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For Nana Quagraine, founder of54kibo, that design is an unspoken language which is understood by everyone.
“If we see something beautiful, we all get it,” says Quagraine.
The Spruce / Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Courtesy of 54kibo
“It’s a universal language.”
“I’m really trying to merge both,” admits Quagraine.
She hopes that 54kibo’s pieces will become helpful tools to foster conversations.
Courtesy of 54kibo
“Now suddenly you’re talking about Zimbabwe, and you’re talking about this and that.
So I think the design is a great way to assist engagement.”
Representing Africa
54kibos name may seem simple, but its underlying meaning is far from it.
Courtesy of 54kibo
Quagraine uses the brand’s name as a reminder to look broadly across the African continent.
You could do East Africa or North Africa, and there’s so much," says Quagraine.
“What’s the pop in of bead work?
Courtesy of 54kibo
What’s the key in of metal work?”
One of Quagraine’s favorite pieces in all of 54kibo’s collections is the woven pendant light fixture.
Starting in Zimbabwe, Quagraine and her team learned about 20 different ways of basket weaving.
A similar process was used to create the woven pendant light fixture.
The light fixtures are all handmade and shipped flat, so it’s guaranteed to arrive intact.
“A connection point where you’re free to explore through design,” adds Quagraine.
Hey, look at this piece.
Let’s learn about Zimbabwe.
Let’s learn about Burundi.
Let’s learn a bit about that table that’s made in Ghana.
