Ngala Trading debuts new collection of furniture, décor and lighting with designer NeKeia McSwain

At the start of designing the second collection, McSwain and Lawson Ricketts, Creative Director of Ngala Trading, traveled together to South Africa to meet with Ngala Trading’s long-term partners and wildly gifted artisans to kick off the development process in a genuine, hands-on way.

“Traveling to South Africa holds incredible cultural and historical significance to me, as it was my first time visiting the country, and it greatly aided me on the journey to strengthen my knowledge and self-identity, which is reflected in this collection,” says McSwain. “I was able to lean into my love for traditional African influences and Indigenous aesthetics and work with the artisans who have devoted such talent and craft to the designs they create. The result reflects the phenomenal artistry that I witnessed first-hand.”

Featuring braided leather detailing, polished brass accents, and hair-on-hide surfaces, the collection’s neutral and earth-toned colors reflect South Africa’s environmental surroundings. The designs marry natural beauty and functionality, woven with an underlying sense of admiration and respect, knowing the success of this collection empowers artisans abroad by creating sustainable livelihoods, preserving cultural heritage, fostering economic growth, and building on social responsibility.

“Keia shares our desire to bring luxurious African design to North America in a previously unseen way,” said Ricketts. “As it became clear an expanded NeKeia Collection was on the horizon, we knew a design trip to South Africa would provide the most authentic way to allow Keia to experience the wonderful artistry we are privileged to work with on a day-to-day basis. While technology makes nearly anything possible, working with our hands in the studio while brainstorming concepts in real time allows for a free-flowing expression of creative freedom that is otherwise hard to accomplish behind a computer screen. We could not be happier with the result and the relationships that were built along the way.”

The new NeKeia Collection for Ngala Trading debuted at High Point Market, and is now available  on display in the Ngala Trading flagship showroom at the New York Design Center in Suite 406.