-
Golden Fold Necklace by Katherine-Mary Pichulik : Nominated for the award by Sarah Buitendach, editor of the Sunday Times Home Weekly supplement, this glamorous rope necklace is described as "Bold, eye-catching, fun and sexy". SMS “MBOISA Pichulik” to 43431 to vote for it. -
Pebble Dress by Gavin Rajah : Nominated by our very own Malibongwe Tyilo, this dress from Gavin’s Spring/Summer 2013 couture collection was made from leather cuts that were moulded into pebble shapes and hand-embroidered onto a mesh dress. SMS “MBOISA Rajah” to 43431 to vote for it. -
City Press Newspaper, 27 May 2012 edition by editor Ferial Haffaje : Novelist Lauren Beukes nominated the edition of City Press about The Spear painting. "It's a symbol of our fraught, messy, wonderful country and the problems we still face in talking about race and gender." SMS “MBOISA City Press” to 43431 to vote. -
Wood and Carbon Bike by David Stubbs : This light, 10-speed racing bike combines wood and carbon, and is unlike anything produced in SA. Nominated by the Design Indaba team, "it is inspiring to see one artisan elevating bicycle design to a work of handmade art.” SMS “MBOISA Stubbs” to 43431. -
Visibility Vest by Ronel Jordaan : Nominated by Gregor Naude, editor of Enjin, the vest can both be a strong bag, as well as an item of bright, reflective clothing to aid pedestrian safety at night. "Good design offers solutions to everyday challenges.” SMS “MBOISA Jordaan” to 43431. -
Reinterpretation of the 1975 Pipeline Gun by Gustav Greffrath : Nominated by designer Garth Walker, the surfboard is from Gavin Rooke’s Dutchmann project of 10 designer surfboards. Simply dipping it in a striking Delft blue, Gustav chose to accentuate the form and craft of the board. SMS “MBOISA Dutchmann” to 43431. -
Mechanical Bureau by Joe Paine : Inspired by discarded farm machinery found in the Highveld, this bureau opens and closes using a system of gears and cranks. Nominated by our own Sumien Brink, "Small workspaces will never look the same again.” SMS “MBOISA Paine” to 43431. -
Aretha Dress by Sindiso Khumalo : Named after Aretha Franklin, this dress is made from digitally printed 100% silk chiffon. Nominated by Robynne Kahn: "She has taken what feels like a traditional, tribal influence and interpreted it live now." SMS “MBOISA Khumalo” to 43431. -
Slice Cutting Board by Jonathan Fundudis, Snapp Design : This simple wooden board aligns function with style. The two wedges on either side of the board make it easy to pick up and prevents food from falling off the edges. It was nominated by graphic designer Brandt Botes. SMS “MBOISA Snapp” to 43431. -
The Soweto Theatre by Lawrence Chibwe, Afritects Architects : The building represents the vibrancy, personality and excitement of performance in Soweto. Nominated by Laureen Rossouw from ELLE Decoration: “I love the confident, bold, colourful architecture of this iconic theatre." SMS “MBOISA Afritects” to 43431. -
Zanzan Umbrella by Gareth Cowden, Babatunde : Nominated by ELLE editor Jackie Burger, Babatunde's range of bold African-print accessories combine fabrics from West and Central Africa with Western shapes. The umbrella is handmade with polycotton and a wooden frame. SMS “MBOISA Babatunde” to 43431.
WORDS Claire Jowell
The 2013 finalists for the “Most Beautiful Object in South Africa” (MBOISA) award have been announced. These range from an umbrella, bicycle and surfboard to a newspaper and a theatre, and will be exhibited at the Design Indaba Expo from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 March.
Nominated by a mix of design journalists and cultural commentators, including our very own Malibongwe Tyilo and Sumien Brink, the nominations are utterly diverse and make for a tough choice. And choose you must since the winner is determined by popular vote. Have your say by SMSing the code above for your favourite design. SMSes cost R1.
The winner will be announced on Sunday 3 March at the Design Indaba Expo.
Visit designindaba.com for more information about the finalists and award.
Win a Katherine-Mary Pichulik necklace in our DIY Deluxe edition.
