Nestled off the northern coast of Kenya, Lamu Island emerges as a captivating blend of vibrant culture and timeless charm, offering a unique canvas for inspiration. The Tea team visited Lamu during their inspiration research trip in 2022 and immediately fell in love with this enchanting, sun-drenched archipelago. The air is filled with the rhythmic beats of Swahili and Muslim traditions, a lively tapestry woven with calls to prayer, braying donkeys, and shouts from fishermen coming from the turquoise shores. The architecture, adorned with intricate Swahili doors and textured coral walls line, whispers stories of ancient seafaring tales.
Swahili doors, a distinctive feature of Lamu’s architecture, are crafted from native hardwoods such as mahogany or teak, known for their durability and rich color. The intricate carving technique involves the meticulous hand carving of geometric patterns, floral motifs, and Islamic calligraphy. These ornate doors not only serve as functional entrances but also stand as artistic masterpieces, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the Swahili people. Each Swahili door in Lamu tells a unique story through its carvings, creating a visual tapestry that adds to the island’s enchanting charm.
We encountered a parade of unique wildlife, from the graceful donkeys that roam freely to the charming cats that call Lamu home. Donkeys are an essential part of transporting goods (and sometimes people) in Lamu as there are no vehicles! You’ll have to walk if you want to get around the area’s sandy labyrinth of narrow alleys and staircases. Or, if you plan on traveling between islands, you can catch a taxi boat or even hire a beautifully-carved dhow if you want to sail in style.
During our journey, we explored Old Town Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the picturesque Shela Village. In Shela, two stores unexpectedly connected us to our future creative partners and models for the location photoshoot of our 2024 collection. Sandy & Jemima Bornmans clothing lines, Aman and Ikeno, showcased unique fabrics and captivating campaign photography shot in Lamu. Intrigued, we discovered that the creative force behind the photography was 199xorg, a Kenyan-based collective, and we happily collaborated with them for our 2024 photoshoot.
A stop at African Corner Lamu, an artisan jewelry and craft shop founded by Nyambura wa Wahu, revealed more treasures. In the back of the shop, we found one-of-a-kind clothing pieces handmade by kids at Ubunifu Lamu, a non-profit organization run by Nyambura. This organization integrates art and creative programming into the lives of vulnerable kids in Mararani, one of the villages in Lamu. Their creative space empowers kids to participate in art and dance workshops, learn sewing skills, and even produce and model in their own fashion show. This serendipitous encounter led to another creative partnership when we cast some of the Ubunifu Lamu kids in our Spring photoshoot.
There’s so much to see and do in Lamu, but after a long day of swimming and exploring, our favorite way to unwind was by sitting at the Peponi Hotel’s terrace under boughs of bougainvillea watching donkeys trod along the beach while fisherman inspected their catches of the day.
Shops:
Lamu Fish Recycle Art & Craft Gallery
Things to do:
Swimming & beach walks
Take a sunset dhow
Explore Old Town Lamu
Bird watching
Watersports & fishing
Places to stay:
