I am a big believer in collaboration. I also love seeing large companies leveraging their platform to create opportunities for individual artisans. All of this added together meant that I was truly delighted to learn about West Elm‘s new South Africa collection.

Harnessing the creativity and cultural diversity of 16 different South African artisans, West Elm has launched a collection that reflects just a taste of the spectacular beauty and inspiration that is waiting to be found in this incredible country. Having spent time in South Africa back in 2009, I can tell you that it is a country filled with story, courage, beauty, redemption, remarkable people, incredible diversity, spectacular landscape and deeply inspiring and innovative creativity.

From woven-seat furniture clearly influenced by mid-century Danish design to bright, hand painted pottery reflective of the indigenous beadwork that South Africa has come to be known for, this collection is truly diverse.

If you love to travel but have not yet had the inspiring privilege of traveling to South Africa, I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list. In the meantime, here is a lovely video giving you just a taste of the landscape and natural inspiration South Africa has to offer (along with a further look at some of the artisans featured in West Elm’s collection).

Wishing you an inspired Monday!

xo
s.