The Loom Project
A Design collaboration between Fashion Designer, Kenneth Ize and Industrial Designer, Nifemi Marcus-Bello of nmbello Studio, powered by African Fashion Foundation.
A redesign of the Kenneth Ize Loom.
KENNETH IZE
KENNETH IZE focuses on reinterpreting examples of Nigerian craft to create an original perspective on luxury production within textile and fashion. They support a small community of weavers, and work directly with a variety of artisan and design groups across Nigeria. The label is devoted to the long established traditions of Nigerian craft and local artisanship, merging a new design aesthetic with a specifically local handcraft practice. There is the strong belief that in exploring and nurturing existing cultures, one opens up an exciting territory for creating and inspiring future traditions.
nmbello Studio
nmbello Studio is an eponymous Industrial Design practice led by Nifemi Marcus-Bello. Located in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, the practices focuses on product, furniture and experience design for both local and international clients. The practice creates sustainable and economically viable products and solutions by identifying underutilized or neglected production techniques and technology. With human and material sustainability in mind, the studio prides itself in considering human, material, production and economical integrity in its design process, while taking into great consideration the ecosystem, stakeholders and users of the final product.
Taking into consideration the transportation and ergonomic constraints of moving the loom from place to place, the redesign process was focused on giving the weavers a more practical and better user experience when using, storing and moving the looms.