Hillcrest-based creative Germaine Jacobs is turning handmade textiles into modern heirlooms. Quietly. Beautifully. And with purpose.
When Germaine Jacobs first stumbled across a striking piece of mud cloth while decorating her home, she never imagined it would change the course of her life. She was just about ready to buy it online from a US store when she discovered the textile’s origin, Africa.
“I was convinced I could find it here,” she recalls. “But after a deep dive into local stores and online searches, I came up with nothing. That’s when it hit me … something that’s part of our own heritage wasn’t even accessible to us.”
That quiet moment of frustration became a spark. It wasn’t about just finding fabric anymore – it became about celebrating it.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about how African textiles, which carry so much story and tradition, were being overlooked – especially here at home.”
Germaine’s background is in pharmaceuticals, but design has always been a love language for her. What began as a decor blog more than a decade ago evolved over time into something much deeper.
“It was my creative outlet. I didn’t always know how to make it a full career, but I knew I needed to stay connected to it.”
Once she sourced her first batch of mud cloth, there was no turning back.
“It felt raw but refined, ancient yet modern. That was the moment I realised African design doesn’t have to shout to be powerful. It can be minimal. It can be chic. And it can absolutely hold space in contemporary homes.”
Today, as the founder of Spases, a brand she officially launched online in 2019 that champions sustainably handmade African design, she’s on a mission to show that African textiles can be both rich in heritage and unapologetically chic. She works with handmade textiles from across the continent – Mali, Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Morocco. Each piece is chosen not just for beauty, but for its story and to create timeless homeware. Think minimal yet textured pillows, ceramics, candles and handmade bags.
“These fabrics aren’t mass-produced, they’re crafted using generations-old techniques and natural processes. There’s memory in every thread,” Germaine says. “For me, these aren’t just decor items. They’re vessels of culture, history and identity.”
What’s perhaps most inspiring about Germaine’s approach is her restraint. She isn’t trying to keep up with trends or fill catalogues. Instead, she designs slowly and thoughtfully, producing everything locally in Durban with a small team of artisans.
“There’s a certain energy in something made with hands and heart. You can feel the difference in a handmade piece. It’s personal. It breathes.”
Her aesthetic blends earthy textures, quiet prints and architectural forms.
“I’ve always loved minimalism, even in fashion,” she admits with a laugh. “I’m obsessed with stripes and sculptural shapes – rounded mirrors, curved headboards, anything with a little personality.”
In a design world often saturated with imported looks, Germaine is gently nudging us to turn inward – towards our own continent, our own craft, our own stories.
“I think we’ve been conditioned to look to the West for inspiration. But there’s so much richness right here. We just need to give it space.”
Her hope is that African homeware will continue to gain the global recognition it deserves – not just as a trend, but as a movement rooted in pride and identity.
“One day, I’d love to create a real-world space where people can touch and feel these textures, experience their beauty up close. But for now, I’m just focused on telling stories with intention.”
And perhaps that’s what sets Germaine apart. In a fast-paced, trend-chasing world, she reminds us to slow down. To honour the handmade. To make room for memory. To celebrate home, not just as a place, but as a reflection of who we are.
Details: Visit spases.net
Small touches, big impact
Want to add some African flair to your space without a full makeover? Germaine shares her top tips for creatiing African elegance on a budget.
Style with books
Coffee table books featuring African photography, fashion or art bring culture and personality into a room. They’re functional and beautiful.
Start with soft touches
Textiles are a game-changer. A few mud cloths or Baule print cushions instantly add warmth, texture and story – no need to change your furniture.
Frame a statement print
A simple framed illustration, textile photo or abstract African figure adds a subtle but powerful presence to your walls.
Let objects speak
Display what you love. A beaded necklace, woven fan or clay figurine can be turned into meaningful decor when styled intentionally.
Use ceramics creatively
Ceramics double as catchalls – use them to hold keys, jewellery or little keepsakes. They’re small pieces with a big visual impact.
Layer thoughtfully
Stack books, add a candle, a bowl and a small plant – playing with height and texture lets handmade items really shine.
Edit, don’t overfill
Less is more. Choose a few meaningful pieces and give them space to breathe. It’s not about how much you have – it’s how you curate.
