Our girl in Paris

WORDS Debbie Loots

We’re so proud of local design talent Mia Widlake, who’ll be jetting off to Paris in September to show her latest creations at Maison et Objet. It’s only one of the many telltale signs that her monochrome range of homeware is going to make all her wildest dreams come true. And who would have thought it all originated from a simple little tea towel?

Back in 2009, Mia Widlake toyed with a couple of design ideas she had for a black and white tea towel. It was just a little experiment, but one that grew so big it turned into her successful design and decor business, Studio no. 19. Now she’s off to Paris in September to present her gorgeous wares at the renowned Maison et Objet trade show.  And if that’s not enough, before she departs for France Mia’s also squeezing another trade show – Inspire, happening in Jozi in July.

By now you’ve probably cottoned on to her penchant for monochromatic muted colours. Considering her previous ceramic ranges and other products (not to mention her blanket collaboration with Mr. Price) we bet that her newest collection will feature few, if any, bright hues.

“I may have colour commitment issues,” says Mia. “When I was younger I went to see an iridologist, and one of the first things she told me after looking into my eyes was that I needed more colour in my life. I was 19. I constantly wear neutrals and decorate with neutrals. It’s always been a thing. I’ve tried unsuccessfully to live with colour, but am happy to say that I own the odd yellow shirt.”

And, it’s her natural inclination towards a neutral colour palette that seems to be the motif underpinning Mia’s free and happy experimenting with all kinds of mediums and techniques.

Her ceramics are inspired by her love of typography, old illustrations, botany and history. She designs tea towels, of which most ideas are still in production, to lights and furniture. She also sources items for decorators and individuals looking for very specific items, does styling for select advertising campaigns, and works with other designers, architects and companies to design restaurant interiors, textiles and ceramics.

Her regular collaborations with friends Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog from interior design studio Anatomy saw them recently freshening up the interior, product range and brand identity of a restaurant and retail store in the Midlands.

“I also collaborate with many crafts people and manufacturers to make my own products, as well as those that I design for others. I love that we can make anything happen; in South Africa we have the capacity to manufacture anything. We can’t lose sight of our goals to keep things locally made, just because it’s easier and cheaper to make things in India or China.”

Which is why Mia is so pleased to have collaborated with Mr. Price on the special locally manufactured blanket which was also one of the 100 most beautiful objects at 100% DesignSA.

“I had initially planned another design but my emotions took over. It’s my tribute to a very special person. Its might not be immediately apparent that it’s dedicated to Nelson Mandela, but that is what I wanted. His generous spirit was infectious and impacted each one of us. But he also had a great sense of humour and hopefully it serves his memory well.”

How serendipitous that a little tea towel found itself in the hands of such a talented designer back in 2009. 

miawidlake.com