Development by Design presents _SPHERE, an internationally focused showcase of top local design, at 100% Design South Africa

The best of inspiring South African and international design is set to be showcased at 100% Design South Africa, which takes place from 6 to 10 August 2015 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, alongside Decorex Joburg.

 

South Africa’s only international design show, 100% Design South Africa, in conjunction with headline sponsor Dauphin HumanDesign® Group, promises to enthrall visitors with its superbly curated displays and a lineup that comprises top global design brands alongside local design stars.

 

One of the highlights of this year’s show is the exhibition, _SPHERE, presented by Dutch initiative Development by Design, which will display a curated selection of products that represent the best in South African design.

 

Development by Design is a programme that enables small and medium businesses in South Africa to develop and grow. Nearly 30 entrepreneurs are participating in the project, taking design studio or manufacturing companies to the next level, and onwards to the export market.

 

It was established in South Africa by the Dutch Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), in partnership with the Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI) and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA). Together, these partners promote local entrepreneurs at local shows and international trade fairs.

 

Says CBI’s Irene Vermeulen, the curator of _SPHERE at 100% Design South Africa: “We have chosen products that stand out for their sculptural qualities, form and scale. They are made of materials with texture, touched by the hand of the maker. Natural and sustainable materials have been used to create these statement pieces for the interior.”

 

_SPHERE will showcase 17 South African companies:

 

• Minima is a Cape Town company that uses cutting edge manufacturing technologies to create sculptural wooden lamps.
• Contemporary forms meet minimalism with the competitive advantage of being flat packed.

 

• Skinny Laminx from Cape Town boasts their signature patterns in fabrics and home textiles. Their latest creative brainchild, Diggi Dot, will be shown at the exhibition. Hand screen-printed onto cotton linen blends using environmentally responsible ink.

 

• Saks Corner shows African design and Scandinavian style make an interesting combination, by introducing their new ‘Afriscan’ range of coffee tables.

 

• Durban-based Africa!Ignite is presenting their ‘Langazela’ range of cushion covers using reinvented traditional patterns, hand embroidered by women in rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal.

• Cape Town-based Meyer von Wielligh understands wood, and are showing their MUD coffee table, a new addition to their highly acclaimed MUD range, with organic form wooden top and metal feet.

 

• Mungo Designs, based in Plettenberg Bay, and renowned for their quality towels and textiles, will show new colour ways and patterns to their already highly acclaimed Itawuli range, all woven using natural fibres on restored traditional looms. Mungo are synonymous with the melding of traditional manufacturing methods and contemporary design and styling.

 

• Indigi Designs are launching a new set of side tables, made of black metal, and a new range of fabrics, all in theirr signature style.

 

• De Steyl are showing their cleverly and beautifully made storage units, the 2DO range, with surface patterns designed by Renée Rossouw capturing the essence of Memphis meets Africa.

 

• George-based Veneer Concepts has applied their exquisite traditional wood veneer techniques into a nested set of side tables, with a copper metal base. The application of contemporary design to traditional techniques makes these products a signature example of ‘development by design’, and an exciting new direction for Veneer Concepts.

 

• Cape Town company Beloved Beadwork’s exquisite and original beadwork is launching some amazing XL showpieces; small sculptures for the home.

 

• Design Afrika is all about baskets, showing a range of statement pieces, Buhera and Bulawayo gourds hand woven in Zimbabwe and giving Binky Newman’s trademark a contemporary twist.

 

• Johannesburg-based Evolution Projects uses historical imagery and narratives, and together with the latest in print technology, translates this into contemporary design for the home. Their fern print on textiles will launch at the exhibition.

 

• Feeling African is making a statement with their sculptural metal wire chair in a lush green colour. Clever design for both indoor and outdoor, as two or more chairs make a great bench. Technology meets tradition.

 

• Lidi Ada Naturals create eye catcher lamps made of feathers and other natural materials. Their love and respect for nature is clearly evident in the quality of finish and detail in each piece. Each ‘sphere’ is skilfully hand crafted in the Western Cape.

 

• Vogel Designs is showing their Moove and Cape Star range of solid wood side tables, real signature pieces from this design house, taking inspiration from petals, flowers and plants. Nature-inspired design meets traditional hand skills meets technology.

 

• Cowgirlblues is applying their outstanding dyeing techniques onto precious materials such as mohair and wool. Their knitted textiles are statement pieces for the home.

 

• Guideline Manufacturing’s Horizon table is a real statement, from whatever angle you look at it. A metal ‘landscape’ supports the glass top, and holds the wooden legs. Quality craftsmanship, contemporary design and cutting edge technology combine in this amazing piece.

 

ABOUT CBI AND DEVELOPMENT BY DESIGN

The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) is part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. CBI’s mission is to contribute to sustainable economic development in developing countries through the expansion of exports from these countries.

 

CBI focuses on the link between producing exporters and European buyers. The centre contributes to strengthening the competitive position of exporters sustainably, assisting them in trading on the European markets. CBI believes export growth from developing countries will contribute to poverty reduction.

 

In South Africa, CBI is running an export-coaching programme for exporters in home decoration, home textiles, and small furniture. The project, titled ‘Development by Design’ started in 2013, with nearly 30 entrepreneurs participating. By coaching and training, they have developed their competencies and knowledge. Besides guiding these exporters to export markets, CBI also facilitates participation in regional and local trade fairs.