Cape Town pops up in Jozi

WORDS & PHOTOS: Lisa Johnston

We dropped by the STAD pop-up shop to see if it was still pumping. With designers struggling to keep shelves stocked, it seems Jozi can’t get enough of Cape Town’s finest and most affordable design talent.

Extending it’s run at 70 Juta St, Braamfontein, until 20 December 2012, STAD’s gorgeous home-grown products range from jewellery to furniture, T-shirts, ceramics and art illustrations. That the stock is flying from the small space, is not surprising given that the price relative to the quality and originality of the products is very reasonable.

Initiated by Jarrad Nelson, also co-owner of Dark Horse, the aim of STAD is to showcase work from one city in another, “allowing for greater connectively, awareness and support of local talent”. It’s a concept that’s bound to take off among independent designers hoping to extend their networks across the country. It would be fabulous to see this kind of concept taking off on an international basis.

Says Jarrad: “The idea behind the name came from how we see the concept of the shared space – transitional and moving, from one place to another; from city to city – stad to stad.”

The brands that make up STAD include:

• Dark Horse: A design company making apparel, furniture and homeware that aims to supply elegant design that doesn’t cost a fortune, particularly for small spaces. Founded by interior designer Lise du Plessis and architect Jarrad Nelson, Dark Horse seeks to create items of refinement and quality: “Design is in everything, it’s cross-pollination of ideas, it’s the ability to refine and define something. At times it needs to be functional, at others it’s aesthetics, yet the Holy Grail is the in-between, when both influence each other.”

• As a brand Mingo Lamberti began by (and continues) designing limited edition T-shirts, but has subsequently moved on to other design and illustration projects. Part of their wares that can be seen at STAD is a recent collaborated with Pearly Yon on a range of scatter cushions inspired by antique teacups.

• Lauren Fowler has been working as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator for the past four years. Her work includes fine drawings in black pen, cross-stitching, typography and making “things” that “deconstruct ideas”. 

• Simple, organic forms and lines constitute the design ethos behind Dear Rae’s range of jewellery in silver, brass, copper and gold. Founded in 2010 by Karin Rae Matthee the pieces are designed for everyday wear and celebrate beauty and simplicity.

• Woven Ceramics moulds individual pieces without the use of slip cast moulds, ensuring truly organic and original products. Although the porcelain pieces appear delicate they are fired at extremely high temperatures to increase their strength and durability (which also makes them microwave and dishwasher safe). 

• Diana Ceramics uses slip caste moulds to create beautiful earthenware, black clay bowls, vases and mugs. “I love the whole design process, knowing that the whole product is mine,” says Diana Ferreira. “Now working with more complex shapes is of utmost importance.”

For more information on STAD contact Jarrad Nelson on 072 865 6705 or email info@dark-horse.co.za