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Arkivio: Mirrors & Lighting Inspired by Zulu Culture
Founded in 2014 by long-time friends Lance Surgeson and Paul Rabinowitz, Arkivio has evolved into one of South Africa's leading luxury brands for custom mirrors and lighting, bringing to life their shared vision to design and manufacture locally.
At the heart of every Arkivio piece is a passion for craftsmanship fused with modern African design. Transitioning from your proverbial garage startup to a large-scale atelier on South Africa’s East Coast, the brand draws deep inspiration from its home in Durban. The region’s rich Zulu culture has become a defining influence in their latest work.
"For the last 10 years we’ve balanced our efforts between creating design collections and developing world-class international manufacturing so we can self-produce all our work. Our business goals have always included making an impact in our community by creating jobs and upskilling our team of artisans. This is at the core of Arkivio and drives our business forward."
THE ISIBO COLLECTION
The Isibo Collection weaves threads of craft and function to create unique mirrors and lighting inspired by Africa. These sculptural designs adapt African craft elements to fit modern living spaces, featuring distinct silhouettes hand-wrapped with cord, beads or leather, intertwined in a dance around the mirror. Take a look at how the design process comes together in these meticulous sketches and swatches.
THE LUKIWE COLLECTION
The Lukiwe Collection is centered on the woven form: an ode to traditional craft, reimagined through a contemporary lens. Clean lines, natural tones, and handcrafted construction give each piece a grounded yet modern presence.
Both the Isibo and Lukiwe collections are fully customizable, supported by a digital library of high-definition textures and finishes. These designs have become highly sought-after in the growing luxury safari sector. Arkivio has customized unique solutions for prestigious clients, including &Beyond, Singit and Luxury Frontiers, as well as numerous private lodges across Southern Africa.
CUSTOM DEEP FRAME MIRRORS
Beyond their African-inspired pieces, Arkivio also offers custom deep frame mirrors. Round, oval, square, oblong, black frame, bronze frame... you name it, Arkivio can do it. You can even choose the depth of the frame and whether you’d like it front- or back-lit.
WHY WE LOVE ARKIVIO
We love Arkivio because mirrors and lighting can absolutely transform a space. And with customization at the heart of the ethos, we can craft something absolutely unique and special for your space. Shape, frame, color, size… there are so many possibilities. You can match mirrors and lighting if you want a really striking impact. Arkivio’s African modern aesthetic and commitment to excellence, ensures that every piece reflects their, and our, ethos.
All images courtesy of @arkivio_