If you've ever stayed at Cape Town's Silo Hotel or South Africa's Singita Lodge, you may have seen elegant woven baskets tucked discreetly under your sink or by your bedside. . These are the work of sisters Mo and Michelle Moccone of Pretoria-based decoration company Mo's Crib.
Courtesy of Mo's Crib
This innovation won the sisters an award for Best New Product on the Market and led to the launch of Mo's Crib in 2016. Today, their products, including laundry and storage baskets, place mats, trays, flower pots and wall art, some of which are made from natural fibers such as sisal, are sold in major retailers across South Africa and online. Masu. Distribution began in the U.S. in 2021 through Crate & Barrel, and in January of this year, it also began distribution at Target.
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Some designs, like the “spark orange” basket, are a celebration of South Africa’s vibrant visual culture, says Moe. In contrast, the sisters' distinctive black and white lines are said to represent the unity of different races, a humanist concept that means “I am here because of you.'' It was inspired by his Ubuntu.
Courtesy of Mo's Crib
In September, the sisters will debut new baskets made from banana tree bark at Crate & Barrel. But their ambitions don't stop there. “We really want to have our own retail store,” says Michelle. She said, “One day I want to look back and say, “This was a dream, and now it's here.''
A version of this story first appeared in the September 2023 issue of the magazine. travel + leisure Under the heading “Tickets, Tasks.”
