Instead of featuring one of the artists supplied to Cape Grace by Africa Nova, we are giving this space to Africa Nova itself. This is because the Guardian Newspaper in UK have just voted Africa Nova as one of the Top 17 shops in the entire world!

With several of the top shops in New York and a couple in London, the others are dotted all over the globe, but Africa Nova is the only one to represent Africa.

Here’s what the Guardian said in their article entitled, ‘Insiders’ guide to the world’s best shops’

“Africa Nova, Cape Town: Stylish, ethically sourced souvenirs that won’t make your home look like a fresh-from-a-gap-year student pad can be harder to hunt down than a black rhino when you’re holidaying in South Africa. But help is at hand from Africa Nova in Cape Town, says Sandra Fairfax, cazenove+loyd’s local shopping expert. “It’s a treasure trove of African artefacts from across the continent”, she says. A local answer to the Conran Shop (which, incidentally, stocked work by some of the shop’s artists when it hosted a celebration of South African design a few years ago), this is the place to find, among other things, felt “rock” cushions by Ronel Jordaan (from £82) or orchid silver earrings by Nic Bladen (£355).”

The driving force behind Africa Nova is Margie Murgatroyd, whose renowned ability to source a blend of art, craft and contemporary design sets her shops firmly apart. She calls it “New African” – a house style that is urban, edgy and vibrant, with echoes of the traditional forms of old Africa.

The UK Telegraph put it as perfectly when they described Africa Nova as “The most chic shop in South Africa, run by Zimbabwean Margie Murgatroyd, who has an eye for sleek shapes, compelling colour and the hottest young designers who make pieces by hand. Seriously covetable stuff.”

We agree and congratulate Africa Nova on their international recognition and suggest you drop into Cape Grace and see what’s on our shelves. Alternatively, visit Africa Nova at 72 Waterkant Street in Cape Town and at Casa Labia, Muizenberg.

Keep your eyes peeled each month for our artist exposés.