SA mohair specialists impress at fashion trade

International trend forecaster and frequent visitor to South Africa Li Edelkoort curated a collection by Mohair South Africa, which exhibited this week at Maison and Objet in Paris, the biggest bi-annual home furnishings and fashion trade show in Europe.

Known for her ability to predict the next "in thing", Edelkoort explains that a resurgence in interest in the nomadic lifestyles of bygone tribes is having a major influence on current trends. Mohair South Africa interpreted this theme into their stand, designed to showcase the revived interest in living close to the floor on animal fibres collected from the noble angora goat.

Edelkoort says: "Our relationship with the earth is becoming a source of inspiration giving shape to tribal interiors. Loom-woven mohair rugs and mats will cover floors, on thin mattresses and ottomans."

Housed in a wooden tent construction inspired by nomadic architecture, South African mohair specialists astounded the international visitors.

Karoo Looms produced striped rugs to reflect the nomadic theme with other mohair rugs from Sally Arnold and Elsa Barnard.

Peta-Lee, a felting expert, blended 70% mohair with 30% wool to create contemporary accessories for the home, and Cape Town-based design studio Moonbasket embraced mohair into its collection, experimenting with dyeing techniques and blending mohair with hemp and nylon.

Edelkoort predicts "the evolving essence of mohair will enchant us for seasons to come".

South Africa produces 54% of the total world production of mohair.

Source: The Times