Mandy Rutherford and Jana van der Spuy visited Design Indaba on 1 March 2013 to see what exactly the hype was about – and what an experience! Loaded with design flair and interesting gadgets, there really was something for everyone.

One of the main attractions was the Woolworths sponsored exhibit showcasing Li Edelkoort, the highly respected trend forecaster, who took a peek into what will be trending in the year ahead. Edelkoort took the bull by its horns when conceptualising her display titled, Totemism: Memphis Meets Africa which asked for submissions from all South African Designers, across all disciplines, with the main aim being to rejuvenate the local design community.  The entire presentation was based on stacking and layering colours, patterns and materials to create a symbolic representation of the meaningful, yet bold 1980s!

Many designers, like Mavromac continued with the patterned fabric trend while Hand made By Me used the Strelitzia* flower – native to South Africa – as inspiration.  

The fashion designers also lived up to expectations with an array of stylish designs showcased on the live catwalk, accompanied by intriguing and energy-filled music.

Another interesting and ‘why didn’t I think of that’ exhibition was the table lamps from The ÖEDS, who fashion hand-made lamps out of seaweed – a true eco- inspiration.

ABSA’s exhibit showcased the work of 30 artists from the Absa L’ Atelier Art Competition, with each artwork encouraging you to ‘travel to different places to broaden your horizon and change your view’. 
Their intriguing and interactive exhibit featuring travel suitcases – similar to the ones used as part of Cape Grace’s Christmas décor – captured the artists’ most memorable moments and objects collected whilst travelling.

Jewellery design was evident throughout the show and if you couldn’t find the perfect piece along the jewellery avenue, you were probably at the wrong show!  Everything from the elegance and fashionable fun at the Shelley and Harry Collection to laser-cut dessert spoon pendants from Anomali to hand-tumbled limpet shell necklaces by Marilyn Jones were on display.  Not the best time to have a maxed-out credit card!

For a new take on lamp shades and lighting, the girls at MOS (Makers Of Stuff) combined pink beech and bamboo to produce their stunning origami Cloud Lights – all 100% Made in Jozi!

And when one needed a moment to relax and recharge, the food court with its array of pop-up restaurant trucks and caravans was the place to be – an informal yet very trendy dining experience catering for all tastes.

Our overall impression was that talent oozes from every corner of our vibrant country and it is clear that we no longer need to feel like the ‘2^nd cousin’ to international designers.  We are, and always will be ‘Proudly South African’.

* Indigenous Strelitzia’s are also used within Cape Grace as part of the floral displays visible in the Reception area as well as in the rooms.