New at 100% Design South Africa
Introductions and innovations make this year’s show the most exciting yet
This year marks the fifth installment of 100% Design South Africa – the country’s premier design show, organised by Reed Exhibitions and curated by Platform Creative Agency. Opening this week, Wednesday 8 August and running until Sunday 12 August, the show will bring the best residential, office and hospitality design by leading local talents and international brands together under one roof, in a dynamic showcase of design excellence.
Each year 100% Design South Africa serves as an opportunity for exhibitors to expand their audiences and an ideal platform from which to launch fresh new products and collections – always a highlight of the programme. A result of creative directors Cathy O’Clery and Laurence Brick’s innovative approach, the show aims to inspire and educate through interactive experiences and exhibits that are curated in such a way as to engage the audience. O’Clery believes that South African designers’ strong narrative and sense of soul sets them apart on a global stage. “The South African design industry has an otherness shaped by its diversity, cultural value and enterprising identity,” she comments on the ever-evolving and growing variety of products on show.
Furniture
Neil G Studio’s self-described bold and authentic style will be evident in three new designs from its 2018 range – the Suzi chair, Fran table and Cactus Jack stand – in addition to a piece that will form part of the inaugural Designing in Wood exhibit. The two-by-two chair will be crafted from standard lengths of 2×2-inch South African pine – timber used predominantly in the building industry using traditional woodworking methods and basic tools, an approach which he hopes will inspire a break from the limitations placed on artists to make use of only high-grade wood as a raw material.
James Mudge, a designer known for clean lines and a commitment to craft, will introduce the Campari Drinks Cabinet whose painted interior is a departure for him, and inspired by the hues of classic cocktails.
From Generation come designs from European brand Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, where tradition and innovation live alongside one another thanks to an approach that anticipates modern design, while at the same time honours craft. The stand will feature the latest award-winning designs as well as some traditional pieces.
Debuting new designs prior to showing them in Paris in September, Meyer Von Wielligh’s furniture will be displayed in tandem with willowlamp (for the third time at 100% Design South Africa), a collaboration that highlights each designer’s distinctive aesthetic.
Lighting
willowlamp’s 2018 collection continues to offer a talking point for design and lighting aficionados. Included in the new 2018 range and being seen for the first time in Johannesburg are two new statement chandeliers, as well as some smaller pieces. Love Clovers, a voluptuous four-piece collection inspired by the four-leaf clover, and the Windchime, a poetic interpretation of traditional bamboo wind chimes illuminated by numerous multilayered LEDs, will be among the new pieces on show.
Bringing its ethos of functionality and commitment to local manufacturing to a host of new releases, Mother City Hardware is expanding to offer a broader range of home products, such as lighting (including a standing lamp and pendant), in addition to furniture and smaller accessories. The brand’s products can be collected from its headquarters at Tiny Empire (37 Buitenkant Street) in Cape Town, a coworking space also conceived by Mother City Hardware cofounders Marco Simal and Justin Rhodes, which has garnered interest from the international press and been seen on Mr Porter and BMW Global. For those not based in Cape Town, assistance is provided for national orders. Watch this space for the brand’s new bathroom hardware, coming soon.
Textiles
The sole local distributor of Phillip Jeffries premium wallcoverings, Fabcote will be showing the brand-new Arboretum collection from the US brand in South Africa for the first time, with the one-of-a-kind Lilies design front and centre. The handcrafted wallcovering features tactile paper lotuses placed against a natural background to create a unique three-dimensional texture.
From Dreamweaver Studios you can expect a range of new products from its international fabric brands, ranging from Finnish house Marimekko’s distinctive and graphic designs to Masureel’s new ZOOM collection, which combines high-quality up-to-date designs with an accessible price point. Also look out for luxe fabrics from Spanish brand Alhambra’s new Haiku and Magara ranges (which channel Japanese and ethnic African influences respectively into very contemporary textiles).
Peppertree, having merged recently with beloved brand Design Team, incorporates an African spirit in its globally inspired fabric and leather accessories and textiles. They’ll be presenting new scatter cushions at100% Design South Africa this year.
Newly formed textile company Smtng Good Studio straddles the line between art and design with its collectible limited-edition blankets. Created in collaboration with local artists and illustrators Renée Rossouw, Janet Lightbody, Karabo Poppu Moletsane, Fran Labuschagne and Tammy Joubert, the seemingly playful pieces each hold deeper meaning.
Ceramics
Louise Gelderblom’s entirely handmade one-off artworks, which range vastly in size from delicate pinch pots to large sculptural pieces, celebrate an urban African aesthetic and feature distinct mark making. While no design is ever the same, at the show she’ll be showing new pieces that explore her current thinking, including a series called “Not a flower pot”.
Highlighting the natural beauty of its raw materials through its elegant handcrafted ceramics and lighting, Mud Studio’s tactile and earthy style is internationally admired. This year at 100% Design South Africa they will showcase their new organic ranges.
Rugs
A champion of distinctive high-quality rugs, Voke has designed its latest carefully considered collection specifically with the South African consumer in mind. Focusing on craft, with designs sourced and handmade around the globe, the range has common themes of bold pattern, rich texture and earthy tones.
Launching officially at 100% Design South Africa, Belgotex’s new online custom rug design service Yudu is a flooring game changer in that it allows the customer to create rugs to their exact specifications – from size, style and colour, right down to the trim– locally produced within 14 days and delivered directly to the customer.
Office
Raw Studios’ modern modular designs are created with the contemporary workspace in mind using sustainably sourced materials – to facilitate engagement, encourage collaboration and connection and offer easy storage. This year the studio will be immersing visitors in its new projects and products via 360-degree virtual walk-throughs and behind-the-scenes insights.
