He began to integrate traditional techniques and patterns into his designs, and his work now includes a popular collection of cushions and throws, as well as a successful wallpaper collaboration.
“People have said to me, ‘Oh, your work is not African,’ because they want to see engravings from Ankara. It really impressed them,” Mandi told me.
“I take inspiration from indigenous traditions and culture, and then give it a more modern twist,” he added.
Listening to Mandi made me realize how much I also associated modern African design with Ankara fabrics.
This textile has dominated African fashion and design, leaving its mark on world stages in recent decades.
And so, as I wandered through the exhibition, it was easy to assume that African designs were missing from this notable gathering.
When she first started out, Ejikeme juggled both law and interior design, working one during the week and the other on weekends. It didn’t take her long to realize where her true passion lay.
“In one world, you’re trying to contain your energy, or yourself, or your expression, so you don’t ruffle feathers, while in another world, you can’t even contain your energy,” she said.
Since transitioning to full-time design six years ago, she has worked on projects ranging from homes and workplaces to film sets.
Last year she launched her own collection of rugs, adding a new dimension to her work from her Swallow and Tea studio.
“It’s a really new thing and I’ve only had two shows, but so far I’ve had mostly residential and retail buyers mostly from Europe, maybe because my first show was in Belgium. Decorex was my first show in of Great Britain,” Ejikeme said.
