In the vibrant world of contemporary design, where every object strives to tell a story, Leslie Rivers stands out as a visionary. The founder and curator of September Collective, a modern African home decor and art brand, Rivers embarked on her entrepreneurial journey not by design, but by necessity. Frustrated by the scarcity of high-quality, locally available pieces that celebrated African ancestry, she decided to forge her own path, creating a brand that seamlessly integrates rich cultural heritage into modern living spaces.
September Collective: A Curated Journey Through African Artistry
Based in Toronto, September Collective is more than just a homeware brand; it’s a bridge connecting continents and cultures. Rivers meticulously sources handcrafted objects from across Africa and its diaspora, bringing forth an exquisite collection that ranges from intricately handwoven Ghanaian placemats to striking sculptural wooden furniture. Each piece is chosen for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and the narrative it carries.
The Nywele Vase: A Modern Ode to the Bantu Knot
The brand’s latest and most ambitious launch, the Nywele Vase, marks a significant milestone as September Collective’s first in-house designed product. Conceived by Rivers herself and masterfully brought to life by the skilled artisans of Kitengela Glass in Kenya, these sculptural glass vases are a testament to Rivers’ core belief: every object should resonate with a profound story.
Inspired by Heritage, Crafted for Today
The name “Nywele,” meaning “hair” in Swahili, immediately hints at the collection’s deep cultural roots. The vases draw their distinctive form from the iconic Bantu knot, a traditional hairstyle originating with the Zulu people of South Africa and now celebrated across the African diaspora. Rivers’ design ingeniously translates these coiled, organic forms into contemporary glass art. The result is a piece that, as Rivers eloquently puts it, “could sit in a modern home and still hold a cultural reference.”
From Concept to Crystalline Form: The Design Journey
Bringing the Nywele Vase to fruition was a journey of meticulous refinement. Rivers collaborated closely with Nairobi-based Kitengela Glass, renowned for their expertise. Initial prototypes, while capturing the essence of the Bantu knot, were deemed too literal. Rivers sought a more nuanced interpretation, one that imbued the design with “more rhythm, restraint, and shaping.” Through iterative rounds of development, Rivers and Kitengela’s glassmakers perfected the design, culminating in a series of beautifully constructed, one-of-a-kind hand-blown vases. Adding to their allure, these exquisite pieces are crafted from recycled glass, underscoring a commitment to sustainability.
More Than Just a Product: A Promise Embodied
For Leslie Rivers, the Nywele Vase embodies the very soul of September Collective. “This is what I was always building toward: Not just a product, but a piece with a name, a maker, a meaning, and a place in the home that cannot be filled by anything else,” she explains. Her philosophy is clear: September Collective is a platform dedicated to honoring the artisan. “Our role has always been to honor the craft, share the story, and connect the maker with the people who will carry their work home. Nywele is that promise, made into an object.”
Available in a captivating palette of citrine moss, umber, dark umber, moss, and onyx, the Nywele Vase invites admirers to bring a piece of living history and exquisite craftsmanship into their homes, celebrating the enduring beauty and narrative power of African heritage.
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