Thoughtful, honest, minimalist and African are the strong qualities of Mabeo’s work
Local furniture designer, Peter Mabeo, is closing off the year in grand style by collaborating with Rome-based luxury group, Fendi, to produce 10 pieces of furniture under a deal sealed recently.
Called “Kompa,” the 10-piece collection is also as the result of consultations with different artisans from across the country. Fendi’s design brief requires Mabeo and its design studio to create pieces that emphasise Botswana’s craftsmanship in minimalist masterpieces.
The Kompa Collection, which was unveiled at Design Miami at the beginning of November, features the Looma Stool, efo Stool, Maduo Chair, Chichira Cabinet, Foro Chair, Gabi-Gabi Sculpture, Gabinyana Table Lamp and Shiya Seat.
Fendi’s iconinc Peekaboo handbag, reinterpreted through Mabeo’s craftsmanship, is also a part of the collection. The collections is also accompanied by a limited edition publication that is a visual record of the various road trips, works in progress and schematic drawings for each of the 10 pieces.
Mabeo Furnitures, founded in 2016 in Botswana, aims to make the works of African artisans available to the world while reflecting qualities of simplicity, purity and natural materials.
The company founder, Peter Mabeo, is no stranger to ambitious collaborations as he has previously teamed up with Patricia Urquiola, Claesson Koivisto Rune and Inès Bressand who are regular collaborators, and a project with offices for Roo Rogers’ Johannesburg-based start-up accelerator, Founders Factory. “Mabeo’s approach towards the interplay and coexistence of these areas of focus is thoughtful and honest,” reads Mabeo Furnitures bio online.
“This has resulted in products of a universal language that demonstrate certain qualities: An overriding simplicity and essential form, a consideration to purity, the conscientious handling and use of natural materials, the dedication of the craftsmen and women, the commitment and sensitivity of the designer; along with echoes of the rich aesthetic heritage of Africa.”