In this new VISI series, leading South African creatives share the personal objects they hold dear – and the stories they carry. First up is Daily’s Joey Khuvutlu, who reminds us that family, artistry and good design always come first.
WORDS Jo Buitendach PHOTOS Supplied
Joey Khuvutlu is a furniture designer, creative entrepreneur and founder of Daily – a brand celebrated for timeless, accessible, beautifully craft ed pieces. Thoughtful and stylish, his Johannesburg home – shared with his partner Kath and their children – reflects the same design philosophy. He welcomed us in and shared his keepsakes – one meaningful piece at a time.
MY WEDDING RING “This special signet design with a band that slots neatly inside was made by Eric Loubser at Tinsel. Eric and the team suggested using yellow and rose gold for a subtle contrast, but what I really wanted was the mechanics of one ring fitting into another.
FLORAL SHOES “I bought these suede men’s shoes at a street market in Thailand about 16 years ago – my first overseas trip on my own dime, with a group of friends, in our 20s. I’ve never worn them, but they’ve stayed with me. They remind me of that trip.”
ATLAS OF FURNITURE DESIGN “For my 40th, Kath gave me Vitra Design Museum’s Atlas of Furniture Design. I started as a design enthusiast, not a furniture designer, collecting books and visiting museums while travelling. This book feels like the sum of years of quiet research. I’m drawn to Mid-century and Scandinavian design – timeless pieces like the Eames lounge chair, originally made to be affordable. At Daily, we carry that same ethos: quality design that lasts, without the luxury price tag.”
MUSIC “My dad was a music lover, and it’s something he passed down to me – it’s how we bonded, buying records together in Hillbrow when I was a kid. I have a record player, a CD player, even a tape deck, with music systems all over the house. Two favourites are The Best of Sade and Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. I grew up hearing Marvin Gaye’s songs, but listening to the album was a revelation. It made me start collecting records again, to experience music the way it was meant to be heard: as a complete body of work.
THE MOONSWATCH “The Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch is based on the iconic Omega Speedmaster, the watch worn by the Apollo moon crew. I’m a watch lover, and this one is a classic. When this edition launched in Sandton I couldn’t be there – my dad had just passed, and I was travelling – so Kath queued from 4am to get it for me. I’d love to find another one someday, so I can gift one to each of my boys when they’re old enough to appreciate it (and not lose it!).”
DAKALO DINING CHAIR “Dakalo means ‘joy’ in Tshivenda. It was one of the first pieces I designed, so seeing the prototype was a truly joyful moment. This version is the ‘swingback’, named for the way the backrest curves and fl exes. I was inspired by Gerrit Rietveld’s Zig-Zag chair. I used pine plywood, which isn’t typically considered a designer material, but it’s strong and lightweight – and flexible.”
DENIM JACKET “This jacket is by IFUKU, my friend Rodney Mudzengerere’s brand. He works exclusively with denim, designing original pieces and sourcing rare thrift ed garments from around the world. I love his work for its construction and functionality. All his pieces are unisex, with interesting cuts and details. Right now, IFUKU is my favourite local brand.”
LADY IN FUR COAT BY ZANDILE TSHABALALA “Kath is passionate about connecting with artists, not just their work. We met Zandile Tshabalala at a fair, kept in touch, and eventually commissioned this piece. The brief was simple: something personal. Although the palette is dark, it doesn’t feel heavy. We don’t buy art for value – if it speaks to us, that’s enough.”
VISI #136 “I was featured in VISI’s Design Issue, which was a big moment. My background is in graphic design and advertising, not in traditional furniture design, so to be recognised by such a respected platform early on meant a lot. It gave my work credibility, quietened the imposter syndrome, and affi rmed that I’m on the right path.”
PHOTOGRAPH “This photograph is of my mom and dad – Antonia and Tiyani – taken on their wedding day. It’s a very special image. I never knew my biological father; he passed away when I was about 10 months old. Photos and stories are all I have – but people oft en say I’m a lot like him. I was also lucky to have an incredible stepfather, Norman; he passed away three years ago. To me, there was no ‘step’ – he was simply Dad. I feel I had two fathers: one gave me my genetic gifts, the other gave me lived experience. My stepdad was an avid entrepreneur, and I know that I do what I do today because of his influence. Both are gone now, but I feel deeply privileged to have had them – and my mom, who’s the real rock star!” | daily.store
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