In a landmark moment for contemporary African design, Stitched, A Story of Our Home has been awarded Product Design of the Year 2026 at the inaugural Africa International Design Awards — a major recognition for a project that beautifully bridges heritage craft, contemporary interiors, and meaningful collaboration.
The award-winning collection was developed through a partnership between Clout/SA and the Keiskamma Art Project, with creative direction by Tracy Lynch and project director Cebo Mvubu. Artists Anelisa Nyongo and Nozibele Nxadi translated the renowned stitched aesthetic of the Keiskamma embroideries into a richly layered surface design inspired by the Kei River estuary in the Eastern Cape.
At AAFRICAA, we were proud to collaborate with Clout/SA and Keiskamma Art Project on the launch exhibition and the development of product collections for the store using the printed fabric design. The collection quickly resonated with customers seeking contemporary African homeware that carries both story and soul.
Today, AAFRICAA stocks a curated range from the Stitched collection, including:
- Contemporary African cushions
- Printed purses
- Tablecloths and napkins
The collection’s appeal lies in its layered narrative. Originally a hand-embroidered artwork, the intricate stitched scenes were digitally scanned and translated into wallpaper, fabrics, and homeware. Grey Herons, Little Egrets, lush vegetation, and river landscapes emerge in richly detailed compositions that celebrate South African ecology and storytelling traditions.
Why Stitched Matters in Contemporary African Design
The project represents a new model for African craft collaboration — one where traditional artisanal skills evolve into scalable contemporary design without losing authenticity.
Key elements that make the collection so significant include:
- Heritage craft translated into modern interiors
- Sustainable made-to-order production
- Income generation for rural artisan communities
- Luxury African homeware rooted in storytelling
- Contemporary textile design with cultural depth
For the Keiskamma Art Project, this collaboration also opens new economic opportunities for artists whose monumental embroidered artworks have gained international acclaim over the past two decades.
Within AAFRICAA, the collection sits naturally alongside our wider focus on contemporary African craft, collectible design, and authentic storytelling through objects. Customers are drawn to the warmth and painterly detail of the print — whether styled as statement cushions, elegant table linen, or beautifully crafted accessories.
Most importantly, Stitched, A Story of Our Home demonstrates the extraordinary creative potential that emerges when design, community, and craftsmanship come together. It is not simply an award-winning product collection; it is a contemporary expression of African identity, collaboration, and innovation.
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