Ghanaian-Australian label Yevu – known for classic casuals in adorably outre West African wax-print – has launched its first dedicated homewares range alongside an autumn clothing drop. The seasonal collection includes plenty of bold styles for your home, with cosy soft furnishings and household essentials in electric hues straight from the markets of Accra.
While the brand, founded in 2012, has produced the odd cushion cover and pot planter over the years, co-founder Anna Robertson says this is the international team’s first dedicated homewares offering.
“The new Yevu Home collection is our first proper exploration of how we can bring some Yevu colour and flair into our personal spaces,” she tells Broadsheet. “We love exploring ways in which we can extend Yevu beyond wearables and, in doing so, also support artisans and micro-business in Ghana’s informal sector.”
The collection features quilted throws ($130) – stitched from 100 per cent cotton, hand-dyed and batiked by local artisans in four colourways – that make a cosy addition to the couch, or a vibrant way to style your bed. Pot planters (from $45), cushion covers (from $50) and carry-all totes ($130), made from the same fabrics, also bring big vibes to any space.
Just like Yevu’s garments, these fun homewares are cut and sewn in the label’s dedicated workshop in Ghana, which employs a female-led workforce on fair, liveable wages. The fabric itself is bespoke, Robertson says. “We commissioned these beautiful hand-dyed batik fabrics specifically for the home range. Working with local master batikers in Accra was really fun, and the outcome is so unique and special.”
Joining the soft furnishings is a range of vibrant plastic containers traditionally used for ablutions before prayer, as well as more generally around the house and garden. Buckets (from $70), kettles ($75) and bowls ($85) are made in Ghana from 100 per cent recycled plastics and purchased from female vendors in Accra.
The objects are “functional and beautiful additions to any home,” Robertson says. “They are something you can enjoy in your home for a long time, and never get sick of looking at.
“We have never seen [these types of products] here in Australia. After customers loving them at our pop-up last year, we thought we’d make them available to everyone.”
Since launching Yevu, Robertson and co-founder Felicia Adwubi have built the Ghanaian side of the business into an ethical clothing manufacturer and registered not-for-profit organisation employing 27 (mainly female) staff. Yevu’s Australian-based brand operates as a socially responsible fashion label and partners with local disability organisations to support ecomm fulfilment.
