Daniel Okonkwo
Contemporary African design correspondent
Daniel Okonkwo covers contemporary African design from Lagos. Trained as an industrial designer; previously contributing editor at Design Indaba.
Bacterial Pigments: Designing with Living Colour
Bacterial pigmentation in design signals a shift towards living systems that could reshape sustainability in material production.
Mapping Mobile Urban Infrastructure: Street Vending in India
An evolving project reframes street vending as critical infrastructure, advocating for its inclusion in urban planning conversations across Indian cities.
From Textile Waste to Timeless Furniture: A Circular Economy Approach
A Lagos-based collective transforms discarded fabrics into high-design furniture, demonstrating that circularity is essential in contemporary design.
Material Futures: Sustainable Craftsmanship in a Changing World
Across Africa, artisans are leveraging new materials and methods to redefine sustainable craftsmanship, blending tradition with innovation to meet the demands of a more discerning and eco-conscious audience.
The Renaissance of Craft in Contemporary Design
Craftsmanship is no longer a relic of heritage; contemporary designers are weaving traditional techniques into modern design narratives.
Artistic Commissions at the Obama Center: Identity and Community in Focus
The Obama Presidential Center’s new commissions by artists such as Amanda Williams and Hank Willis Thomas create a dialogue about history, identity, and the communities that shape them.
Digital Looms: Kristian V.K. Falden Weaves AI into Textiles
Kristian V.K. Falden’s textile practice merges AI-generated imagery with traditional weaving techniques, creating new dialogues between craft, technology and artistry.
Crafting Community: The Essential Role of Connection in Contemporary Craft
At Toast in New York, makers and curators explore how collective action and collaboration sustain the craft sector amid shifting economies and aesthetics.
The Snowman22 Collection: Playful Lighting Meets Modern Aesthetics
ILKW’s Snowman22 lighting collection merges sculptural whimsy with functionality, redefining the role of lighting in contemporary living spaces.
Diversity as a Blueprint: Contemporary Design and Cultural Expression
Contemporary design increasingly draws from the distinctiveness of cultural narratives, weaving diversity into its core fabric across exhibitions and workshops.
The Revival of Craftsmanship in Contemporary Design
As consumers increasingly seek authenticity and uniqueness, a growing number of designers are reinvigorating artisanal techniques in furniture, lighting, and packaging.
From ‘Rage Bait’ to Dupe Culture: How Beauty Brands Are Redefining Engagement
As influencers and consumers reshape beauty marketing, brands explore unconventional strategies to connect authentically.
The Future of Luxury: Navigating Economic and Consumer Realities
As luxury brands face economic turbulence and evolving shopper expectations, their strategies are reshaping the broader retail landscape.