"The Maasai instilled in me a sense of shape, color and design"

Carolyn Roumeguere grew up with the African Maasai tribe. They instilled in her a sense of shape, color and design from a young age, as she spent hours threading beads while her mother, a social anthropologist, explored the mysteries of their society. Roumeguere collected beads, rocks and seeds, filling little boxes with treasures, which she would often turn into necklaces.

In her twenties Roumeguere worked internationally as a model and continued to collect trinkets from around the world, creating necklaces for friends. After a decade she decided to move in a different direction and collate her unique childhood memories, putting pen to paper.

In order to write, Roumeguere returned to Africa, building a hut on the edge of the Mara River. In order to support herself she put together a collection of necklaces which sparked global interest and before long she was threading more beads than words.

Roumeguere works with a group of Maasai women and uses their expert techniques while utilizing precious gemstone beads and gold. Everything Roumeguere does relates back to Maasai culture and with the women who help to create her necklaces, she produces a collection of clothing and accessories to provide them with income.

Most recently Roumeguere has found inspiration in Jaipur, fascinated by their timeless tradition of jewelry, she explains: "I love taking African pieces like the Dinka warrior s bone rings and having hand-cut Indian diamonds set into them, bringing together the raw beauty Africa has to offer and the subtle and delicate elegance of India".

CoutureLab has a collection of one-off pieces which have all been handmade by Carolyn Roumeguere in her Maasai studio.

African Dreams

After a remarkable childhood spent living with the Maasai tribe in Kenya, Africa continues to lie close to jewelry designer Carolyn Roumeguere's heart.

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