The Design Afrika product range is a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary. Binky Newman designs and develops the contemporary pieces which make up the collection, both functional and sculptural.
Binky and her team at Design Afrika strive to nurture the creative and entrepreneurial initiative of rural communities by encouraging the production of these high quality products and contemporary trends and fashions ensuring worth and importance in the design world.
By promoting well-made, reasonably priced, functional and artistic craft, Design Afrika aims to contribute to the emergence of Africa as a source of inspiration and spiritual strength.
How would you describe your décor style:
Irregular, hand-crafted, tribal, bordering on Bohemian, slightly mad with a strong African cultural influence.
What is your favourite piece of furniture in your home? Where did you get it, and what does it mean to you?
I have a stinkwood Rusbank which I inherited from my parents. It’s a constant reminder of growing up in an old Cape Dutch house.
If you can design anything for your home, what would it be?
An oversized armchair upholstered in a myriad of textiles from different traditions/cultural groups in Africa.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
The rural craftspeople I meet on my travels and the curious creatures in the wild.
What are your future plans for Design Afrika?
I dream of every town in South Africa having a weaving group and every forgotten weaving tradition being revitalized.
Visit the Design Afrika website for more information.
Email: binky@mweb.co.za
Compiled by Xandri Redelinghuys
