Lisa Christoffersen: Living For Art, Fashion And Adventure
COUTURE Africa|6th Anniversary Edition

Maybe it is because she was born in Africa, but Tanzanian-born Danish Lisa Christoffersen has always had a strong connection with African art and nature. She has made a successful career as an author, an interior designer, an African art curator and as an organiser and hostess of exclusive bush trips. She is as consumed by her passions in her 50’s as she was in her 20’s making her a powerhouse in the Kenyan art scene. We had the luxury of talking to her about her love for African art, her inspiration and what she covets most.

Jackline Mukami
Lisa Christoffersen: Living For Art, Fashion And Adventure

Couture Africa [CA]: First we would love to know what motivated you to move and develop your career here in Kenya.

Lisa Christoffersen [LC]: I was introduced to Art by Dr. Koloss who is quite an authority on African tribal arts and the curator for a tribal art museum in Berlin, Germany. I had the advantage of frequent travels to and from Africa since I used to work for Scandinavian Airlines who back then, was the handling agent for most major airlines. That is how I got to meet Dr. Koloss during one my frequent visits to Africa. He advised me to focus on African art. Which is what I did and when my daughter turned a year old, we moved to Nairobi and I continued with curating. I would buy art from collectors and build up a market which has subsequently grown to where I work with artists and photographers.

CA: You actually moved to Kenya, from Denmark, with 22 suitcases at 22 years of age. Was there any hidden meaning in that?

LC: [Laughs] actually, there was none. I had been a collector for years and it just happened that all the things I had collected or inherited at the time fitted in 22 suitcases. Luckily enough, I used to work for the airlines so that made the transition much easier.

CA: What has fascinated you about Kenya so far?

LC: Kenya has so much to offer. Especially the city. You are living in this beautiful cosmopolitan town that it is full of an eclectic mix of interesting people from all over the world who inspire you. Also, learning the different cultures is quite a wonderful experience.

CA: When it comes to art, where do you draw your inspiration from?

Denne historien er fra 6th Anniversary Edition-utgaven av COUTURE Africa.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra 6th Anniversary Edition-utgaven av COUTURE Africa.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA COUTURE AFRICASe alt
COUTURE CONVERSES WITH SOME GREAT MEN
COUTURE Africa

COUTURE CONVERSES WITH SOME GREAT MEN

As we rally behind the strength and success of a woman, we realise that we cannot do it by ourselves, and we do need the men in our society. ANNE KABICHO and the COUTURE Africa Team caught up with some of these great men - across various fields to talk about work, happiness, purpose and country.

time-read
10 mins  |
The Gentleman's Issue 2019
DIY SKIN CARE FOR HIM
COUTURE Africa

DIY SKIN CARE FOR HIM

One great way to get men into skincare remedies is by easing them into it, and DIY home remedies may just do the trick!

time-read
4 mins  |
The Gentleman's Issue 2019
ACACIA PREMIER HOTEL
COUTURE Africa

ACACIA PREMIER HOTEL

FIRST CLASS SERVICE IN KISUMU

time-read
4 mins  |
The Gentleman's Issue 2019
Neelma Maru
COUTURE Africa

Neelma Maru

Neelma Maru, 37, is an articulate communicator with a warm aura. Our one on one at the newly opened Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi, 1st in Kenya and EA, is part of an upscale Swiss group of 85 hotels in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa. 

time-read
7 mins  |
The Beauty Issue - April 2018
David ‘Tosh' Gitonga
COUTURE Africa

David ‘Tosh' Gitonga

David ‘Tosh’ Gitonga

time-read
6 mins  |
The Beauty Issue - April 2018
What's Your Shade?
COUTURE Africa

What's Your Shade?

I have seen many a red in my time. Some have made me cringe. If it weren’t for the exceptionally high maintenance of red colour, I would run home and shampoo it all off. Some have been stunners, blessedly. You would imagine women with darker complexion would not be able to rick blonde and red shades. Would you be surprised if I told you there is a wide range of colour you can experiment with? 

time-read
3 mins  |
The Beauty Issue - April 2018
Dela Maranga
COUTURE Africa

Dela Maranga

Singer and songwriter Dela Maranga, 29, the girl with the blue hair and advocate of #SelfLove

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2018 - The Beauty Issue
Beauty Is As Beauty Does
COUTURE Africa

Beauty Is As Beauty Does

“Makeup is not a mask that covers up your beauty; it's a weapon that helps you express who you are from the inside.” - Michelle Phan

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2018 - The Beauty Issue
6 In 56 - How 6 Busy Women Can Enjoy 56 Hours In The Bush!!!!
COUTURE Africa

6 In 56 - How 6 Busy Women Can Enjoy 56 Hours In The Bush!!!!

Early Sunday morning 6 ladies got up bright and early headed to Wilson Airport for a much-needed coffee and breakfast at Java at The Aero Club by 7am. The service was terribly slow at JAVA, Sue went onto google maps to find the kitchen!

time-read
7 mins  |
6th Anniversary Edition
Making Lemonade: Mike Makori, 31
COUTURE Africa

Making Lemonade: Mike Makori, 31

MikeMakoriwears many hats; TV presenter, Influencer, MC, and an Entrepreneur. Charismatic, honest andlikeable, Mike displays a sense ofdeeprootedwit that perfectly encapsulates a natural charm. It is hard to imagine he had to overcome a speech impediment.

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2018