At Kouamo we’re already busy preparing for our two Open Studios events in June. Come along! All 170 designer-makers at Cockpit Arts take part and there is so much wonderful work to see. We have designs to make, showcases to style and inspiring talks to concoct - read on to find out more…

Looking inside a designer’s sketchbook can be like taking a peek inside their mind. Last month Kouamo took part in the March Meet the Maker challenge set by Joanne Hawker on Instagram. It was a brilliant way to get to know more about the people behind the designs. We particularly loved delving inside their sketchbooks. Here are a few of our favourites...

At Kouamo we put a lot of thought into our choices to try to make a positive impact. This includes taking specific steps to help support ‘people and planet’. Here are 8 things we actively do which you may not be aware of...

Visiting somewhere for the first time is always an adventure, but particularly so when you’re heading to your destination to take part in something special. This February Kouamo was invited by the UKTI to showcase in ‘The Contemporary Collective - London Edition’ within Arnotts in Central Dublin. I made the most of my time in Ireland and discovered glimpses of Georgian splendour, colourful street art, some stylish shopping and more. Here are my highlights:

Tapiwa Matsinde is an author, writer and content publisher living in London. She writes about African design for her blog Atelier Fifty-five and is the author of Contemporary Design Africa, an illustrative art book that profiles Kouamo alongside the work of 50 or so designers, makers and artisans from and inspired by Africa. This is Tapiwa’s ‘Life in Colour’...

For 2017 Pantone has selected Greenery ‘a refreshing and revitalising shade, symbolic of new beginnings’ as their chosen colour. We love this fresh yellow-green shade, tones of which are featured in our designs. It brings to mind new shoots unfurling in the lush Cameroonian landscape, an inspiration for our Bangou Collection.

This year we’re excited to be spreading our wings a little further, with new stockists and showcases for Kouamo designs.  Here are just a few of our forthcoming shows and events, so do save the dates and watch this space for more news coming soon.

After a brilliantly busy Christmas period at Kouamo I took a trip to Lisbon for a much needed winter break. I felt the call for the sun on my skin and for the invigoration of new explorations and inspirations. Lisbon did not disappoint. Here is a visual diary sharing just a few of the sights which caught my eye and warmed my heart.