There is just something about Lamu. Perhaps the time capsule feel of a city that has not changed or whose culture and architecture has not been overruled by modernization and industrialization, Lamu is an island filled with experiences and a life away from busy Nairobi. Lamu is serene and nostalgic. In addition to these cultural traits, it is also home to the bags and accessory designers of ALI LAMU.
Ali Lamu together with with his wife Daniela Bateleur began creating art in June 2008 and their bag designs are filled with nothing but life and love. Using old dhow sails, their paintings and bags are one of a kind. Hand cut, designed, stitched and washed by the fishermen, it takes one whole day to make and create a bag.
The bags have messages like ‘Follow your star” and “Love” inscribed on them as well as images like the Afrcan continent, a red star and a heart. The sale of the bags and artwork goes to the fishermen who made them and back into the community.
“What you see is what you feel.”
Photos courtesy of ALI LAMU – all rights reserved.
Ali Lamu (c)Blonde Photo
