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Contemporary African Design: Colour & Pattern Insights | Eva Sonaike Blog

Brilliant Women, Beautiful Designs: My Christmas Gift Edit 2025

Brilliant Women, Beautiful Designs: My Christmas Gift Edit 2025

Every December, I celebrate women who create with soul, purpose and beauty. Many of the brands I elevate today are led by women I’ve grown with, shared ideas with, or admired throughout my journey. Several belong to my Buy Women Built network here in the UK, a community I’m proud to be part of. Others are long-standing personal favourites from my world of fashion and interiors.

This edit brings together Black-owned brands, women-led UK businesses, and creators whose products genuinely add joy, colour and meaning to my daily rituals — all in one beautifully curated Christmas Gift Guide.

EKI SILK — A Sisterhood Rooted in Creativity & Lagos Energy

Eki and I go way back — long before either of us launched our brands. We actually brainstormed the first ideas for our businesses at the same time, both pregnant with our first children, full of energy and ambition. So watching her take Lagos Fashion Week by storm this year honestly made me so proud.

I already own several of her luxurious silk pieces, and after seeing her newest runway collection, more will be joining my wardrobe. Her prints feel alive — elegant, expressive and woven with cultural meaning.

Why I love it:
Because her work feels like heritage wrapped in silk. Bold, refined and beautifully connected to my love of colour.

ANTONIA BURRELL — My Forever Glow Secret

I discovered Antonia’s products during my time as a fashion editor at ELLE Germany, and it was love at first try. I’ve explored so many cleansing oils over the years, yet I always return to her Natural Glow Cleansing Oil. It is, quite simply, the best cleansing oil on the market.

The texture is sublime, the results speak for themselves, and the scent is absolutely addictive. Her minimalist packaging also looks stunning in my very maximalist bathroom.

Why I love it:
Because it delivers. Every single time. Clean, plant-powered luxury at its finest.

 

WHATAHOST — Hosting Essentials with Heart

I met the founder, Melanie at a networking event and we connected instantly. Her brand is thoughtful, beautifully curated and perfectly designed for the stylish host. Whether you're gifting or entertaining, her products bring a polished and effortless aesthetic to the table.

Why I love it:
Useful, elegant and created with genuine passion — perfect for modern hosting.

FERMARY — Modern Fermentation with Beauty & Soul

FERMARY merges natural fermentation with a modern design approach. Everything feels nurturing, beautifully presented and rooted in wellbeing — ideal for gifting to conscious foodies or wellness lovers.

Why I love it:
It’s health and beauty combined, but in the most stylish and accessible way.

HAMPSTEAD TEA — My Nightly Ritual

Every night ends with a cup of Hampstead Tea in my home. Their story is deeply inspiring — from questioning the purity of mainstream teas to championing organic tea gardens in Darjeeling. The blends are balanced, aromatic and genuinely uplifting.

Why I love it:
It’s comfort and quality. A warming moment I look forward to daily.

4160 TUESDAYS — Handmade Perfumes with Personality

I met the founder at another networking event and tried one of her handcrafted perfumes on the spot — and OMG that was it!!! I’ve never been a high-street perfume person, so this is perfect for me as her scents are full of depth, warmth and character. Believe me when I say it: I have the proof. DM me…

Why I love it:
It’s fragrance as storytelling — creative, expressive and beautifully personal.

NADINE MERABI — Glamour & Unapologetic Style

Nadine’s journey moves me: from England hockey player to global fashion designer using a £250 sewing machine and fabric offcuts. A friend of mine wore one of her jumpsuits for her birthday — and it was pure magic. These pieces are absolutely on my wishlist.

Why I love it:
Because her designs radiate confidence, glamour and modern femininity.


SHADES DANCEWEAR — A Brand Close to My Heart

As a former ballet dancer, SHADES feels special. Their coordinated dance essentials are beautifully made, inclusive, supportive and stylish — everything I wish I had growing up.

Why I love it:
Because dance shaped who I am — and this brand honours that with elegance.

AND OF COURSE… ONE OF MY OWN CREATIONS

Wura Threaded Silk Painting — Colour, Texture & Quiet Luxury

And how could I not include one of my own creations? I genuinely love what I make — and the Wura Threaded Silk Painting embodies everything I adore in interiors: colour, texture, movement and a quiet, confident beauty.

Its delicate threaded finish catches the light softly, adding depth and dimension to any space. Bold yet understated, intricate yet effortless — exactly the balance I seek in design.

Why I love it:
Because it simply brings a room to life — an elegant focal point with soul.

The Joy of Supporting Women-Owned Businesses

When you choose gifts from women-owned brands and Black-owned businesses, you're not just buying a product — you're supporting someone's dream, their craft, their livelihood. You're voting with your wallet for the kind of world you want to see.

This Christmas, I encourage you to think about where your money goes. Choose gifts that are made with care, by people you'd be proud to support.

Creating a Colourful Christmas at Home

And if you're looking for more ways to bring colour, warmth, and joy into your home this festive season, explore our full collection of colourful home accessories, African-inspired home décor, and luxury textiles.

From vibrant designer cushions in rich jewel tones to handwoven lampshades and bold printed fabrics, we have everything you need to create a home that feels uplifting, personal, and beautifully you.

Read more home styling inspiration:

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