Invitation of the week

At VISI we’re frequently receiving invitations to launches, events, exhibitions and the like.

This morning, managing editor Alma Viviers was greeted by a seemingly tasteful brown cardboard box on her desk from Chris Weylandt’s. Intrigue quickly turned to horror as she opened it to discover the most revoltingly kitsch wooly pig buried in a nest of shredded raffia paper. Her shriek of disgust was audible throughout the building. How could a brand renowned for its refined taste associate itself with such a monstrosity? It seemed unfathomable, until she read the invitation printed on the inside of the box: 

“YOU’RE INVITED…

To help us rid the world of bad taste. One tacky piece at a time.

Please, in the name of all things beautiful, dispose of the object accompanying this invitation. We bought it at a thrift shop, where the money goes to charity – so some benefit has come of the hideous thing. Don’t keep it or re-gift it. Be brave and bin it! That way, it need never lurk in anyone’s home, ever again.

Then join us in celebration of good taste. It’s the opening of The Kitchen and The Tasting Room, at Maison Estate, our Franschoek Home…” 

Kudos to Chris Weylandt’s and their creative agency M&C Saatchi Abel for some great lateral thinking, and for giving us something to chuckle about on this grey Cape Town morning. The pig has been binned, and Alma is expected to make a full recovery.