The African Decor Edit Collection: Q+A with Anderson Somerselle
Nasozi Kakembo, author and founder of xN Studio, sat down with Anderson Somerselle during New York Design Week (#WNWN2024). Somerselle is the first showroom to carry and represent xN Studio's signature collection of mudcloth pillows and original batiks, and Nasozi is currently working on expanding her product line with Somerselle in 2025. Nasozi and Anderson caught up the week before The ADE Collection and The African Decor Edit book made their global debut on October 1, 2024:
Anderson: What made you decide to create a collection in conjunction with your book release?
Nasozi: I wanted to tell the stories that belong to objects from across the entire continent, in order to demonstrate the breadth of creativity that originates within the countless cultures there, while also highlighting the threads of a common human story. I knew as early as the proposal stage for The African Decor Edit that I wanted a collection that would allow me to work with the featured communities and artisans in another meaningful, and impactful way. I created The ADE Collection because I want to give readers a place to shop for ethically sourced African decor, and to support the artisans in the book. I had already been working with some of them (like Amissi in Uganda), and this was an opportunity to work with new artisans and new communities, and to make an experiential book that brings readers the work from the pages and stories inside.
But this collection almost didn't happen! I pitched the idea to several major retailers, and no was interested in building this out together. That really stung, because I knew I had something special to offer the home decor market, and in particular, ethical and sustainable wares. I was just about to give up until it dawned on me that I literally already possessed everything I needed to make this happen. Short of capital investment that a retail partnership would bring, I had the infrastructure, the artisan relationships, and the vision to do this on my own.
Anderson: How does the book's Ethical Decor Framework tie into this collection?
Nasozi: My book advocates for cultural preservation and economic opportunity, specifically around African home decor and objects used for decor. Other frameworks don't define “ethical” the way that I do, which is through a cultural and reparative lens, and is the overarching ethos of the collection. Each object fulfills all four key points of the framework that prioritizes: The Origin, The Seller, The Maker, and The Marketing.
Cultural objects and economic opportunity are under threat as counterfeits infiltrate the marketplace, and the younger generations opt for more “modern” professions or job opportunities. Consumer habits and the information that determines these habits have a tremendous impact on what gets made and by whom. If we are using our dollars to purchase ethical and responsible goods in the way that I define it, then we stand to make a positive and prolonged impact in the lives of artisans who rely on this work for their livelihood, sense of purpose, and cultural identity. It’s a win-win, and this collection pulls together some of the products and objects.
Anderson: Which products did you select for this collection and why?
Nasozi: The products that I developed exclusively for the new collection are based on the artisans, objects, and interiors showcased in the book.
There are other products that are inspired by, but are not necessary of those countries and traditions. The Shina wallpaper, for example, is based on a Kuba cloth design from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The original application is woven and worn as a skirt. Working closely with these artisans for the book, I got to know and understand more about this design, and wanted to be able to expand and celebrate it through home decor. The first place I tried it out in was the primary bedroom in my new home, after months of trying to figure out what wallpaper to use, and I instantly fell in love.
The Kampala Breeze candle is another product that was inspired by the overall book experience. I love candles. Almost as much as I do decor. There were so many flavors and aromas that I only experience when I am in Africa, and I wanted to package some of that in honor of the book. I plan on expanding these to other cities over time, but for now, I had to start with Kampala, of course!
Anderson: Where can these items be found in the book, and how can they be styled?
Nasozi: I call out 28 tips in the book on how to incorporate African decor into homes in meaningful and innovative ways. Some of those tips highlight pieces from The ADE Collection, while others relate to products and objects featured in the artisan profiles, the residence tours, and conversations. Each resident I feature in The African Decor Edit has a distinct approach to decorating with African decor, and that comes through in those conversations.
Anderson: What did you enjoy most or learn during this process?
Nasozi: I had a lot of fun working with some of the materials myself. I am completely obsessed with raffia now, for example. I developed a raffia-fringed pillow, which is a true showstopper. I've never seen anything like it before. Raffia has kept creeping into the frame, even well after my book travels. I have loved the work of Simone Leigh, and raffia is the figurative and literal base of her iconic work. I attended her exhibition at the Hirshhorn in early 2024, and that left a significant impression on my product design practice. Seeing how raffia is used from the outdoor work studios of my ADE artisans, to it being on display in one of the greatest art institutions in the world leaves a mark. Raffia is an understated material that sustains families and lives. I truly find it reverent, and working with has unlocked a new fascination for me.
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Shop the full ADE Collection here.