Modish Trendwatch: Africa!

Perhaps it's my own African heritage (my great grandfather was Nigerian) that made this theme pop out to me or perhaps it's just become so prevalent that it's hard to ignore: Africa has come to the indie design world.  From African animals like elephants, zebras and giraffes showing up everywhere to clothing and bags in batik and animal prints and jewelry made with Egyptian symbols, it appears that the natural color and exuberance of African art and culture is seeping its way into the art and culture of the design world!  There's no need to head to a big box store to grab a piece of this trend, keep it indie with items like these!

{super magnets by Matthew Porter, at Buyolympia.com}

{Ankara pouch in west African fabric by UrbanKnit}

{Sansibar Angel necklace by Pompilus}

{Massai print I by Simons Gallery}

{leopard quilted chain purse and zebra briefcase tote at Fred Flare}

{1953 South African coin necklace by Old Soul Jewels}

{meerkat tank by And Sometimes Y, at Chocosho}

{jewel of the Nile earrings by Charmedlets}

{elephant plates by New Work at Modishoppe}

{African Echoes embroidered necklace by Ann Thomas}

{recycled Egypt journal by Redux4u}

{Vintage scarab drop earrings at day-lab}

{Ink drawings of African animals by Orange Willow}

{Waisted dress in Sengalese fabric by Artilugia}

{Giraffe Card by Foxy & Winston at Elsewares}

{king tutty and safari rings by Naughty Secretary Club}

{Adhiambo woodblock print by mLee}

{Nil tee with vintage image depicting the Nile by Mary Ink}

If you've made or know of some more African inspired goods that celebrate the landscape, animals, people or colors of Africa, comment below with a link to the item- let's go on an indie design safari and explore this trend more!

Comments

[Marissa (aka mLee)]

Hey thanks for showcasing one of my pieces again! I really appreciate it. Great looking page from an awesome blog.

[Jen]

I just wanted to tell you what a great post this is and that I love some of your finds. ;) Keep up the good work, Jena.

[Katie]

Great post! I live in beautiful South Africa and make jewellery, does that count? Us Africans definately need more recognition overseas as there is such amazing talent from all over this continent!

[modish]

no problem, Marissa- you make such neat stuff!

Aww shucks, thanks Jen! Your blog is rockin' lately too with all the new features- keep 'em comin! :)

And sure Katie! Katie's web addy is:
http://www.cocoonjewellery.com/

[jwh]

jen,
these are great. i love the necklaces by ann thomas and pompilus. thanks for sharing these treasures.

[urbanknit]

just came across this. thanks sooo much for featuring one of my pieces. put a smile on my face!