BESPOKE BINNY
I returned home to the UK from Senegal
nearly six months ago now. I can’t believe how quickly the time flies. Anyone
who knows me or has read my blog will know how much I love that place and how
it has molded me as a person. To the point that my sister refers to me
as a Senegalese wannabe! Whilst I was there I vividly remember my first encounter
with this thick yet coarse texture of the hand woven fabric in a market down
town in Dakar. It was nothing like any of the handmade techniques I had seen before
and I quickly discovered why.
Mud cloth is also known as Bogolan/Bogolanfini
and it originates from Mali. The cloth is traditionally dyed with fermented mud
and holds great cultural significance to the citizens of Mali. It is
distributed worldwide and originates from Mali. I thought I would clearly state
this as I have seen the cloth has been re-categorized as ‘boho/bohemian’ one too many
times online, when it’s really not. Some people will call this cultural
appropriation but I will save that for another post.
I was glad that Bespoke Binny
contacted me, as I was able to relive that experience of my first interaction
with mud cloth in the market down town in Dakar. Bespoke Binny is a
British gift and home ware brand that offer a range of African inspired
interior and stationary products. Not to mentions the aprons and the funky oven mitts!
Although I have only captured it on the
sofa I feel that the cushion case would suit the bedroom also regardless of what colour your walls
might be painted. The beauty of this product is that the dark tones give it a camouflage effect. Did you know that Malian hunters usually wear the cloth
as attire in order to do the exact same thing? (camouflage). That being said I
am sure it will vibrantly make its presence known and sit in the background when need
be. (It’s super scary how I talk about products as if they are human, but I
find that is how you select the best and most suitable home ware additions to
your home. Try it!)
‘Home is where the heart is’ and
having a home that is a reflection of you is essential to your well
being." - Natalie Manima of Bespoke Binny
Bespoke Binny’s ethos of home living and
wellbeing really resonates with me. I am at home but at the very same time I’m not. Perhaps that is just a travel bug thing. Home is where you feel safe, somewhere you should have comfort and peace of mind. I guess your home/your rented room/apartment
can be anywhere in the world, but wherever it is make sure it reflects yourself. Whether that is through the vibrant colours, patterns, heritage or in my
case a memory, rooted in the beauty of African expression. This mud cloth
cushion by brings all the warmth a room needs.
For more and the latest blog posts keep it touch!
For more and the latest blog posts keep it touch!
YASMIN TELLS