Ethical Design with Elsa Cappelli

Seven years ago, London-based accessory designer-maker Elsa Cappelli set out to source ethically produced materials for her work. For some, this might mean natural/sustainably produced/fair trade materials. Elsa went a few steps further - going out to a village in a remote area of Uganda to teach local women how to make the plaited braids she needed from locally occurring plant fibres. 

Elsa’s hats and headpieces are hand made in Britain, blending historic craft techniques with contemporary forms. They range from flattering sculptural headpieces with shapes and textures inspired by African artefacts to more conventional forms with exquisite detailing. Her inspiration comes from the natural colours and textures recorded on her Ugandan trips, an ongoing source of fascination.

The artisans in Uganda produce the braids for the hats as income generation for themselves and for their families. Through coming together as a group and learning new skills, the women have grown in confidence and in stature in their community. Proceeds from the project have enabled the women to invest in goat breeding as an additional activity.

“When I started this project, I had no idea how it would develop, I cannot believe how naïve I was. There have been so many challenges – communication not least! But the joys of working in this way and with these women more than compensate.”

As well as continuing to work in the medium of palm, Elsa has begun to use Ugandan barkcloth in her work. The production of this sustainable material is an important cultural craft in Uganda – Elsa is committed to finding contemporary applications for its use.

To contact Else Cappelli: info@elsacappelli.org.uk

Or to find out more head to : www.elsacappelli.org.uk

All the featured designer-makers in our blog posts will be exhibiting at Handmade in Britain's up coming event at the Chelsea Old Town Hall, Spring Edition. To find out more about the event, and book tickets head to: handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Tickets now on sale

Handmade in Britain 14:
Spring Edition

The Contemporary Crafts & Design Fair

9th - 11th May 2014
Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Spring Edition is open:
Friday 9th: 11:00 - 19:00
Saturday 10th: 11:00 - 18:00
Sunday 11th: 11:00 - 18:00

Tickets are available online now at £5
Tickets on the door are £7/£5 conc.