her own jewelry, soft furnishings, furniture and fabrics. She uses recycled materials like plastic water bottles and rubber hose pipes which are miraculously transformed into stunning lamps, as well as old car tyres that turn into shoes, and ancient metal furniture into bowls, frames and jewelry. The mango wood she uses is grown in the local coastal belt and for every mango tree harvested, 10 are re-planted in the local villages. Marzia is very passionate about conservation, she has big plans for the future including the set up of more re-forestation projects, a school to encourage local artists to explore their creativity and more projects to utilise natural materials in the improvement of living standards for the local communities.

Creating ‘something from nothing’ is how Marzia likes to describe her work, but for me this is the understatement of the century as her ‘something’ is breathtaking…

While we catch our breath, let me tell you a bit more about Marzia’s design studio. Each artisan (all local) has been trained by Marzia, producing work of the highest quality using raw materials gathered from the local area. Her workshop has not only provided this group of artists with training, but has also given them an opportunity to earn a living with which to support their families and improve their standard of living. Who would have ever imagined that such a place existed hidden amongst the whispering palm trees of Kenya. Now, where were we in Marzia’s home, oh yes, let’s stroll on through the bar to take a closer look at this rather unique window…

and a quick peak into the bathroom…

And before we bid our very gracious thank you’s to Marzia for giving us this exclusive peak into her special home, there is one more room to visit. Personally, I can see myself in this heavenly sanctuary with a cool glass of iced tea while I finish reading Defoe’s Robinson tale…

As I always like to save the best to last, I have one more surprise for you. What could it be? The link. This will take you straight to Marzia’s studio where you can examine and purchase every incredible piece she creates. I have my eye on the in-out bed, the in-out chair, and the in-out bedside table. Oh, I’m also packing in my suitcase the chaise lounge, the kiko stool, and the mini cube bench. And Fred Flintstone style, I’m taking the very fun bone shaped mafupa bench on my roof racks! And my wrists, neck, angles, waist and pockets are stuffed with every piece of jewelry Marzia has ever made. And THEN I’m outta here!

Credits:

All images are courtesy of Debi Treloar and Marzia Chierichetti.

Marzia’s home has been featured in Elle Decor Italia and Elle Decoration Germany.

My sincere thanks to Debi for giving me her time with collecting these images. I hope to meet both you and Marzia one day in the near future.

Marzia’s furniture company details are: BE CLEVER™, P.O. Box 424, Malindi, Kenya (254)722 931157 www.becleverltd.com

Afterword:

Now perhaps this week you thought that my mind had drifted away from the Kenyan crisis. But alas no. The update is that things are looking better – the opposing leaders shook hands and although this is only a little step, it is no less than a breakthrough. The violence and mayhem has certainly abated which is the best news and it means Kenya is on its way to healing. I caught an interview last night on BBC World Hard Talk with John Githongo (former Kenyan Corruption Investigator), and he said the international community has been of great help by supporting the African Union. I am so pleased to hear this, perhaps our little efforts of signing the petition, talking about Kenya, and bringing awareness has helped. I’d like to think so anyway. I do believe that no matter how small our voices are, that someone, somewhere is listening.

In light of the beginnings of peace being restored in Kenya now, this will be my final post for the time being, in showcasing African, and specifically Kenyan, design. I hope you have enjoyed the journey through this unbelievably beautiful continent, and I hope I have inspired you to keep a look out for African homewares, designers and creatives, as well as helped raise awareness within you to cast your care abroad. But don’t fret that you will not be seeing more of Africa on this blog! On the contrary! Of course I will post about it again, but I also have a fantastic project lined up there for this year and I must keep some secrets, otherwise I am out of a job! In the meantime, keep up to date with everything African by visiting Miss Beverly Lwenya (notice that rhymes with Kenya?!)’s Afropolitan blog – it is a great resource and I will be posting about her posts no doubt in the future, she always comes up with fabulous finds. You can also click on africa to the right under ‘categories’ here on my blog and you will find all the African related posts in a neat bundle.

I will be showcasing another country very soon, in the lead up to a rather significant world event. And this country is very dear to my heart. In fact, I’m sure a piece of my heart wandered off there and has never returned. I may have to go looking for it.

Remember, IMISO: work today, change tomorrow.

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Imiso means ‘tomorrow’ in the Xhosa language of South Africa, and is the name of this stunning collection of ceramics. Owned by 4 South Africans, Imiso Ceramics vision is to not only be a distinctively unique African brand, but also to inspire and be an example to young artists and entrepreneurs in Africa. They have achieved their goal and are indeed a great example, now exporting pieces to Paris, New York, Austria and also to Anthropology throughout the USA.

The website is beautiful – I highly recommend taking a look and be sure to look out for the ‘imiso’ range in your local homewares boutique, and if they don’t sell it then recommend it! My stylist’s pick are their pieces in the pinch bowl range.

“Whatever you dream of today, you will realize it tomorrow if you are determined and fully committed to that dream” – Imiso Ceramics.

Here here. I will update you on the Kenyan Crisis soon, but looks like peace is being restored although it is only due to mass confusion and fatigue. In the meantime, let’s support African designers. I will continue to put African designers and creatives in the spotlight even after this terrible tragedy, in the hope that equality amongst us all is achieved, oh for it to be in my lifetime would be the greatest gift of all. Here’s to tomorrow.

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Mandazis are best described as doughnut-like breads very popular in Kenya. Anywhere you travel to in Kenya there are Mandazis being served in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and are traditionally served with my favourite beverage, Chai (Indian tea).

In light of the Kenyan crisis and my appeal to support the Kenyan people, I thought it might be nice to share one of their recipes with you. As with all traditional recipes, once I get into the kitchen I tend to re-work them (habit of occupation!) and with this one instead of making the traditional larger Mandazis I have made smaller ones that are perfect for morning or afternoon tea. I highly recommend you make up a pot of chai with them too, the spices in the tea perfectly compliment the spices in the mandazis. So,invite your friends and the kids over for some Kenyan inspired afternoon tea and munch on these baby mandazis.

Makes about 50

How To:

In a bowl combine all the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, and spices. In another bowl, mix the water, butter, milk, and egg together. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic (add a little extra flour if necessary). Leave the dough to rest for a few minutes.

Roll the dough out and then break apart into small pieces or cut into little shapes if desired (baby heart shapes would be nice).

Heat a few cups of your chosen vegetable oil in a deep pot (I use a wok). To check when the oil is hot enough, I place a little piece of bread and if it sizzles it is ready, if it does not, try again in another moment. Deep fry the baby doughs in the hot oil, gently rotating. Remove when the baby mandazis are golden brown. Place onto a paper towel to drain. Dust with a little icing sugar. Serve warm with a pot of milky chai.

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Ronel Jordaan is a a textile designer from Gauteng in South Africa. Inspired by nature, she gives “free reign to her imagination” using felt as a preferred medium and sometimes combining it with other natural fibres like cotton and silk. Ronel has trained women in the art of felting and these women now produce the designs with her and have also begun creating their own designs.

Stunning work Ronel. My faves are the rock cushions. For more visit her
website here…

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Who else receives the gift of Bob Sherman’s Daily Doses in their inbox each day (thanks to DesignDNA for leading me to him!)? Bob won me over with his Daily Doses when I read that he sends an image and a quote or two each day. HEAVEN for my obsession confession #1! And after a day of mayhem, it is the nicest email to receive.

Noticing that Bob has such a variety of images from all over the world, I thought I’d ask him if he had been to Africa and if he would allow me to borrow some images for one of my Africa In The Spotlight posts. He replied in the affirmative, and lead me to a video that his fiancé Beth Chapman had made to raise awareness for the children of South Africa. I watched the video, titled “Sometimes I feel Like A Motherless Child” which is accompanied by Beth’s magical voice, and another piece of my heart promptly fell out of its little shell and crashed to the floor. A beautifully created video from Beth and Bob, please make the time today to watch it.

World powers have been shocked and horrified by the violence in Kenya – it is or ‘was’ one of the most stable countries in Africa. Over 500 people have been killed, and there are recent reports of a massacre of about 30 people sheltering in a church near the western town of Eldoret.

But what does that have to do with you? Everything. This is happening in our world and the world is our backyard. Imagine yourself standing at your window, watching your children and neighbours playing in the backyard and then noticing that one is bashing another. And then you turn away and go and have a cup of tea.

The petition now has over 10 000 signatures from the international community. Just by signing your name you are helping to restore democracy and peace in Kenya – that is the beauty of the internet these days – it brings all of us together to be able to make a difference in the world. It empowers us to show that we care what goes on in Kenya and the rest of the world, just like it was going on in our own backyard. It gives us the means to speak to our world leaders quickly and efficiently and guide them.

So let’s say you’ve had your cup of tea, hoping that the bashing between the kids has settled itself, and you decide to take another look out your back window. Guess what you see: your entire backyard destroyed – plants ripped up, your expensive imported palms on fire, complete destruction. You didn’t think forward to consider that the bullying and bashing could actually take direct affect on you. If you acted swiftly and intervened you could have saved that child from suffering and saved your backyard, and more over been a model for all the kids in the backyard, showing them that it is possible to speak up when you know something is just not right.

So, to show support for Kenya we can sign the petition, we can support African designers and artists who support their local community which in turn will help put the power of peace for their country in their own hands, and we can advise our friends to do the same. That way, we all enjoy a cup of tea.

Thanks again Bob, for such beautiful images and for your support.

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The young and extraordinarily talented artist, Dawn Okoro. Need I say more. Check out her website, she also has a very active myspace you can link to from her website, worth a look see.

I found Dawn’s link on Afropolitans, merci à vous.

Beverly from Afropolitans also keeps me regularly updated with the Kenyan crisis. This is what we have learnt and gathered thus far:

So, if you haven’t already done so, please sign the petition. A few days ago it started at 5, it is now up to over 8000 signatures. We need more signatures to show that the international community is fully aware of the crisis and will not sit back and let this happen – not in Kenya, and not ANYWHERE in the world. The fighting is already quelling, so let’s keep the pressure on so that it stops altogether, and a realistic and peaceful resolution can be achieved swiftly.

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