Design Archives - KOJO BAFFOE

Thoughts on Abstract: The Art of Design

Oct 24, 2019 | Design

Abstract: The Art of Design is, for me, one of the best documentary series available on Netflix. A good friend put me onto it when season 1 launched in 2017 and I binge-watched that season. Created by former Wired editor-in-chief Scott Dadich, the series explores the world of design in all its glory by delving into the work of designers from different areas. https://youtu.be/DYaq2sWTWAA I have always been fascinated by why and how people create which always gives great insights into what that they create. On my now-ended weekly radio talk show Life with Kojo Baffoe on Kaya FM, this was...

Daniel Wellington Watches

Jun 13, 2016 | Design, Lifestyle

In the fashion, style and accessories worlds, Instagram has been a great tool for sharing. Whether it is brands highlighting their products or individuals sharing their aesthetic and style, Instagram provides a foundation for telling stories in a very visual (obviously) way. I have found many an item that I ended up ordering online on IG. Daniel Wellington watches are one of those brands that I’d seen and was on my list of items to order. I still wear watches. I like watches that reflect my style and my mood. Daniel Wellington’s backstory makes for great telling: a young Swede called Filip...

Men’s Style: Tread+Miller Gentleman’s Club

May 19, 2016 | Design

The Cape Union Mart Group, while synonymous with outdoor clothing and gear, launched Tread + Miller, a men’s footwear and accessories store in August 2015. Having recently opened their 13th store at the Mall of Africa, the demand for the brand has surpassed their expectations. The store design, style and aesthetic is very gentleman’s club with wood, brown leather and shoe shine facilities. Their positioning is a focus on men with the women’s section being minimal and very much in line with the men’s footwear. The brands they carry include Sebago, Sperry, Caterpillar, Crockett & Jones and...

Fashion: The JD Collection

Dec 1, 2015 | Design

In a previous lifetime (one of many) circa 2001/2, I used to be a booker at an actor’s agency Contractors. It’s been interesting watching the growth of the artists I used to spend my days sending to auditions. Many have gone to build solid careers in the entertainment industry while others have found their professional homes in other industries. I recently met a young man, Jodi Deerling, who was with the agency many years ago and, while he continues to dabble in the entertainment industry, has gone and expanded into the fashion realm with a men’s accessories label called the JD Collection. I...

Sneaker Freaker In South Africa

Nov 6, 2014 | Design, Lifestyle

In his book Under The Influence: Tracing The Hip-Hop Generation’s Impact On Brands, Sports & Pop Culture, Erin O. Patton provides insights into the launch and building of the Michael Jordan sneaker brand with Nike as well as Stephon Marbury’s foray into the kicks space with the Starbury. Sneakers have been big business for some years but it is the sneakerheads who take it to a whole different level. Out of this culture, there have been a library of books, documentaries and online platforms birthed, all devoted to sneakers. While the US tends to dominate the space, the sneaker site and...

Buy A Piece Of 140 Years Of Lyle & Scott

Sep 25, 2014 | Design

Established in 1874 in Scotland as a knitwear company producing high quality underwear by William Lyle and Walter Scott, Lyle & Scott has evolved over the last 140 years to become a full fashion brand for men and women. In this time, it has collaborated with luxury fashion brands like Chanel, Michael Kors and Yves Saint Laurent as well as expanding into golf wear, which further elevated the brand. It was launched in South Africa by Skye Distribution in winter 2012 and is available in Stuttafords stores in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Tshwane and Durban. To celebrate 140 years, Lyle &...