Celebrate Traditional Craftsmanship

Founded over 20 years ago by Ali and Alex Cooke, their passion for travel and culture was what inspired them to move out of London and found their own business in Devon, travelling the world and coming across talented craftspeople and their work along the way. Borrowing the name nkuku from a hut in Zambia, and writing their business plan on the cover of a paper back, the brand has moved from strength to strength over the years, but still has the same hands on approach. Ali and Alex continue to meet and work with all their artisans personally, believing this is their point of difference and how they know every product has a story. With a pared-back signature style, each piece in nkuku's collection is thoughtfully crafted using natural, reclaimed, and recycled materials. These materials shape the tones and craftsmanship of each collection, allowing the natural character of the raw materials to shine through. From golden hemp and jute to sustainable mango wood, nkuku repurposes waste from other industries, including cotton from discarded t-shirts, and recycled glass, metals, and textiles. This recycling process enables them to create new and beautiful products. Honoring traditional craftsmanship, nkuku collaborates with their makers to create unique products, bringing them to a global audience and ensuring that age-old traditions are passed down to future generations. The relationship between an artisan and a beautifully handmade piece creates a story, making each product not just a mass-market item but an individually crafted piece. Fair trade is at the very core of nkuku’s brand philosophy, as they believe it creates opportunities for communities to build a future, helps businesses develop, and fosters sustainable employment. At the Anthropologie x nkuku pop-up, discover a curated selection of furniture and lighting crafted from reclaimed materials and sustainable mango wood, alongside recycled glass and textiles handwoven from natural linen and jute. Additionally, explore a collection of serveware and tableware that will bring understated style to your tabletop. Some of nkuku’s key collections are spotlighted in the pop-up, including the Ibo Collection, which features wood reclaimed from former roads in India. The weathered, sun-drenched tones and striking imperfections tell stories and capture history, resulting in utterly unique pieces that are timeless additions to any room. Explore the pop-up from September 5th to 28th, 2024, at Anthropologie Kings Road and receive a complimentary nkuku tote bag when you shop the showroom, plus, an extra gift with purchases over £100.