He began incorporating traditional techniques and patterns into his designs, and his work now includes popular cushion and throw collections as well as successful wallpaper collaborations.
“People told me, ‘Oh, your work is not African,’ because they want to see Ankara prints. That impressed me,” Mandi said.
“I take inspiration from indigenous traditions and culture and then reinterpret them in a more modern way,” he added.
Listening to Mandi made me realize how much I too have come to associate modern African design with Ankara fabrics.
This fabric has dominated African fashion and design and has been making its mark on the world stage in recent decades.
So, as I looked around the exhibition hall, it was easy to guess that there was no African design in this remarkable gathering.
When she first started, Ejikeme juggled law and interior design, working at one location during the week and one on the weekends. It didn’t take long for her to realize where her true passion lay.
“In one world, you try to suppress your energy, your confidence, your expression so as not to ruffle any feathers, while in another world you can’t even turn off your energy,” she said.
Since taking the leap into full-time design six years ago, she has worked on a variety of projects ranging from homes and workplaces to film sets.
Last year she launched her own rug collection, adding a new dimension to the work of her Swallow and Tea studio.
“It’s really new and I’ve only had two shows, but so far I’ve had mostly residential and retail buyers from Europe, mainly because my first show was in Belgium. Decorex was my first UK show,” Ejikeme said.
