I live in Hertfordshire with my fabulous designer husband, gorgeous eight year old son and two dogs; Lottie and Karoo.
With close family connections in South Africa, my online store stocks many of the eye-catching textiles I've fallen in love with on my annual trips there. I lusted after iSpy's cushions when I first spotted them in a shop in Knysna and I've treated myself to an Olkapolka skirt on many a trip over the last few years. Shine Shine's cushions add a funky flavour to one of our favourite holiday haunts, the East Heads Café in Knysna, and thus took our fancy.
So, you'll soon realise that my taste is eclectic; as each designer’s work is very individual. The diverse and colourful character of the 'rainbow nation' really shines through. The designers often produce short runs or limited handmade editions, so you can be sure you won’t see everyone with the same handbag or skirt and perhaps they will become the collector’s items of the future!
Meet the designers
South Africa used to have a flourishing textile and clothing industry, which has suffered in recent years, due to cheap, foreign imports. All the designers I'm showcasing are helping to rebuild this vibrant tradition, ensuring existing skills are not lost and creating employment and prosperity for local communities.
I love the fact that these enterprising women have an important story to tell in this revival. I've been fortunate enough to meet most of them personally and to have also had the pleasure of being introduced to their hard-working teams.
Click on a banner to find out more about the designers and their work.