Newsletter No 9/14 March 2025
Click on any ad to go to the advertisers website
To agents, manufacturers, distributors & wholesalers. Please upgrade your 1 line listing to a business listing at least. The Sourcing Directory and Newsletter is dependent on industry support and your business listing offers potential clients more information about your company, products, branches, agents etc.
The cost of a business listing for the entire year is only R1400.
To add a logo is an additional R440. carla@newsbriefs.co.za
Grow with the flow
By Jennifer Krug
Asha 11 Summer 24 Ngoma campaign Image: Edwin Maina
Olivia Kennaway redefines connection and creativity through bold prints and considered design
Whether you embrace the concept of energies and destiny or chalk it up to temperament and coincidence, Olivia Kennaway, founder of local fashion brand Asha : Eleven, radiates an undeniable joy and sense of purpose. Kennaway’s life seems to have unfolded like a beautifully crafted tapestry, each thread leading her to this moment.
Born in Kenya and now based in a small village just outside Cape Town, she credits her childhood with shaping her creativity, resourcefulness, and connection to nature. “I think there’s something magnificent about the African way of doing things — it’s the opposite of being spoon-fed,” she reflects. “In Kenya, there weren’t fashion boutiques or furniture stores, so when you wanted something, you had to make it.
There’s an incredible sense of craftsmanship … and understanding that you can have an idea and then engage with various craftsmen or -women; you can make anything happen. That has informed such a strong part of my identity in that it feels limitless.”
From the age of eight, she attended a boarding school in the Great Rift Valley and spent her free time amid the forests, rivers, and mountains of Kenya, “exploring, building dens, and climbing mountains”.
These early experiences fostered a profound relationship with nature, one she now shares with her two young children. The designer and her husband often spend a few months of the year in Kenya or the Eastern Cape, building new memories that inspire her work. Founded in 2018, Asha : Eleven is more than a fashion label — it’s also an ode to Kennaway’s love of collaboration and sustainability, incorporating a wide variety of cultures, experiences, and aesthetics.
Olivia Kennaway and daughter Image: Supplied
Offering womenswear, childrenswear, and accessories, the brand is rooted in two principles: connection and inspiration. Its name reflects these ideals, with Asha or AšA (Arabic for “life”) paired with the number 11, which symbolises enlightenment in numerology. Kennaway’s reverence for collaboration has resulted in a team of African creatives and ethical production partners. For Kennaway, building the brand began with a clear vision.
“What was so distinct and formative was knowing what I wanted to do — ensuring everything we did was as sustainable as possible … from the textiles to the dyes and the printing.” As she works on the upcoming autumn range, she gestures at her desk, covered in Copic markers and a sketch of an iris flower.
Asha : Eleven boasts bold, colourful prints, inspired by her travels, family, and nature and manifesting a sense of connection and whimsy. “It’s become a medium to communicate my perception of this world,” she says. “It embodies nature and colour and I always try to incorporate a sense of connectedness. I also love incorporating a little bit of bizarreness because I think the world is bizarre and it’s always nice to encourage people to open their mind and see things differently.”
Five years in, Asha: Eleven is flourishing. The brand ships worldwide and has expanded into two brick-and-mortar stores in Joburg and Cape Town. With a growing focus on natural dye processes, Kennaway’s approach to business remains rooted in collaboration, sustainability, and innovation. “We’re always looking for ways to improve and grow and do things better and, who knows? Just stay open and allow whatever is coming our way to flow through.” ashaeleven.com 
Top Home Design Trends to Watch in 2025
By Trenae Williams
Key Takeaways
Textiles are shaping home design in 2025, offering bold colours, natural materials, and creative patterns to redefine interiors. With a focus on sustainability and individuality, this year’s trends highlight the transformative role of textiles in creating stylish, functional, and inviting spaces, where aesthetics merge seamlessly with purpose.
In 2025, home interiors are placing a renewed emphasis on textiles, showcasing their versatility and transformative power in design. From luxurious upholstery fabrics to bold rugs and eco-friendly materials, textiles are redefining how spaces are styled and experienced. This year’s trends celebrate the marriage of aesthetics and functionality, where home textiles not only enhance the visual appeal of interiors but also contribute to comfort, sustainability, and individuality.
Whether through saturated colours, intricate patterns, or natural fibres, textiles play a pivotal role in shaping the character of a space. The growing focus on sustainable and artisanal materials reflects a conscious shift towards designs that honour both craftsmanship and environmental responsibility. As homeowners and designers seek innovative ways to reimagine interiors, textiles remain at the forefront of creativity, offering endless possibilities to personalise and elevate living spaces.
Here are the top textile-focused home design trends for 2025 that are set to make waves.
Saturated and Moody Hues
Related Topics
Say goodbye to light and airy tones—2025 welcomes rich, saturated, and moody hues. Deep earth tones are taking centre stage, moving away from the dominance of bright, minimalist palettes that have been popular in recent years. From ceilings to floors, these bold, saturated hues will continue to envelop entire rooms, creating cosy and sophisticated spaces while adding depth and character.
Rich jewel and earthy tones such as forest greens, chocolate browns, and deep reds are the ideal choice for achieving a moody, saturated look. These colours are versatile, suitable for both traditional and modern homes, and inspire homeowners to explore creative design possibilities.
Saturated and moody earth tones also offer a great way to transform a space and make it feel larger. This growing trend allows homeowners to break away from the stark minimalism of recent years. Whether used in living rooms or bedrooms, these bold tones provide a striking way to redefine spaces with style and personality.
Vibrant Red
Deep red tones have emerged as one of the most prominent colour trends in recent years, thanks in part to their popularity on social media.
The ‘Unexpected Red Theory’, a viral home design trend coined by Brooklyn-based interior designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon in January 2024, captivated the design world. This concept involves incorporating red—whether in small accents or bold statements—into spaces where it might seem unexpected. It is all about creating a deliberate focal point that adds energy, personality, and creativity to a space.
In 2025, deep red tones like burgundy and Renaissance red are likely to continue to dominate the interior design landscape. These rich hues bring a regal and sophisticated touch to interiors, evoking a sense of luxury and elegance. Inspired by the rich, burnt burgundy shades seen in 15th- and 16th-century paintings, these tones create timeless, dramatic spaces.
Social media has fully embraced the allure of vibrant red, showcasing its versatility—not just in pops of colour but also in entire rooms drenched in its dramatic hue. Whether through small accents or bold design choices, vibrant red is a powerful way to transform a space.
Natural and Sustainable Materials
Sustainability continues to stay at the top of consumers’ minds. When it comes to home design, consumers are increasingly opting for items like vegan leather, eco-friendly products, and non-toxic materials that promote a healthier living environment. These versatile materials complement a wide range of décor styles, from modern to traditional, adding depth, texture, and sophistication to any home.
These additions elevate interiors while fostering a harmonious connection with nature.
Comfortable and Multifunctional Furnishings
When it comes to furnishings, homeowners are prioritising comfort and versatility. Oversized sofas are a key trend, offering ample space for families and friends to gather or for individuals to stretch out and unwind. Deep-seated chairs are another standout feature, providing plush cushioning and ergonomic support for relaxation.
This focus on inviting furniture aligns with the growing demand for multifunctional spaces. Many oversized and comfortable pieces are modular, allowing homeowners to rearrange layouts effortlessly to suit different activities. These adaptable designs not only enhance comfort but also maximise the functionality of living spaces.
Solid Colour and Statement Rugs
Rugs, a popular design element showcased extensively on social media in 2024, are set to be even more in demand this year. While not an essential item, rugs are highly sought after for their versatility and ability to elevate a space.
Homeowners and interior designers are increasingly drawn to solid[1]coloured rugs—that feature a single, consistent colour or tone across their entire surface, without patterns, prints, or intricate designs—in earthy tones such as olive green, beige, and red. These rugs are ideal for adding a pop of colour to a space and are available in high-quality materials like cotton, wool, and silk, offering both style and comfort. Solid-coloured rugs also modernise spaces with a minimalist touch and work beautifully as a base for layering other décor elements.
Statement rugs featuring geometric shapes and bold patterns are another key trend. As consumers seek customisation, these rugs provide a perfect way to infuse personality into a room. Whether used as a focal point or a complementary piece, a well[1]chosen rug can transform a space, making it dynamic and uniquely tailored to the consumer’s preferences and personal style.
Quiet Luxury
The quiet luxury aesthetic, a trend originating in the fashion world, has seamlessly made its way into home design. As more fashion enthusiasts embrace this refined and understated style in their wardrobes, they are extending it to their living spaces.
Quiet luxury is all about creating a home with an air of elegance and sophistication without relying on flashy or ostentatious designs. It favours clean lines, simplicity, and high-quality materials, enabling homeowners and designers to achieve a look that feels luxurious yet approachable. Materials like natural stone, solid wood, brick, and high-end textiles such as cashmere and linen provide a warm, calming foundation.
This trend focuses on ‘less but better’, prioritising well-crafted, timeless pieces that exude subtle elegance. By incorporating the quiet luxury aesthetic, homes can feel stylish, comfortable, and personal, striking a balance between sophistication and serenity. It is an enduring approach to design that appeals to those seeking a peaceful yet refined living environment.
Layers and Textures
The ‘more-is-more’ approach to design is gaining momentum in 2025, as homeowners move beyond minimalism to embrace bold colours, layered patterns, and rich textures. Interior designers are witnessing a rising demand for maximalist or ‘cluttercore’ styles that celebrate individuality and creativity.
This trend incorporates elements like grooved wall and ceiling panelling in striking colours, patterned furniture such as chairs, couches, and pillows, as well as vibrant picture frames, curtains, and rugs. The result is a dynamic and eye[1]catching aesthetic that transforms any space into a visual delight.
The layered and textured approach offers endless opportunities for creativity, allowing spaces to tell unique stories. Thoughtful combinations of patterns and textures create a curated yet inviting atmosphere, reflecting the homeowner’s personality. This design method brings depth and sophistication to a space, making it playful, full of charm, and undeniably personal.
Conclusion
Textiles are at the heart of home design in 2025, offering a wealth of opportunities to elevate interiors with style, functionality, and sustainability. From richly saturated colours and vibrant statement rugs to natural, eco-friendly materials, this year’s trends highlight the transformative power of textiles in creating personalised and inviting spaces.
As homeowners embrace designs that prioritise comfort, creativity, and environmental consciousness, textiles provide the perfect medium to blend tradition with innovation. Whether through luxurious finishes, bold patterns, or artisanal craftsmanship, these trends enable individuals to craft interiors that reflect their unique tastes while fostering a connection to nature and sustainability.
With textiles playing such a vital role, 2025 is set to redefine home design, making it a year where comfort meets creativity and aesthetics merge seamlessly with purpose. F2F
John Craig and Mail & Guardian Ignite Personal Reinvention with Reset Live
This year, in collaboration with the Mail & Guardian, John Craig invites you to be part of the transformative John Craig legacy. Reset Live is more than a celebration, it’s an invitation, a call to action for gentlemen to rise up and get involved in a journey of personal reinvention; to reflect on life, the choices we make (or don’t), and how to improve while stepping boldly into the future.
The event took place at Greenhouse, Sandton on the 26th of February. The Reset Live is a dynamic narrative of ambition and legacy, encouraging men to honour their achievements while embracing future opportunities. More than clothing, the Reset Live is about crafting a resilient life of purpose and lasting impact.
The evening, in partnership with Polo South Africa, Roberto Vino and Carducci; kicked off with a fashion show, unveiling John Craig’s latest collection—where timeless elegance met modern ambition. From there, our powerhouse speakers delivered transformative insights:
1. Dr. Frank Magwegwe redefined financial legacy, proving that wealth is built with strategy, not luck. 2. Duduzile Mathabela unlocked the blueprint to entrepreneurship & side hustles that create generational impact. 3. Dr. Fundile Nyathi shattered myths around men’s health, reminding us that true success starts with wellness. 4. Phupho Gumede proved that style is more than fashion—it’s identity, power, and confidence. Guided by the incomparable Thembekile Mrototo, this event was a movement, not just a moment.
Kaboomo Mgibi Marshoff, Brand Manager at John Craig, underscored the brand’s unwavering commitment to men’s reinvention, both in style and in life, “John Craig has always stood for more than just fashion—it’s about legacy. A man’s wardrobe is a reflection of his journey, his ambitions, and the statement he makes to the world. Reset is our call to men to refine not only their style but also their mindset, their financial well-being, and their purpose. With our expertly trained in-store stylists providing top-tier customer service, and the recent launch of our online store with the convenience of Click & Collect, we’ve made it easier than ever for the modern gentleman to shop Carducci, Roberto Vino, Polo and many other premium men’s brands with confidence—anytime, anywhere.”
“Join us as we embark on this transformative journey. Together, we will Reset, redefining what it means to be a modern man, with style, substance, and unwavering purpose.” She adds.
In the original Cinderella story, the glass slippers did not exist. Instead, her shoes were made out of fur, but the story was changed in the 1600’s and included the new and now-famous glass slippers.
The Big Four Fashion Weeks are in Milan, London, Paris, and New York.
Valentino Garavani, a famous Italian fashion designer, takes his five precious pugs everywhere with him.
Editorial Submission:
Please remember to send me your news so that we can share it with all our readers in the weekly newsletter. Although editorial is neither guaranteed nor implied, suitable editorial for consideration may be submitted to:-
