Kente - The Bonwire Story

So it has been some time since I have posted a substantial post but with preparations to go to Ghana time has been limited...alas, I am in Ghana and so the adventures have begun!  In my first post from this beautiful country, I have had the opportunity to explore the creation of Kente.  I have been using Kente in my designs since the beginning of mefie.co.uk and there has definitely been a great response to the print.  The intention while I are here is to expand its use re-purposing it in new and exciting ways.  Initially, I had gone to the hub of the Ghanaian retail sector and carefully selected fabrics from the markets but on this trip I wanted to explore where this great traditional weave originates.  It would be a shame not to really explore kente and understand not only where it comes from but what it means.

Kente cloth originated in the Ashanti kingdom and was traditionally worn by the kings.  Even today there are special weaves which are only worn by royalty.  Over time its use has become more widespread although it is still traditionally worn and used for special occasions.  The cloth is woven in strips and each of the woven patterns has a meaning.  As one of the weavers explained yesterday ' they don't just weave for beauty but to communicate a meaning.' Hence, each of the cloths is special and unique in its own right.

So yesterday, I had the opportunity to travel to the main area in the Ashanti region where Kente cloth is produced, Bonwire. The town is only about 40 minutes outside of Kumasi and upon my approach I was surprised by how small and remote the township is.  As many of you may know, Kente is one of, if not THE most famous woven African cloth so I had imagined a large building to house all of the kente weavers.  I can remember watching The Cosby Show in the '80s and seeing Cliff and Claire in various Kente throws so my imagination ran wild.  Instead as we left Kumasi, we were met with two inconspicuous signs which directed us to a small building behind some houses where kente is made. 

After greeting the weavers outside of the building, I entered into a room where I was met with a variety of beautiful weaves as well as various weaving benches.  The craft is dominated by men who create the beautiful patterns.  One weaver explained that although newer designs have been created, many have also been passed down through generations over time.  The price for the kente varies depending on the different type of cloth created (ie. there are single, double and triple weaves), and the intricacy of the designs. I was really surprised to find out that a weave can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months to complete depending on the difficulty.

I also had the opportunity to try to weave and I have to say that if I were to weave for a day I would not have to hit the gym for a while as the process of pulling on the strings with your feet in order to change the direction of the weave while passing the spools of thread through the apparatus is a workout.  After about 5 minutes of weaving my thighs began to feel the burn...and as an avid spinner and Insanity convert I was surprised by the physical labour involved. 

Overall, my trip to Bonwire was an eye-opening experience.  It was great to see how this beautiful cloth has come into existence but sad to know that despite the great popularity and fame of the cloth this area still remains quite underdeveloped.  I will be going back to Bonwire over the next few weeks and hope to have the opportunity to develop a longer terms relationship with the weavers in the area.

I hope you enjoy the journey

xx mefieuk

Me fie (my home) in Do-South

This week marked a momentous occasion in mefie's start-up journey...we are in our first high street shop, Do-South in Crystal Palace South London! This local interiors shop was actually the first store that I approached to carry our cushions...as a matter of fact, I approached them before even sewing my first item!

I have been an admirer of Do-South since it's opening a few years ago. I remember the first time that I drove past and I was drawn in by the vibrant colours, the mix of vintage mid-century furniture and accessories, as well as the modern design. The store reminds me of many of the pieces (now considered vintage) that I would see in my Great Aunt, Aunt Bea's house when growing up, hence, the decor makes me smile.

My love of mid-century pieces began at a young age, when I would spend hours playing with the coloured glass vases and admiring the clean lines of the furniture in my aunts house. When I enter into Do-South, I feel transported back to that time yet as I look around the space I am also intrigued by the modern furniture and accessories and I am convinced that both new and old complement one another and that accessories, such as my cushions, complete it. Do-South strikes a balance between new and old and I am thrilled that it is my first store as it really does embody my style and shows the versatility of African prints.

We hope that our addition to this Crystal Palace shop will be the beginning of a great relationship as our line has found a new home in South East London!

PS - Thanks Freddie for your feedback and support since the beginning of this journey!

xx
mefieuk

The Unknown Artist

This year I had the opportunity to travel to Ghana twice and there is no other way to say it but I fell in love! There was something really mesmerising about the country...from the hustle of Accra to the lush greenery of Kumasi I loved it all. It reminded me of so many places that I had been before...it felt somewhat foreign but familiar all at the same time.

While in Ghana, I went to the craft market in Kumasi where I met lovely painters and carvers. I spent hours walking through the stalls and I was struck by all the beauty and talent. As I bartered with one of the painters he said something that has stayed with me...he said that he was an artist and that as an artist, he didn't paint for the money because he didn't need the money. He painted because he enjoyed it and that his goal was to have his paintings seen and admired around the world. In the end I bought three paintings which I brought back to the UK stretched and which now sit nicely in my dining room.

I have long enjoyed many types of art and gone to loads of galleries and exhibitions (although I am by no means an expert) my question, however, is why is the beauty of this art not recognised or cherished? Is it because of 'The West' dictating what the image of beauty is; is it simply the exposure of one artist versus another or is it a combination of factors? I have had this conversation many times but still have not made any definitive conclusions. So, I ask the question again--why is the beauty of one artist celebrated while another is lost? Hopefully this is a small step to change...

xx
Mefieuk

The Beginning of a Journey- Mefie UK

Welcome to the first post for mefieUK. I suppose I have been planning this for a while and now I am taking the plunge! For a long time I have tried to understand my passion-- it's art; it's fashion; it's food and it's interiors...yet the one common thread which ties them all together is my love of Africa and its profound impact on so many cultures. As those of African descent spread to different parts of the world there is a commonnality in our foods, traditions and culture. For me, I feel that I have now come full circle-my family emigrated from Jamaica to Canada--I left Canada to move to Europe and I have fallen in love with Ghana...the next stop!

Follow me in this journey of exploration--from the extrepreneurial spirit of the markets to the increasing influence of Africa on fashion and pop culture. I love it all and am happy to be a part of this conversation.

Enjoy!

xx
Mefie uk
My home is your home