In the hands of Stellenbosch’s Mia Mélange, humble cotton rope becomes sculpture. Their hand-stitched baskets and bags balance function and feeling – woven with precision, colour, and the quiet joy of human craft.
Meet the basket that’s too beautiful to store laundry. Handcrafted in Stellenbosch from 100% South African cotton rope, Mia Mélange has become synonymous with sculptural homeware that blends function, form, and feeling. Each piece – whether basket, bowl, or bag – is coiled with intention, stitched with care, and finished with joy.
Founded in 2014 by textile designer Mia Danieli, the brand’s very name – Mélange, French for “mixture” – hints at its roots in diversity and design. Today, under the thoughtful leadership of Jeanneke Malan, an architect turned entrepreneur, the studio has grown into a purpose-driven community of women artisans whose work weaves meaning into every line.
“Every basket, bag, and piece we make is shaped by real people, with real hands, care, and skill,” Jeanneke says. “What drives us isn’t only the making itself, but the people behind it: their growth, their pride, and their sense of belonging.”
This ethos turns simple materials into something far greater: an act of connection between maker and home, hand and heart. For Mia Mélange, craft is both a livelihood and a language of care.
Every piece begins as cotton rope, stitched into sculptural forms with meticulous precision. It’s an elegant dance between strength and softness… the resilience of the rope meeting the grace of handcraft. Tight, even stitches ensure structure; subtle dye variations reveal the hand of the maker.
“One thing we never compromise on is quality,” Jeanneke explains. “Each stitch is done with care and intention, because it carries the pride of the person who made it and the trust of the person who will use it. If the stitch isn’t right, the piece isn’t ready.”
Walk into the Mia Mélange studio and you’ll find as much laughter as labour. Between the hum of sewing machines and the rhythm of coiling cotton, there’s celebration… of milestones, birthdays, and small wins.
“Sometimes it’s a staff party, sometimes it’s a dance break in the middle of the day,” Jeanneke laughs. “At the heart of it all is one principle: we focus on making every person on our team feel seen, appreciated, and special. When our makers feel celebrated, that energy flows straight into the craft itself.”
It’s this sense of shared joy that gives each piece its warmth. You don’t just see it, you feel it.
A Mia Mélange piece carries more than colour and texture; it carries impact. The brand’s commitment to craftsmanship has created meaningful work opportunities in Stellenbosch and beyond – a testament to design as both beauty and progress.
“We hope our craft makes everyday life feel a little warmer and more thoughtful. A basket isn’t just storage – it can bring calm to a messy corner. A bag isn’t just something you carry – it can give you confidence as you head out the door.”
Each object becomes a small act of intention – design that lives gently, looks beautiful, and uplifts the community that made it.
The future of Mia Mélange is as vibrant as its rope palette. With the launch of Mia Africa, a new retail concept that features 49 local brands, Jeanneke and her team are extending their mission of celebrating African craftsmanship.
“It’s all about building community and celebrating African makers together,” Jeanneke explains. “And as for what’s next… keep an eye on our socials, because our next store might just pop up closer to you than you think.”
Visit Mia Mélange
Drop by the Mia Mélange Studio + Showroom in Stellenbosch to see the full collection in person, or explore their latest designs online.
- Address: 44 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Website: miamelange.com
- Instagram: @miamelange
- Facebook: facebook.com/miamelange
- Pinterest: pinterest.com/miamelangesa/
