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It’s not difficult to see how the work of Malian photographer Malick Sidibé inspired the latest collection of Hertex fabrics.
Sidibé’s iconic use of pattern and relaxed forms translates naturally into the lithe style of local textile whiz kid and designer Donald Nxumalo’s rhythmic prints.
In the collection, titled Terra Nova, earthy tones contrast with natural, near-grey blacks and indigo blues. In some prints, the organic colours take the form of misshapen triangles that resemble the relief dyeing of batik prints, while in others the machine is still present in the regularity and precision of the lines.
“Deep blue and black reflect the skies that the Malian’s celebrated their freedom from colonialism beneath, while earthy hues resemble the new ground they confidently stood upon,” Hertex explained in its announcement of the partnership’s new collection.
Nxumalo has travelled extensively throughout Africa since his first collaboration with Hertex in 2016, creating new landscapes for his creativity to travel, he says.
“As a young designer, I’ve been given opportunities to travel to places such as Mali, Tanzania and Uganda. So the name Terra Nova, which means charting new paths, definitely encompasses where we are, where I am, and definitely where I see the world is moving to – exploring new regions, new countries, and doing well at it,” Nxumalo says.
The exciting collection premiered last week at Design Joburg and will be in stores soon.
Head to hertex.co.za for updates, and follow Nxumalo on Instagram @donaldnxumalo
