DNA Platform Habitat and Launch Party

Adèle traveled to London last month to take part in the Design Network Africa (DNA) Graphic Africa exhibition. The exhibition was held in the Habitat store on King’s Road. Adèle created six bespoke necklaces for the event as well as a stunning lampshade which definitely turned heads!

The Swaady lampshade that was on display at the exhibition

Adèle beside three of the six bespoke neckpieces especially designed for the exhibition

A workshop took place where all the DNA members gathered to talk about their brands and how they had developed over the past twelve months.

The Sloane Square Hotel, London where the DNA workshop took place

The DNA member portraits

Adèle with fellow DNA member Hamed Ouattara who creates furniture pieces from recycled metal

One of Hamed’s impressive designs; Table and stools made from recycled metal

Hamed’s stunning table with Kitengela Glass candle holders

Adèle getting cosy on specially designed mud cloth pillows by Boubacar Doumbia. The pillows were a collaboration with Rebecca Hoyes especially for Habitat UK

Adèle with a piece by Malian designer Cheick Diallo

To kick off the exhibition, a launch party was held on the 19th of September in the Platform exhibition space at Habitat. Prior to the party, Adèle took part in photo shoots as well as press interviews. Adèle had a chat with Elle Decor magazine about the lampshade, explaining that it is a multifunctional piece, both for the home, and to adorn the body with the detachable chains. Elle Decor loved this concept!

Adèle by her official DNA portrait

The party kicked off at around five pm, where most of the DNA members as well as media and London lovers of design gathered to toast the event as well as mingle and get to know one another. There were African canapés to snack on, drinks were flowing, and live music was provided by the Nigerian singer Helen, of The Venus Bushfires. Her music added to the relaxed atmosphere.

Adèle with Helen of The Venus Bushfires who provided the music at the party

Adèle and Emma Cavendish with Baroness Lola Young at the launch party

Guests at the party were mainly interested in design as well as looking for inspiration and a new perspective on African design. Samson Soboye, who owns Soboye boutique in London came along. We have now teamed up with him and Adèle Dejak pieces are now available to buy in London!

Adèle with Samson Soboye from Soboye boutique in London by the lust-worthy Swaady lampshade! The chair is a collaboration between Sabahar of Ethiopia and Ronel Jordaan from South Africa

The chair by Sabahar and Ronel Jordaan

The Swaady Lampshade by Adèle

Some well-known designers showed up to the event such as UK based designer Richard Mkoloma as well as Baroness Lola Young. Baroness Young was a pleasure to meet. She is an actress, author and member of the House of Lords. She was also hugely impressed with Adèle’s designs. Bloggers also turned up to the event, including luxury African style blog African Daydreams.

The party in full swing with Lulu of Asilia (who designed the Adèle Dejak website, www.adeledejak.com) and Philippa Thorne of Gone Rural, Swaziland, in the foreground

Adèle with Helen and Samson Soboye

Adèle receiving kisses from Samson Soboye and designer Richard Mkoloma!

Adèle toasting Nii Noi of Kpando Pottery to Cape Town being crowned as Design Capital of the World 2014 at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London

Lezanne, the DNA Administrator

Sabahar silk scarves and a chaise longue by Cheick Diallo

Tekura Designs (Ghana) table with Hamed’s recycled metal drawers in the background. The pottery is by Imiso Ceramics of South Africa and the plates by Matupo Pottery of Zimbabwe

Matupo Pottery plates close up. So beautiful!

Chest of drawers by Dokter and Misses of South Africa. Adèle’s Swaady lampshade on the right! This was during the press hour where Trevyn Mc Gowan (DNA coordinator) was explaining to the press about each piece and the designers that created them

Portrait of every member’s designs together in the Platform exhibition space

The event was a roaring success and Adèle, along with all the DNA team, received fantastic compliments and feedback on their designs. Here’s to the next level!

A huge thank you to Rebecca Hoyes, Head Designer at Habitat!

Thank you to Julian and Trevyn Mc Gowan, coordinators of the DNA programme

And a huge thank you to Cathy O’ Clery (Right) who was so helpful in assisting us with our collaboration with Kpando Pottery!