Category: Exhibitions

Geared For Design Indaba 2014!

Design MonarchyLeave a comment

“It’s that time of the year again! The Design Indaba Expo, South Africa’s premier showcase of high-end design and homegrown wares, starts this Friday!”

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Rose and I are super excited and geared for this year’s Indaba – especially considering that host city Cape Town is boasting with an impressive new title: World Design Capital 2014! I’m sure we can expect some awesome Design Capital related happenings at this year’s expo.

Further adding to our excitement: The Design Tabloid has, like last year, received media accreditation for the 2014 Indaba and we will not only be attending the Expo but also the Conference Simulcast!

I got all lyrical about the conference last year… it’s just SO amazing! The Conference is an opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the world’s foremost creatives, thought leaders, entrepreneurs and trendsetters. It’s THE not-to-be-missed creative inspiration event of the year.

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“Dubbed ‘the Conference on Creativity‘, the Design Indaba Conference is all about how design, creativity and innovation can positively impact the world. In 2013 the likes of Creative Review editor Patrick Burgoyne said it is ‘perhaps the best design conference in the world‘”

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Design Indaba Conference 2014 takes place from Wednesday 26 February to Friday 28 February 2014. Be sure to check our Twitter & Facebook feeds during this period as we will endeavour to post regular little snippets of our conference experience!

Now, this year’s EXPO promises to be even bigger, cementing the platform’s position as the go-to destination for taking the pulse of South African creativity. To get you all psyched for this year’s Indaba here is some highlights from the horse’s mouth…

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“For 28 hours, over three days next weekend (Friday 28 February to Sunday 2 March) the Cape Town International Convention Centre will be abuzz with things to see, do, experience, make, create, shop, eat – it’s the ultimate inspirational indulgence.”

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Design Indaba Expo’s distinguishing characteristics are two-fold: it showcases exceptional design across all the creative disciplines (from architecture to jewellery design, fashion, visual art, craft, industrial design and everything in between); and it sets an exceptionally high professional standard. More than 400 exhibitors will be strutting their creative stuff this year with some 20% of these being first-time exhibitors at Expo. The always-popular Emerging Creatives platform again promises to bear testament to the scope of ingenious young designers in South Africa

I also can’t wait to see the nominations for this year’s MBOISA (Most Beautiful Object In South Africa) awards in the flesh (you can take a peek at the nominees: here). The there is the fashion shows, delicious food & pop-up restaurants, workshops, talks, and of course the exciting Design Indaba FilmFest and MusicCircuit. And that is just the tip of the iceberg! Here’s the full programme to further indulge your creative anticipation.

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Design Indaba EXPO at the Cape Town International Convention Centre

  • Friday 28 February 2013 10:00 – 20:00
  • Saturday 1 March 2013 10:00 – 20:00
  • Sunday 2 March 2013 10:00 – 18:00

EXPO Tickets available at the door or through Computicket

  • Adults: R80
  • Pensioners and students: R60
  • Scholars (Ages 10 – 18): R45
  • Children under 10: Free

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Who’s Going To The Trunk Show?

Design Monarchy1 Comment

There is an exciting new first happening this weekend in Cape Town… the first ever Ideas Magazine Trunk Show! Now as you might know from previous articles, we here at Design Monarchy love our Ideas Mag – so this is a a show we dare not miss!

Ideas Magazine Trunk Show - The Design Tabloid (1)

It is set to be an awesome boutique showcase of locally-made bespoke home décor and accessories, unique handmade and crafted items, as well as originally designed wares. Many of the vendors and exhibitors attending the Trunk Show this year have previously been featured in Ideas Magazine, and their work will be showcased at the show in a visually amazing space created by the Ideas team.

One of the things Rose and I are most excited about is the fact that the Ideas team create 99% of the DIY items featured in the magazine and this is a once off opportunity to purchase them! 

idees mat.tif“One of the biggest global trends at the moment is the ‘handmade movement’, reflecting people’s need for personalisation in a world of mass-produced products,” says Ideas magazine editor Terena le Roux.

“DIY has replaced DKNY, so much so that almost half the adults in the US regularly practise DIY and in the UK, the market has grown by 33% over the last 5 years,” says le Roux.  “Where craft was once seen as old fashioned, there has been a shift to authentic, one-off products and the growing amount of successful craft markets and on-line craft shops and marketplaces show that there is a market for modern, well-crafted products.”

“Whether you love to create, or are just inspired by the extraordinary craft of others, the Ideas Magazine Trunk Show is a unique browse-and-buy experience that personally introduces the creations of over 20 talented exhibitors to an audience ever on the hunt for handmade and niche products for yourself and for your home,” says le Roux.

Here’s a peak at some of the exhibitors at the Ideas Magazine Trunk Show:

•     Mitat – bespoke home decor products with designed and screen-printed fabric and paper

•     Dots Quilts – paradise for quilters and quilt-lovers alike

•     Oscar W Designs – retro and vintage style crates, furniture and signs

•     Vintage collectables

•     Biscuit Scout – hand-knitted décor items

•     Bokke & Blomme – expressive decor accessories spelled out in ‘word’   format

•     Cape Craft – the go-to source for decorative punches, stencils and anything laser-cut or engraved

•     Photoblox – get your favourite Instagram, Facebook or digital photo printed on a wooden block

•     Nicoletta – sweet inspirations for smashing cakes that shimmer, sparkle and bedazzle

•     Peg & Thread – beautiful hand-made sewing, knitting and creative kits in vintage-chic packaging

Before or after a look and a shop, guests can have a bite to eat in the Lodge’s vintage dining room or sip on a glass of wine in the show’s wine lounge. Also on sale will be difficult-to-source craft equipment.

Ideas Trunk Show:

When:  Saturday 13 July, 9h00-17h00, and Sunday 14 July 9h00-16h00

Where:  Simondium Country Lodge, Paarl-Franschhoek Road (R45)

Cost: R30

Tickets can be purchased at the door or directly from Taheerah Abrahams at Ideas magazine, email Taheera.Abrahams@media24.com or call 021 408 3837

For more information log onto www.ideasmag.co.za Look for the Ideas magazine page on Facebook www.facebook.com/Ideasmag or follow @Ideas_magazine on Twitter.

Design Indaba 2013: Through Rose-Tinted Glasses

Rose McClementLeave a comment

Time flashes past so unbelievably fast. It’s almost scary. Right now, to me, it feels as if Design Indaba 2013 was long ago, instead of a month ago. Nevertheless, we are keeping it alive going forward into 2013.

Marica has done her take on the Expo (read it: here) and now it is my turn to deliver my take on the Expo, highlighting a few exhibitors that stood out for me. Saying this though, by no means diminishes any of the other many exhibitors. They were without exception, totally amazing in the presentation of their products.

Design Indaba buzzes with the most astounding creative energy and the exhibition stands are mind blowing in their presentation. I really mean that!! The only pity is that due to the immense number of visitors to the stands, being able to get up close and appreciate all the details of not only the exhibition, but the product, is not always possible. And also there is that unspoken pressure brought on by the same crowds (plus the achy back and feet)… to move on. These very same missed details, I was only able to fully appreciate when I sat down to work through all the images taken by our fab photographer, Laurita Smal. All that is left to say is: KUDOS TO EACH CREATIVE EXHIBITOR. YOU GUYS ROCK AND MAKE OUR CHESTS SWELL WITH PRIDE.

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One of the interesting suitcases that formed part of the ABSA gallery | Photo: The Design Tabloid
The vintage and whimsy-looking Elizabeth Galloway Academy’s fashion “laboratory” | Photo: Laurita Smal
Elizabeth Galloway Academy’s fashion “laboratory” | Photo: The Design Tabloid
The adorable “Deep Sheep” | Photo: The Design Tabloid
Sandy Godwin’s delicate lace-like ceramic creations | Photo: The Design Tabloid
Some gorgeous rustic ceramics from Stoor | Photo: The Design Tabloid
Memphis Meets Africa | Photo: Laurita Smal
Memphis Meets Africa | Photo: Henk Hattingh
Memphis Meets Africa | Photo: Laurita Smal
Memphis Meets Africa | Photo: Laurita Smal

THE ABSA GALLERY:  Artists participating in the exhibition were previous top 100 Absa L’Atelier entrants – some have travelled abroad whilst others have only travelled locally. They then presented the story of their travels in a small vintage suitcase, of which there were so many to view. The one that I could relate to was this one in the image – it obviously tells of an interesting time spent in Italy. So clever.

ELIZABETH GALLOWAY ACADEMY OF FASHION DESIGN:  Their exhibition stand took the form of a ‘laboratory’. It was fascinating, enchanting and captivating. They had a good few design workstations going on, with fashion designers working on their craft, surrounded by the tools of their trade. I went back to their exhibition twice, just to ensure that the gorgeous little details I missed first time round, had another opportunity to be enjoyed. This exhibition spoke absolute volumes about creative flair and inspired leadership in the world of fashion design. I just could not get enough of it.

DEEP SHEEP:  Their product – WOOL. Oh man – they had dem sheep dressed up as various and intriguing characters. Quirky always catches my eye and allows my imagination to develop my own story. I simply admire the ingenious imagination of marketing their product using these sheep characters. I was so sorely tempted to walk away with one of dem sheep. Particularly the gal flaunting her pearl necklace.

CERAMISTS  –  SANDY GODWIN  &  STOOR:   In fact, as I sit here and write, I realise that the work of these two ceramists were on opposite ends of the spectrum. Amazing what one is attracted to and shows that there is indeed a market of each. Sandy Godwin’s work is ‘laced’ (excuse the pun) with detailed intricacies – lace work that is delicately classy and yet totally sassy. My mind could not cope with how much time such fine work must take. Stoor’s work on the other hand is more rustic and rugged looking. It is has that kinda ‘handsome rugby player’ appeal to it. When applying that antiqued, worn look to a piece of furniture, the technique requires one to rub on some dark finish to make it look as if the grit & dust has become lodged in the little nooks. Stoor has created that same type of finish to their ceramic pieces.  So cool in my books.

LI EDELKOORT’S AFRICANA MEMPHIS:  I am such an admirer of Li Edelkoort and this year she curated an exhibition stand (sponsored by Woolworths). Short of repeating the same ole adjectives to find expression, I have to say, it was something else. It was so different and one had to take time out to read about the arising Neo Memphis trend that Li is opening up to public awareness, to be able to appreciate the vibrancy of the display. The added value was that Africana flavour and style. If I say ‘totem’ what comes to your mind? American Indian totem poles?? Think again – the totem in this case is all about the layering of textures, colours, styles, designs and more.

Did you attend the Design Indaba 2013 Expo? If you did what or who was it that caught your eye? And if you didn’t manage to get there this year, do all you can to get there in 2014.  Sell whatever of your stuff to get a ticket, but just get there.  You will be blown away by the level of creativity that is to be found in South Africa.

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Design Indaba 2013 Awesomeness

Design Monarchy3 Comments

By Marica

Okay, so I know you guys and gals are just dying for some Design Indaba Expo feedback! As both Rose and I had to juggle the Design Indaba Conference, Expo, and our day job, I did the Expo circuit in a new personal best of two hours! Let me tell you something… you can only say “wow” and “that’s beautiful” so many times in the span of two hours before you head explodes at the sheer awesomeness.

The Emerging Creatives, for instance, where so super dooper talented this year that Rose and I agreed that to write one summary post for them all just won’t cut it. So in the months to come we hope to feature our favourites individually and that way keep the spirit of Design Indaba burning a little longer. But, in the meantime, here are some things I oohed and ahhed about at the Design Indaba Expo 2013…

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Entrance to Design Indaba Expo 2013 | Photo: Henk Hattingh via Design Indaba
The Cape Town Fashion Council section… love the hanger chandeliers! | Photo: Laurita Smal
Mungo & Jemima | Photo: Laurita Smal
Some colourful lasercut loveliness from Artymiss! | Photo: Laurita Smal
The beautiful Artymiss stand | Photo: Laurita Smal
The El Burro food truck | Photo: Laurita Smal
Loved the whimsical iKhaya stand | Photo: Laurita Smal
iKhaya’s funky pendant lights | Photo: Laurita Smal
Adored this geometric concrete pendant light by 20eight | Image via 20eight
The Makers of Stuff lighting display had everybody grabbing for their cameras | Photo: Laurita Smal
Gorgeous pendant lights by Nina du Plessis | Photo: Laurita Smal
Haldane Martin’s Zulu Mama Chair | Photo: Laurita Smal

I thought the fashion section was especially well planned this year, particularly the Cape Town Fashion Council (CTFC) exhibit – don’t you just love the gold coat hanger chandeliers!

ARTYMISS:  I absolutely adored the Artymiss stand… and so did everybody else – that stand was B.U.S.Y. It’s not surprising though as you could not help but notice the beautifully backlit stand from a distance. Artymiss specialises in most extraordinary whimsical laser-cut paper artwork and stationery – her attention to detail is amazing.

Another ingenious addition to the Expo this year was the food truck convoy which stood amidst strings of twinkly lights. Gourmet street food anyone – YES PLEASE!

IKHAYA:  Have you very stumbled across a shop where you just want to say: “I’ll take it ALL thank you! Ring it up while I get my credit card” Well, that’s how I felt when is saw the iKhaya stand. From the adorable chest of drawers and little cabinets, to the whimsy wood and ceramic figurines and awesome pendant lights… I want it ALL!

20EIGHT:  Okay so I’m a total sucker for gorgeous lighting and the Expo was dripping with abundance of beautiful lighting designs. One of my favourites: a gorgeous geometric pendant light made from lightweight concrete designed by 20Eight – they use the same concrete to make amazing jewellery and funky geometric serveware.

MAKERS OF STUFF:  Then there was the Makers of Stuff (MOS) stand – a whole wall filled with beautiful pendants lights and chandeliers. It became an unintended “photo booth” as one can not walk past the amazing display without asking someone to snap a picture of you striking a pose in front of it!

NINA DU PLESSIS:  I also loved the trendy wall-hung geo pendant lights and gorgeous wooden wall hooks they were hung from designed by interior designer Nina du Plessis. I never had the chance to ask Nina what the lights are made, but I’m assuming it’s some kind of concrete or earthenware.

HALDANE MARTIN:  Lastly, I found the “evolution” of the Haldane Martin Source Chair quite interesting – I’m absolutely loving the newest addition, the Source Upholstered Chair with those stunning wooden legs!

{So who attended the Expo? Buy anything? Tell us about your favourites!}

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Most Beautiful Object in South Africa 2013 Finalists!

Design Monarchy4 Comments

mboisa

“It’s our great pleasure to present the much-anticipated Most Beautiful Object in South Africa (MBOISA) 2013 finalists. Featuring a diverse selection of objects, the MBOISA finalists were nominated by a mix of design journalists and cultural commentators in South Africa.”

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“Every year Design Indaba invites the public to engage with the question of what constitutes beauty through the MBOISA award. More than just an object of visual delight, MBOISA encourage a wider definition of beauty – one that encapsulates attributes such as social significance, economic impact, usability, sustainability and even humour.” – Design Indaba

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- “We know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that’s why the winner is determined by public vote. Vote for your most beautiful object in South Africa, via SMS. The winner will be announced on the afternoon of Sunday 3 March at Design Indaba Expo.The designs of all the MBOISA finalists will be on show at Design Indaba Expo, open to the public from Friday 1 March to Sunday 3 March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.”

{Go to the Design Indaba website (here) for a full description of each finalist’s design and to vote!}

So what do you think, see something you like? Who is going to get your vote?

Wood and Carbon Bike by David Stubbs
Zanzan Umbrella by Gareth Cowden, Babatunde
Gustav Greffrath’s Interpretation of the 1975 Pipeline Gun by Spider Murphy for Dutchmann’s Delft Portfolio
Pebble Dress by Gavin Rajah
Aretha Dress By Sindiso Khumalo
City Press Newspaper, 27 May 2012 edition | Editor, Ferial Haffajee
Visibility Vest by Ronel Jordaan
The Soweto Theatre by Lawrence Chibwe, Afritects Architects
Slice Cutting Board by Jonathan Fundudis, Snapp Design
Mechanical Bureau by Joe Paine
Golden Fold Necklace by Katherine-Mary Pichulik

{All info and images via Design Indaba}

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One week to Design Indaba Expo 2013!

Design Monarchy4 Comments

“Today marks exactly one week, or seven sleeps if you like, until Design Indaba Expo 2013 kicks off – South Africa’s biggest and most prestigious showcase of 100% local design!”

Design Indaba 2013

AND as you can imagine, Rose and I are super dooper excited! The Design Tabloid has, like last year, graciously received media accreditation for the 2013 Indaba and we will not only be attending the Expo but the Conference Simulcast as well *happy dance*

Now if you think the Expo is cool, eish, you should experience the conference… it’s a-freaking-mazing! It makes me all lyrical! Featuring over 30 local and international speakers – it’s three unbelievable days of inspiration and design overload to get your creative juices flowing. The speakers are masters of their industries and disciplines, with knowledge that you will not find on the internet or in a book. Attending last year’s conference was a life-highlight… no kidding.

Design Indaba Conference 2013 takes place from Wednesday 27 February to Friday 1 March 2013. Now, the conference is a little pricey but if it is in you means to go – do it! Alternatively you can attend the Simulcast which is cheaper. You will never regret it.

This year’s EXPO promises to be even bigger, cementing the platform’s position as the go-to destination for taking the pulse of South African creativity. To get you all psyched for this year’s Indaba here is some highlights from the horse’s mouth…

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“For 28 hours, over three days next weekend (Friday 1 March to Sunday 3 March) the Cape Town International Convention Centre will be abuzz with things to see, do, experience, make, create, shop, eat – it’s the ultimate inspirational indulgence.”

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Exhibitors

Design Indaba Expo’s distinguishing characteristics are two-fold: it showcases exceptional design across all the creative disciplines (from architecture to jewellery design, fashion, visual art, craft, industrial design and everything in between); and it sets an exceptionally high professional standard. More than 400 exhibitors will be strutting their creative stuff this year with some 20% of these being first-time exhibitors at Expo. The always-popular Emerging Creatives platform again promises to bear testament to the scope of ingenious young designers in South Africa.

Entertainment

There’s simply too much entertainment happening on the Expo floor to mention it all! From a Miniplex screening three-minute documentaries to all-day fashion shows and music by top South African artists, there’s entertainment for the whole family.

Food

Food trucks are all the rage at the moment, and we’re excited to be having Cape Town’s biggest food truck contingent on the Design Indaba Expo floor! Limoncello, El Burro, The Good Life, Durban’s Finest Curry and The Juice Deli will all be pulling their mobile dining trucks to a stop at Expo.

Equally exciting are the pop-up restaurants that will be, um, popping up at Expo. Beijing Opera, Ma Mere Maison, Queen of Tarts and The Creamery will all be putting in a culinary appearance.

DIY Workshops

Stop-motion movie animation, wind sculpting, animal masks and design school sessions headline the Design Indaba Youth (DIY) workshops this year as the programme takes on an innovative new direction. Click here for the full DIY programme, more details and prices.

Awards

We like to give credit where credit is due and to promote the creative industries by recognising exceptional work. The Most Creative Stand award, the Innovation Award and the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa (MBOISA) award are all manifestations of this commitment.

Talks

See Pecha Kucha-style talks by top design graduates from around the world. There’s also a talk by Anthony Silverston of Triggerfish, the Cape Town animation studio that produced the country’s first feature-length animation film Adventures in Zambezia. Magazine doyenne Jane Raphaely will be talking about her autobiography and the independent UK-based Daniel Charny will be launching his new initiative, Fixperts, in South Africa at the Expo.

And this is by no means the comprehensive list! Here’s the full programme to further indulge your creative anticipation.

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Design Indaba EXPO at the Cape Town International Convention Centre

  • Friday 1 March 2013 10:00 – 20:00
  • Saturday 2 March 2013 10:00 – 20:00
  • Sunday 3 March 2013 10:00 – 18:00

EXPO Tickets available at the door or through Computicket

  • Adults: R70
  • Pensioners and students: R50
  • Scholars (Ages 10 – 18): R40
  • Children under 10: Free

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