The Nywele Vase marks September Collective's first in-house product, designed by founder Leslie Rivers and handcrafted by Kitengela Glass artisans in Kenya. Hand-blown from recycled glass, the sculptural vase is available in Citrine Moss, Umber, Dark Umber, Moss, and Onyx finishes. Its raised circular forms reference the Bantu knot hairstyle, with the Swahili word nywele, meaning "hair," lending the collection its name while connecting the design to African cultural heritage.
Developed through multiple rounds of prototyping, the vase was refined to create a more balanced interpretation of the Bantu knot through rhythmic sculptural detailing. Each piece is individually hand-blown by Kitengela Glass using recycled glass, highlighting traditional craftsmanship alongside a contemporary silhouette suited to modern interiors. The Nywele Vase expands September Collective's curated homeware offering while introducing the Toronto-based brand's first original product created in collaboration with African artisans.
Image Credit: September Collective
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Cultural Heritage Homeware
- Design objects rooted in specific cultural references create room for premium decor collections that merge storytelling, identity, and contemporary interior aesthetics.
- Recycled Glass Craft
- Waste-derived glass materials are reshaping artisan goods by pairing sustainability credentials with distinctive textures, colors, and handcrafted variation.
- Diaspora-led Product Design
- Founder-driven collaborations across geographies reveal new pathways for culturally informed brands to develop original products with global retail appeal.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Home Decor
- Sculptural, narrative-rich vessels are elevating decorative accessories into collectible statement pieces for design-conscious residential and hospitality spaces.
- Sustainable Materials
- Recycled glass production supports differentiated luxury goods where circular inputs enhance both environmental positioning and visual uniqueness.
- Artisan Manufacturing
- Collaborative craft networks are gaining commercial relevance as brands seek small-batch production models that preserve handmade techniques while serving modern markets.
