Textiles and furniture often go hand in hand, but for Peter Mabeo’s Lesire collection, textiles became the inspiration for something a little more rugged. The Botswana-based furniture designer and founder of Mabeo Studio pays homage to the intricate lacework crochet techniques mastered by women in southern Africa during the 20th century. Lesire, which means “bridal veil” in Tswana, refers to a fabric known for its distinctive, ornately edged details. Mabeo has skillfully translated this delicate pattern into a solid wood furniture line, the Lesire collection, which not only showcases the craftsmanship of local artisans but also provides them with a global platform to share their talents, with the collection now available through Design Within Reach.
Laser storage seat
Laser storage seat
At the heart of the collection is panga panga wood, a durable hardwood from Southeast Africa that is resistant to insects and fungi. This choice of material grounds the collection in its surroundings – a fundamental principle for Mabeau. “We find that searching for universally applicable design trends in a world that is separate from us is easier when we carefully access what is around us,” explains the designer. “Our crafts find a home when we start from what is familiar and what we value, translating it literally or conceptually, with a sense of freedom that adapts to what we have learned and also to what is innate.”
Our panga panga wood is sourced from LevasFlor, a Mozambican company committed to ethical harvesting and community engagement. With FSC certification, LevasFlor strikes the perfect balance between international sustainability standards and local inclusion, making it a natural fit for Mabeo’s vision.
Laser wall mirror
Laser wall mirror
Each piece in the collection is carefully handcrafted by Mapio artisans, who bring the ornate edge to life across mirrors, tabletops, cabinets and storage benches. The angular legs of the tables, cabinets and benches enhance the visual dynamism of the ornate pattern, creating a harmonious interplay between structure and ornamentation. The rich, textured grain of Panga Panga wood adds a natural elegance to each piece, while the hand-carved details showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of the local Mapio artisans – blending heritage, artistry and the raw beauty of the material in perfect harmony.
laser cabinet
Laser coffee table
Laser side table
Laser storage seat
Laser floor mirror
Laser wall mirror
Peter Mabeau
To shop the Lesire collection by Peter Mabeo, visit dwr.com and follow @mabeofurniture and @mabeostudio.
