Having missed out on The Design Indaba Expo for last couple of years, I was determined to go along this year.  I had to resist the desire to hang around the pool on a hot summer’s day, in favour of The Convention Centre.

Like I said, it has been a good 2 or 3 years since my last Indaba and somehow I cannot recall it being as busy before, as it was on the Sunday.  The exhibition hall isles were buzzing from early morning.

From a Design aspect, as I still carry the expectation of “unique’ design products being exhibited at this Expo (and there were many), what struck me was the density of the commercial atmosphere.  Nevertheless, being unashamedly “Proudly South African” I was thrilled by the abundance of design talent our country produces.

Aden Thomas of Cape Talk made the comment along the lines of it being just a “fancy/larney craft market”.  Something which Jonathan Cherry (Advertising Guru) duly proceeded to endorsed.  Well I cannot share their take on the Expo and would like to point out that there is a difference between handmade products designed and produced by talented people, and craft market items, although both require the passion to craft something.

After four hours, I walked away an exhausted woman, heading straight for that pool at home.

Below are some of the images that struck me for odd reasons and get the “Royal Seal of Awesomeness” from Design Monarchy:

What I have termed the “Cape Town Tour” Cake from Charlie’s Bakery. I could not take my eyes of the details which were so amazingly carved, telling the story of all the magnificent places and people of our country.  I must have walked around it 3 or 4 times.

The BOS Ice Tea “Ice Cream Man’s Cart and Bike” – this has more personal nostalgic value for me – of days gone by when the ice cream man was my favourite visitor to our street most days.  In a time when nostalgia is big, BOS choose this clever “vehicle” for their brand.

Ardmore’s latest development – textiles with their ever famous animale images on it.  I give them the “Royal Seal’ for the appropriate choice of sofa to apply their textile design. I so wanna have this sofa in my house.

Re-Create’s Printers Tray, with glass front door – another nostalgic item, housing novel itsy-bitsy items.  Took me back to my ole printers tray which I gave someone years ago – Damn! Hats off to her for her imaginative use of all things “old/nostalgic”.

The Mexican “Day of the Dead” Skulls, by Nicola of Calavera – never before has a skull looked so impressive. The eyes are rather haunting.

Staying with haunting items – this Rocky Horror Show type light fitting by one of the Emerging Designers, Ashley Wood, just did it for me. Believe it or not, the material is Gauze Bandage.

I salute all the brave Designers and Emerging Designers who put themselves out there by exhibiting their talent at the Expo.  It takes courage to “expose” your talent and passion to the public at large.

For more info check out the Design Indaba’s Website.

Images via Design Indaba & the various designers.

Related Articles

• At Design Indaba XIV (10and5.com)
• Design Indaba: Expo, Conference & Filmfest Cape Town, South Africa (apartmenttherapy.com)
• Design Indaba 2011: Design Kist (thedesigntabloid.com)