A short-term cure may well be, but there is nothing quite like a bit of intensive retail therapy to put the fizz when you are buying a gift. Most of Kenya’s retail structure are the ones commonly referred to as the curio shop with features which are organized, desirable as well as affordable with a variety of uniquely different gifts. Perhaps the best buys are found amongst the handcrafts haul; multi colored Masai beadwork belts, bright sisal baskets, the ever popular cotton wraps for men and women commonly referred to as the Kikoys and Khangas (which do just everything from interior design to high fashion), evocative carvings from elephants to antelopes, soft carved soapstone’s such as malachite, rose quartz and Tanzanite, lots of ‘big’ jewellery wrought from everything; from banana leaves to cow horn- really high on impact and ridiculously low on expenditure and sandals from jewel-beaded to cow-horn-thonged.
Kenya has also taken a new direction with regard to the so-called beach boys who used to peddle their wares on the beaches. This is no longer happening, because they have been housed in purpose-built handicraft centres welcoming to the visitors. Here you can see the items being made and get to chose from the long list of amazing dragon’s horde of glittering sarongs, tinkling jewellery, gleaming carvings and Abstract paintings.
Kenya also boasts of thriving cottage industry which turns out everything from beautifully scented candles made from Masai beeswax to sheepskin slippers made from highland fleeces plus some authentic hand knitted, woven and dyed woolens, subtly woven Kenyan cotton, beaded and painted leather work, eco-friendly paper goods and some interior design options that wouldn’t look amiss in the Milanese design fairs.
Chose from avant-garde wrought iron, hand-blown glass, beaten copper, woven rugs, hand-thrown terracotta, iron and reed work furniture, sisal matting, dhow-wood day-beds, Swahili chests, ostrich -egg lampshades, hand-painted bed linens, colour-washed oven-to-tableware and treasure trove of contemporary Kenyan arts.
As for the fashion, Kenya has a team of dynamic young designers who are rapidly making a name for themselves by turning local leather, cotton, beadwork, knits and silk – into haute culture. So next time you visit any of these shops or if you fancy a shot of neat retail therapy, mixed with some blue skies, bright sunshine, wild adventure and sybaritic luxury, think Kenya – travel to Kenya.
When are you travelling, let us know by writing to us at info@blavals.com or contact us at https://www.blavals.com/contact-us
