WORDS Gina Dionisio

This year Cape Town Furniture Week and VISI introduced the Design Prize, an award for acknowledging and celebrating new design that advances the contemporary furniture and homeware industries in South Africa.

The 12 shortlisted entries were on display on the 2nd floor of the LEMKUS building at the corner of St George’s Mall and Waterkant Street. Finalists include Anatomy Design, Bronze Age, David Krynauw Design, DEFT Studios, Hoi P’loy, James Mudge Furniture Studio, Jarvis, Kino, Meyer Von Wielligh, OKHA Design Studio, Studio Kalki, and White Sheep Studio.

The judging panel included VISI editor-in-chief Steve Smith, Lebo Kekana, Ashleigh Killa, Roddy Clarke, and Cape Town Furniture Week‘s Aimée Pearson, with the winners of the Design Prize announced at a private awards event for the industry:

CTFW x VISI Design Prize

Winner: Dune Pendant Light by Bronze Age

CTFW x VISI Design Prize – Authenticity category award

Winner: Janis Collection by Anatomy Design

CTFW x VISI Design Prize – Advancement category award

Winner: Shard of Light by Hoi P’loy

CTFW x VISI Design Prize – Design category award

Winner: SP002 by Jarvis

Best Display at Cape Town Furniture Week 2025

Winner: Weylandts x Thebe Magugu window display (in collaboration with Sanri Pienaar)

Best in Show at Cape Town Furniture Week 2025 (by public vote)

Winner: Vitalli. x Nina Lieska

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The women of South Africa’s design industry stand as beacons of creativity and vision, constantly redefining the landscape with their innovative ideas.

This Women’s Month, Decorex Joburg and 100% Design Africa celebrate the incredible contributions of women in design. “Our country’s rich cultural diversity should be reflected in its design industry, and championing women ensures this is accurately and fully represented,” comments Bielle Bellingham, Decorex Africa Executive Creative Director. “Often, women design with a focus on community and social impact, leading to projects that benefit society as a whole. By supporting their work, we foster a more inclusive and forward-thinking industry.”

The participants in these two shows, including engineers, architects, interior decorators, ceramicists, furniture designers, and textile artists, showcase remarkable expertise across diverse fields, emphasising the need to recognise their exceptional contributions.

Lexus ‘Making Luxury Personal’ Spaces

For the Lexus ‘Making Luxury Personal’ spaces, respected South African designers Anna Correia, Kgomotso Malope of MoTSO DeSIGNED and Sihan Wiid of Mink Interiors will create feature spaces informed by the latest Lexus car models, demonstrating how to capture the personality of luxury cars in interior design.

Plascon Colour Design Pods

Living Inspired Interiors, founded by Tanya Solomon, will create a room set inspired by Plascon palettes. The Plascon Colour Design Pods aim to push designers to explore and showcase the diverse and dynamic possibilities of colour using the Plascon Colour Forecast for 2024.

100% Design Africa

This year’s edition of 100% Design Africa will host an unparalleled display of product design, furniture, decor, lighting and art. Kalki Ceramics, co-founded by multi-disciplinary artist Nindya Bucktowar and her partner Nikhil Tricam, will be at the showcase. Kalki was the winner of the annual Nando’s Hot Young Designer Talent Search in 2022. 

Former Design Indaba Emerging Creatives and sisters Viveka and Rucita Vassen of Ananta Design Studio will also be showcasing their unique beaded lighting and decor pieces.

Local surface brand Infinity Surfaces will be displaying an exciting collaboration with four visionary local designers, including Mpho Vackier of multi-disciplinary furniture and product design company TheUrbanative, and Tanisha Neill of Cape Town-based furniture design studio N I S H. 

Design brand Coote and Wench, founded by Storm Coote and her husband Philip, will be returning to 100% Design Africa with its unique range of upcycled lighting, handmade furniture and home accessories.

Ashlee Lloyd of the internationally acclaimed lighting design studio Studio Lloyd will stage a designer room set at 100% Design Africa. The studio’s impressive catalogue of functional art pieces has been featured in British Vogue, VISI and Dezeen, among others.

100% Hospitality by Belgotex

Named earlier in 2024 as the ‘Women Shaping the Future of Sustainable Hotel Design’ by Condé Nast Traveller, Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog of HesseKleinloog Studio and Anatomy Design will demonstrate their industry brilliance at 100% Hospitality by Belgotex, an exclusive exhibition showcasing the future of luxury hospitality design.

100% Design Africa Café

The 100% Design Africa Café, located in the centre of the 100% Design Africa hall on Level 2 of the convention centre, is designed by Wolkberg Casting Studio. Wolkberg, a proudly African industrial design studio, was co-founded by creative entrepreneur Ramielle de Jager – a regular Future Talks contributor – who has established a name for herself as a leading product innovator in the industry. 

Future Talks

Future Talks’ dynamic hosts for 2024 include creative multi-hyphenate and the co-founder of interior design studio MOEA Design, Cassandra Twala, creative director Jana Hamman, Andrea Kleinloog and spatial design educator and interior architect Audrey Nanjala. 

Decorex Joburg

Experience this active shift towards impact design for yourself and join the designers and creatives paving the way to the future at Decorex Joburg (1 to 4 August 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre). | decorex.co.za

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Joburg’s much-loved Anatomy Design has brought some City of Gold glitz to Cape Town with a bijoux new showroom.

Andrea Kleinloog and Megan Hesse’s award-winning furniture brand Anatomy Design now has a delightful spot in the De Waterkant’s mini design hub. Situated next door to cool children’s haven Kids Living, across from pot-plant people Folha and just down the drag from Roche Bobois’s huge design showroom, it’s in good company.

This exact location is not a “by the by”. “We’ve learnt that having a store isn’t just about geography – it’s about who your neighbours are… and we have excellent ones,” explains Andrea. VISI spoke to this half of the dynamite duo between her trips to oversee interior projects in Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and across South Africa. (Hesse Kleinloog, the studio part of the business, handles these sorts of gigs.)

It helps that Anatomy’s new store is also a stone’s throw from tourist-trappy V&A Waterfront. In December, and days into opening, it was swamped by overseas holiday-makers. “One international visitor bought our Christmas tree straight off the shop floor,” says Andrea.

Megan, Andrea and their team have had various retail spaces in Joburg over the years (today you’ll find them in Kramerville), so they know what works. “We pay the same rent as say, a T-shirt or trainers company, but we’re never going to be able to move the stock they do,” Andrea says. “You can sell a thousand T-shirts but not a thousand high-end couches.” Anatomy’s Mother City space is, as Andrea calls it, a conceptual jewel box for the considerate customer. In it, you’ll find some of their bigger pieces (like said couches) – but also smalls such as mirrors, vases, lights and scatter cushions. Want any of the large items not on display? They’re one quick website purchase away.

READ MORE: Design Journey: Anatomy Design

And speaking of those mirrors: they’re part of what the team see as their mission to bring some real Joburg glam to Cape Town, albeit the good-taste kind. Think reflective surfaces and loads of mixed metallics, and you get the gist. Business brains aside, “We are also trying not to be just another sensible furniture shop,” says Andrea. “We want to have some fun!”

Mixed into the fun for 2023 will be some new items and collections that have largely come about because of the big interior developments they’re working on right now – new lighting and an outdoor range included.

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Aspire Art Auctions has teamed up with Greg Gamble and Philippe van der Merwe of interior architecture studio Tonic Design to host a fine design auction.

“As contemporary fine art from Africa is increasingly coveted by a growing local and international community, our intention is also to promote the finest contemporary design produced on this continent alongside signature pieces from international designers,” says Ruarc Peffers, Senior Art Specialist at Aspire Art Auctions.

“Putting good local design on a par with its international equivalents elevates South African products and reminds us that if we buy good, well-designed furniture, wherever it comes from, it can have and retain resale value,” adds Greg.

Cassina, Eero Aarnio, Kartell, Ib Kofod-Larsen, Christensen & Larsen and Børge Mogensen are some of the renowned international design studios that will feature as part of this collaborative auction.

Christensen & Larsen

Locally designed pieces include the Hlabisa Bench by Thabisa Mjo of Mash.T, in collaboration with Houtlander and Beauty Ngxongo, and the House Union Block ceramic and cork trays, created by Laurie Wiid of Wiid Design, together with Glorinah Khutso Mabaso of Renaissance Design, facilitated by Clout. There are also pieces by Joe Paine, Yaniv Chen of Master Studio, Tonic Design, Dokter and Misses, Gregor Jenkin Studio and Anatomy Design.

Thabisa Mjo (Mash.T Design Studio), Philip Houtlander and Stephen Wilson, and Beauty Ngxongo.

The lots are on view at Aspire Art Auctions’ Johannesburg gallery until 26 November 2020, by appointment. You can browse the digital catalogue here. Online bidding is open and the auction will close on 26 November at 7pm. For more information, visit aspireart.net.

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It’s been 10 years since Andrea Kleinloog and Megan Hesse joined forces at Anatomy Design in Johannesburg. These timeless furniture pieces are ingrained in their decade-long success story.

1. THE LAB LIGHT (2009)

Although Megan joined Andrea at Anatomy Design in 2010, Andrea had already designed their first piece, the Lab Light, in 2009. “This design was chosen by Design Indaba as the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa in 2010, which gave us wonderful recognition. In 2010 we also opened our first store at 44 Stanley. The Lab Light is now sold through Danish company Karakter, who launched it internationally at Maison&Objet and the Milan Furniture Fair in 2014 and 2015.”

2. THE SG CHAIR (2013)

The SG Chair was designed for Southern Guild, who included it in a Christie’s London exhibition and auction in 2017. It’s simple and comfortable, but big enough for two people – almost like a love seat. “We used traditional materials: solid walnut, brass detailing and a fabric specially designed by Nicole Levenberg. Although this piece is a statement, we never try to be avant-garde, which has allowed all our pieces to date so beautifully.”

3. THE TENGILE SOFA (2017)

“A year after moving our shop to the Trumpet Building in 2016, we designed the elegant Tengile Sofa. Often, simple shapes and pure forms such as this design lead to the most interesting work, allowing a focus on detailing and craftsmanship. The sofa has wide arms that can be used to rest a plate or drink. This is a piece that holds an essence of timelessness.”

4. THE JANIS DRESSER / THE ROBERT WINGBACK (2018)

“Andrea’s dad, Robert, would secretly have loved to be a designer, so we named the Robert Wingback after him. He’s six-foot-four so it’s big enough for him. We wanted to design a wingback that was less “boys’ club” but still has the luxury of a big presence despite its skinny frame. The glossy black lacquer was a new technique for us. We also launched the Janis Dresser that year, named after Megan’s mum, who is passionate about furniture and is also an antiques collector. It’s an Art Deco-inspired, feminine version of our David Desk, with a focus on the brass accents seen on the delicately turned oak legs. We wanted to create a practical piece that was classically beautiful.”

2019 -2020

“Last year we took a hiatus from releasing new product as we wanted to pay attention to what we had already made over the years. We moved our shop to Kramerville and focused on our production chain, refining every detail in every piece. Megan also relocated to Cape Town, so we hope to open an Anatomy Design showroom there post-COVID-19, and will be launching an exciting new range soon. We’ve definitely evolved as a brand over the past 10 years, but our core values of the simple use of honest materials as well as designing timeless products with function have stayed the same.”

See more from Anatomy Design at anatomydesign.co.za.

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Anatomy Design has opened their new flagship store in Rosebank’s vibrant Keyes Art Mile precinct.

This local brand, headed by Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog, was founded in 2010 and focuses on detailed and well-crafted products in a bespoke retail setting.

The 250 m² showroom will display the brand’s curated selection of homeware and furniture, which includes various new ranges and iconic statement pieces.

In conjunction with the launch of the showroom, Anatomy Design has also released a brand new logo and relaunched their website, making online shopping an effortless experience.

For more information, visit anatomydesign.co.za.

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The wonderful wood trend is here to stay. It’s timeless and elegant, no matter its form. Yet, still as hip’n’happening as artisanal coffee and pinhole cameras. Whether in traditional silhouettes or as dramatic statement pieces, it exudes a feeling of richness and warmth into any of the home’s spaces.

Keeping it with technological advances, we’ve seen it stitched as well as pulped. However, what seems to be the prevailing trend is bare, untreated wood that shares its secrets with personality-enhancing rings and textures. Woodbender noticed at IMM Cologne, especially.

But, although wood is one of the most environmentally sustainable building materials in the world, its longevity is under threat… Specifically in South Africa, because of our unsustainable deforestation and subsequent closing of sawmills resulting in timber products that used to be readily locally available now being imported. Read more about that here and spread the word all around to help save our forests so that beautiful design can last forever.

1. moonishco.com via remodelista.com
2. appree.net
3. woodbender.co.za
4. ondu.si
5. weylandts.co.za
6. canadiano.co
7. anatomydesignstudio.com
8. shf.co.za
9. yuppiechef.com/sodastream-makers.htm
10. fargblanche.com

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Anybody who’s been to the newly reopened Blueberry Café in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands will agree that its uncomplicated style and rustic edge is charming. VISI chatted to Andrea Kleinloog from Anatomy Design (read more here) about their design approach that spanned everything from the revamped interior to the new brand identity.

From some of the before images we have seen, you haven’t simply updated the interior but reinvented it. What was the brief that the client gave you?

The client realised that the restaurant and store needed a breath of fresh air and wanted to incorporate the beautiful and unique setting it was in. We were very privileged to be allowed to assess every element and, together with the incredible force of Wendy Dixon (graphics), Mia Widlake (product development and styling) and Bianca Davies (menu development), got an even better overview of the space and experience.

What inspired your interpretation of the brief?

We didn’t want the fact that Blueberry Cafe and The Winkel were located in the countryside to define it (read more of VISI’s articles about fresh country living). Rather, together with its refreshing approach to humble and truthful detailing in the branding, interior and food, that became a reason to set it apart.

How would you describe the new interior?

It’s an honest space. The detailing remained simple with layered desaturated tones and textures, in contrast to the relatively ornate, botanical elements.

Would you say it is better to revamp or work from scratch?

I think a combination, but every project is different. It is very difficult to reuse existing elements when trying to reinvent a space. In revamping, the key is to allow the preservation of the original details to occur organically and not let them dictate the process.

What is the greatest challenge you experienced in revamping this interior?

Logistics. Being four hours from Johannesburg, it required meticulous planning. And even then, there were numerous trips to the local (unfamiliar) hardware store. We were also “blessed” with the Midlands rain, which made moving the furniture and interior elements around an endless game of Tetris! 

What was the best part of revamping this interior? 

Working with an enormously talented team and seeing an undiluted vision unfold within a week.

If Blueberry Café were a person, how would you describe them?

Shy at first, but once he has a glass of chilled chardonnay, he begins to tell you remarkable tales of adventures and travels.

Do tell us about the product range you specifically developed for this project.

Almost every aspect of the interior and product ranges had some degree of extended detailing – from the custom shopping crates to the careful wine selection, even the plates with prints of 24 varieties of sheep and pigs.

However, we did design a range of furniture specifically for The Winkel – a range of deep and comfortable armchairs and sofas. The focus was to keep the cost down, but not compromise on the minimal detailing.

Mia Widlake also developed a gorgeous range of modern botanical textiles exclusively available at The Winkel.

You have also developed your own range of Anatomy smalls, launched at FoodWineDesign. Tell us about that range.

We launched a range of homeware elements that we hope to grow and extend as we observe gaps. We started with a range of simple but well structured and proportioned crockery. Our copper vessels sold out before we even opened the show, which was both a great feeling, and created a sense of mild panic!

What a great project to launch the year with! What else can we look forward to from you this year?

2013 was spent doing a lot of planning… It feels like 2014 will see a lot of the fruits of its labour. We have a few beautiful homes coming to completion after almost a full year of details, details and more details.

Blueberry Cafe and The Winkel, Notthingham Road, 033 266 7132, blueberrycafe.co.za

anatomydesign.co.za

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Here at VISI we are always excited for excellent new local design, especially by fresh new talent. For instance, we love Bloemfontein-born Atang Tshikare’s geometric architectural line drawings etched onto the wooden tables made by Cameron Barnes Furniture. Better known as a graphic designer, Givan Lötz also explores the optical limits of geometry with his unusual mirrors, not to mention Meyer von Wielligh’s naturally elegant Leaf sideboard.

Speaking of limits, two artists stood out for us as having really pushed their materials. Cameron Platter continued to subvert the ordinary with incendiary new meaning with his plastic garden chair that is in fact wood. Meanwhile, getting somewhat controversial, Michael MacGarry presented chopsticks made out of human bone. Interestingly, because of the human material, the work can’t be sold and we can’t help wondering what it’s fate may be!

A perennial VISI favourite, Dokter and Misses (whose design of Wyatt Hairdressing is featured in VISI 68 SPRINGLOADED) show off just why their refined formalist-with-an-African-twist designs are amassing an international cult following. Their collaboration with Dawn Dludlu in particular has us gaga. In fact, isn’t it awesome the frontiers that craft is being taken to – have a look at Marisa Fick-Jordan’s striking wirework.

One of the highlights of the Southern Guild show is always seeing artists and designers punch out of their comfort zone. Take artist Conrad Botes who takes his comic-book style and produces real three-dimensional functional furniture – we’re sure that a Botes headboard and bedside tables would enhance our dreams at night.

Photographer David Ross also showed what he’s learnt about design from behind the camera all these years with his range of mobiles (as seen in VISI 68 SPRINGLOADED). Oh and, also previewed in VISI 68 SPRINGLOADED, are Philippe Bousquet’s delightful scrap metal sculptures that, with his dogs and robots, bring retro-futurist fun and animation to the otherwise predictable genre of lighting.

One of our favourite must-have pieces though is designer and sculptor Xandre Kriel’s Samoosa table. Besides its metallic beauty, that a designer found inspiration in the rather ordinary samosa for something so beautiful blows our collective minds, making us want to open our wallets and get drastic with the plastic. But then, if we’re going to bring out the plastic there’s also Pierre Cronje’s wonderful Puzzle Bench, not to mention the exquisite collaboration between artist John Murray and carpet manufacturer Paco Pakdoust – although perhaps the latter is almost too good to walk on!

Of course you can see all of this for yourself by visiting the museum until Sunday 3 November. Presented in partnership with steel giant Arcelor Mittal SA and featuring over 200 works by 100 artists and designers, this is Southern Guild’s most extensive exhibition since being founding in 2008 – incredible considering how busy they’ve been promoting SA design overseas this year (read more here).

www.moadjhb.com, www.southernguild.co.za

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Invest in a feature light this year. Lookout for lights and lamps with thin lines, either in the legs or shade, and choose metallic finishes or bright colours. “Instead of a desk lamp, rather get a standing lamp with an adjustable light for beside your bed, and remember to always use energy-saving bulbs,” says Klara van Wyngaarden.

Originally published in Rapport Mytyd. Subscribe here.

Find more shopping advice here.

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