Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Occupation: Product designer.
Instagram: @amechi_mandi
Hometown: London.
Studio location: London.
Describe what you make: I design textiles and other products. The textiles are heavily influenced by my cultural heritage, predominantly West African.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: A chair that’s yet to be launched. Stay tuned!
Describe the problem your work solves: With my brand Amechi, my inspiration and focus is largely on Indigenous African traditions and cultures. Despite the immense potential for inspiration, what I kept seeing was a repeat of the same things with a very colonial undertone. While that has its own appeal to some, to me it symbolized an identity issue, brought about by a number of reasons, particularly colonialism. My goal at Amechi is to use that vast potential and create products—beautiful, I must add—that not only evoke a sense of pride but contribute to shifting the narrative, if a little bit on what else can be offered in the African-inspired interiors space. As a designer, it’s important to bring a different perspective. I’d like to think that my work, in reimagining what African-inspired interiors can be, is shifting the needle a bit.
Describe the project you are working on now: I have a few projects in the pipeline but the main focus is my latest collection, which launched during the London Design Festival at The Hoxton Hotel. This has kept me quite busy for the last few months.
It’s a series of throw blankets, inspired by the Asafo flags culture of Ghana. For years, I was captivated by the vivid stories and intricate designs of these flags. I’ve been collecting a digital folder of them for at least eight years and actually started designing the collection during lockdown in 2020. It’s a longstanding project that has gone through quite a few iterations. They are five jacquard-woven, practical and versatile blankets that bring the beauty and heritage of Asafo flags into the contemporary home.
I’m also launching a limited-edition collection of handmade versions. They feature wall hangings and cushions crafted in Ghana by traditional artisans in collaboration with Kwamena Boison, co-founder and head of design at The Revival, a community-led organization creating awareness, art, and jobs with global textile waste coming to Ghana. The proceeds will go back to the artisans, keeping the craft alive.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: A project that will be launched next year with a major brand. Can’t say more at this point.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Music, music, music. I have an eclectic taste which can be all over the place sometime. Don’t ask me to DJ.
What you do when you’re not working: I daydream a lot.
Sources of creative envy: Mmm, Gaetano Pesce is one of my design idols. Jaime Hayon. Chris Seydou for being a pioneer in modern African fashion.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Unnecessary apps and binging an entire TV series in one sitting.
Concrete or marble? Marble as it’s an environmentally friendly material.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse with loads of character.
Remember or forget? Remember, or forget if it induces negativity.
Aliens or ghosts? Both, I’m spiritual. But if you mean horror movies, no thanks.
Dark or light? Light, always.
Portrait photography by Alexander Edwards.
