Local urban outdoor brand Sealand has launched a range of gear made from ECONYL ® nylon, marking them as the first brand in Africa to use this innovative material, created to assist in combating climate change and pollution.

This new regenerated nylon is made from collected nylon waste from fishing nets, fabric, carpet scraps, and industrial plastic. After the waste goes through a regeneration and purification process, a new nylon is formed that has the exact same qualities as a brand-new fossil-based nylon, with the potential to be recycled, remolded, and recreated over and over.

Most plastics are derived from fossil sources, contributing exponentially towards global warming, and ocean and land pollution. A call by experts for the United Nations set a target of zero new plastic pollution by 2040 to combat this pressing issue and assist in the combat of climate change. 

Sealand co-founder Jasper Eales explained: “Sealand was built around our love for the sea and the land that we live on. Our mission is to protect nature and the outdoors that we love, and to ensure that every decision that we make keeps the planet and its people front and centre. All of our bags and apparel are made from upcycled or recycled waste, or from responsibly and carefully sourced materials.”

“The launch of the product range made with ECONYL® is the biggest product and material progression that Sealand has made to date, and it takes our commitment to the planet one step further. It’s said that up to a million tonnes of lost and discarded – or “ghost” – fishing nets enter the ocean every year, causing untold damage to marine life and habitats. To be able to use a fabric that can create value out of waste such as this, and which can play a role – however small – in removing it from our natural environment, is incredibly important to us,” he continues.

ECONYL® has been used globally in collections by leading global fashion names including Stella Mccartney, Gucci, and Luis Vuitton.

“This is a premium material, which is also incredibly durable and functional. It has a water retardant built into it, so it is also water-resistant. Our products are built for adventurous high-performance lifestyles, so these are a natural extension to our range,” continues Eales.

Like all Sealand gear, the new range is meticulously handmade in Cape Town, and is durable and made to last. The new range made with ECONYL® includes four products – the Buddy S backpack, Rowlie backpack, Moon cross body bag, and the Dune M duffle bag – in three colours and will be available online at sealandgear.co.za as well as in all Sealand stores.

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Local brand Antelo creates leather bags that embrace minimalist design and contemporary colour. Simple, modern and stylishly practical, these pieces will stand the test of wardrobe time.

Antelo’s owners Carin and Pietie Nelson have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the local manufacturing industry, and have used their love of nature, the outdoors and classic simplicity to inspire their chic designs. “We want to keep it simple and classic, with a focus on contributing to the local economy, job creation and skills development,” says Carin when asked about their brand’s identity.

“In 2015 – by complete coincidence – my childhood dream of owning my own fashion lifestyle brand became a reality when, while I was searching for potential suppliers on Google, a classified ad popped up saying ‘Leather goods factory for sale in Cape Town’,” she says. “It immediately grabbed my attention. The business was called Antelo Collections; within a few days, we bought the business and registered the name as our trademark.”

The Nelsons strive to grow the brand organically and keep it South African driven. “I am very grateful to see the consumer support for locally produced goods,” says Carin. “Covid-19 has shown us how vulnerable we are as a nation, and the importance of being self-sufficient as a country. Hopefully, this can be the boost that the local textile industry has needed for many years now.”

With a focus on colour and trend forecasting, Antelo’s collections are added to regularly, and range from trendy wristlet and cross-body bags to classic totes in both earthy and bold statement tones. They are likely to be able to provide just about every shopper with the perfect accessory for their chosen look.

For shopping and more information, visit antelo.co.za.

Looking for more on local design? Take a look at Luke Radloff’s Public Forum label.

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From trendy marble Le Creuset homeware and a locally designed sling bag, to a giant puzzle and a cool alcoholic-free cocktail mixer, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 363.

1. Le Creuset’s Marble Range

Inspired by the aesthetic appeal of classic natural stone, Le Creuset’s new Marble range features a striking grey-veined appliqué finish on a white canvas, and is sure to add an air of sophistication to any kitchen setting.

Image credit: lecreuset.co.za

2. Abstinence Aperitif

Looking for an alcohol-free cocktail? Abstinence Non-Alcoholic Aperitif offers rich, complex flavours, without the kick. African wormwood, cinchona bark, allspice and clove are subtle flavours supporting a dominant blood orange taste and scent for a refreshingly bright summer Italian-style drink.

Image credit: abstinencespirits.com

3. Wren’s Mini Moon Bag

Lightweight, water resistant and made from reclaimed paper, Wren’s Mini Moon bag can be worn across the body or around the waist for an on-the-go accessory. Created in collaboration with local textile brand Skinny laMinx, this bag references mid-century architecture featured on the Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town.

Image credit: thewrendesign.com

4. Case ‘3776’

Japanese designer Tomohiro Ikegaya’s clever tissue wallet imitates a snowcapped Mount Fuji. With ample coin and card space, it’s the perfect on-the-go accessory for all your everyday essentials, while also being super cute.

Image credit: designboom.com

5. Dots Puzzle

Paying homage to the Washington Colour School, this 1000-piece Four Point Puzzle circular puzzle features 34 coloured dots in a gradient from light to dark in a trendy colour wheel display. We think it’s perfect for inducing a Zen-like state while isolating at home…

Image credit: shop.design-milk.com

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Founded by designer Harmonie Mbunga, VALOYI is a luxury accessories brand that pays homage to traditional African craftsmanship.

The brand’s current collection of locally hand-made handbags showcases a curated range of traditional textiles that celebrate West Africa, as well as South Africa, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I want to do my part in the redefining of the African narrative, my part in raising our heritage crafts and culture to a place of esteem, and (further) cementing its relevancy on this world,” says Harmonie. “Why? Because its history matters. Our history matters.”

For Harmonie, celebrating African history and culture is paramount. “Within every culture and every tribe found in all the countries of this vast continent there is beauty, there is art and there is craftsmanship. But most of these creations are becoming lost and dying art forms. Our mission at VALOYI is to do our part in keeping the century’s old heritage skills of the African Artisan alive, thereby creating a new path for skills to still be passed on for generations to come, and for us to enjoy them as new modern heirlooms through refined contemporary design.”

From backpacks to handy pouches for when you’re on-the-go, VALOYI’s collection features a range of versatile bags, from the Kedi Bag, which showcases hand-made Bògòlanfini cloth from Mali and the Moja Drawstring Backpack, made with African wax prints, to the Khaya Waistbags. The Khaya Waistbags are a limited-edition capsule range featuring two graphic shape designs inspired by Kuba cloth, created in collaboration with artist Brian Tompkins, and a third design created by Harmonie featuring a print inspired by traditional Xhosa ceremonial attire.

Harmonie is currently working on a new collection that will celebrate and showcase the traditions of more African countries. This new range will also see her launching and introducing her first style of handcrafted sustainable unisex shoes, something she’s very excited about and has been working on for a while.

For more information and to shop online, visit valoyi.com and follow Valoyi on Instagram to keep up to date.

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Inspired by actual waves and making idiomatic ones, eco-brand Sealand Gear is making a splash on the local and international urban adventure scene.

Driven by sustainability and environmental awareness, Cape Town-based brand Sealand Gear produces a range of bags handmade from upcycled yacht sails, Bedouin stretch tents, advertising banners, recycled plastic bottles and other durable materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill and take years – or even centuries – to biodegrade.

Founders Mike Schelbach and Jasper Eales are both passionate surfers who have translated their love for adventure into a growing business that in 2019 enjoyed a watershed year. The young brand expanded from its kiosk at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, to launch its first “experience store” at nearby Dock Road Junction, as well as getting stocked on international online stores Mr Porter, Matches Fashion, END Clothing and Liberty London.

“With our local online store getting more and more orders from New York, Colorado and California, our major initiative is to build a direct online business in the US. We’re also working with sustainable fashion store It’s All Good Folk where, along with a few like-minded brands, we’ll be part of a store-in-store set-up located in the new Thomas Heatherwick-designed Coal Drops Yard in London’s Kings Cross.”

Exciting things are happening locally too, including the release of the seasonal collection ranges previously only available on the global online stores mentioned earlier, a tote bag with sneaker brand Vans, and an eco-sneaker collab that we’ll tell you more about in June.

For more information and to shop online, visit sealandgear.com.

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From Skinny laMinx and Jason Bakery’s quirky bread bags and locally produced belt bags to a new carpet range from Belgotex, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 323.

1. Jason Bakery X Skinny laMinx Bread Bags

Local textiles and homeware brand Skinny laMinx, in collaboration with Jason Bakery, has released a series of punny bread bags. Keep your bread fresh in these zero-waste bags made from a cotton/linen combo. The bags are available with a sourdough loaf at Jason Bakery’s Green Point and Bree Street stores.

Images courtesy of Skinny laMinx

2. Veja Sustainable Sneakers

Eco-conscious and sustainable shoe brand Veja sources ethically, uses raw materials and chooses not to advertise or market its products, opting instead for this money to be put towards making a positive impact. The brand has just opened its new pared-back store in New York, which also focuses on upchucking other sneaker brands to prevent shoes from ending up in landfills.

Image credit: Veja via vogue.com

3. XYLO Belt Bags

Local brand XYLO creates fashionable and minimal belt bags from ethically sourced Karoo leather. The belt bags are available in three colourways: black, tan and metallic, each of which come with a screen-printed lining designed by a South African artist.

Images courtesy of XYLO

4. Belgotex Westminster

Belgotex has reinvented its broadloom carpet range in a sophisticated palette of neutral hues. The new range, entitled Westminster, is stain-proof, fade-proof and anti-allergenic.

Images courtesy of belgotex.co.za

5. hansgrohe Faucet Named Most Popular Kitchen Product of 2020

The hansgrohe Aquno Select M81 kitchen has been named Most Popular Kitchen Product of the Year 2020 at Kitchen Innovation of the Year 2020. With its spray technology for washing fruits and vegetables when preparing meals, the tap took home gold.

Images courtesy of hansgrohe.co.za

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1. Eight Colour Spectrum Skateboards by Vik Muniz for The Skateroom

The Skateroom has joined forces with Brazilian photographer and artist Vik Muniz, releasing an eight colour spectrum skateboard series that makes use of bright, bold collages to decorate the decks. Five percent of the sales of the decks will be donated to Colectivo Skate Maré, a community upliftment programme, while an additional 15% will go towards helping a school for low-income children in Rio de Janeiro.

Images via theskateroom.com

2. adidas Alphaedge 4D

Innovation meets sustainability in these futuristic unisex running shoes by adidas. The Alphaedge 4D has a technical mesh upper that comes together with an intricate upcycled printed sole made using carbon 4D technology. The shoes are also made using plastic waste intercepted before it reaches the oceans, in collaboration with environmental changemakers Parley.

Images courtesy of adidas

3. Donna Wilson Chairs

The Abstract Edition, created in collaboration with SCP, is one of Scottish textile designer Donna Wilson’s latest collections. It consists, in part, of a series of chairs made from wood offcuts that feature backrests based on her abstract watercolour paintings.

Images via donnawilson.com

4. Spier Light Art Festival Sculpture by David Brits

Local multidisciplinary artist David Brits has revealed an enormous light sculpture to be showcased during this year’s Spier Light Art Festival. The LED sculpture, which imitates a snake, will weave itself around a 300-year-old oak tree. It will be on show from 10 December 2019 until 31 January 2020.

Images courtesy of David Brits

5. New Recycle Collection From Sealand

Local sustainable brand Sealand’s new Recycle collection features a series of urban bag designs made from plastic bottles and upcycled cotton waste. These stylish, durable bags are designed to have a positive impact on the environment.

Images courtesy of Sealand

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The collection features two designs, namely classic leopard print and bold tropical imagery. Coba bags are available in three classical styles – arch bag, compact bag and office tote.

These iconic shapes combined with playful design make the Coba Collection as modern as it is timeless. This premium range is locally crafted from genuine leather and Hertex viscose linen.

The Coba Collection is now available at selected HAUS stores countrywide and online at hertexhaus.co.za.

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From terrazzo furniture and a brand-new sneaker collab to “embroidered” cakes and fun ice blocks, these are top VISI picks of the week series – week 295.

1. Apt X Huguet’s Terrazzo Furniture

Architecture studio Apt collaborated with tile manufacturer Huguet to create a terrazzo bench. The collaboration saw the combination of three new terrazzo types to create a bench, that if reproduced, would be entirely unique, made up of individual fragments that would otherwise have been discarded.

Image credit: Andrés Fraga via Archdaily

2. Blue Bears by Monkey Business

Monkey Business collaborated with designers Alma Shaham and Oded Friedland on a new range of ice blocks. The frozen Blue Bears, which are filled with non-toxic fluid, are available in two sizes, a mother and cub. Perfect for summer picnics!

Images via monkeybusinessusa.com

3. PUMA x SUE TSAI Collaboration

Inspired by the nostalgia of high school memories and first loves, visual artist Sue Tsai has collaborated with PUMA on a new collection of sneakers. Covered in poetry, doodles, embroidery and patches, the range also features apparel and matching accessories. The PUMA x SUE TSAI collab is available at PUMA Select stores, X-Trend, Superbalist, Hipkicks and Madaiza.

Images courtesy of PUMA

4. Patagonia’s Recycled Black Hole Bags

Outdoor brand Patagonia has launched a new range of water-resistant bags made from 10 million recycled plastic bottles. Both the body fabric and the webbing of the bag make use of the recycled plastic.

Images via patagonia.com

5. Leslie Vigil’s Tapestry Cakes

California-based cake artist Leslie Vigil creates spectacular cakes that look like they’ve been embroidered with thread. Inspired by nature, Leslie also bakes cakes that mimic succulents and beautiful bouquets.

Images via leslievigil.com

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From Tom Dixon’s new Milan restaurant where you can buy everything you see to Cape Town-based artist Keren Setton’s detailed embroidered artworks and a new pop-up book shop, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 283.

1. Tom Dixon’s Milan Restaurant and Showroom: The Manzoni

Renowned designer Tom Dixon recently opened a new restaurant in Milan called The Manzoni. The idea behind the space is that you can also buy the studio’s designs from the “showroom” floor. In fact, the aim is for diners to be able to buy everything in the restaurant, from candle holders and glassware to furniture.

Images via dezeen.com

2. Keren Setton’s Embroidery

Cape Town-based artist and art director Keren Setton creates intricately detailed embroidered artworks, including a variety of beloved pets, from cats to bunnies. Her work was even used as part of a marriage proposal!

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Images via Keren Setton on Instagram

3. TASCHEN Pop-up at A4 Arts Foundation in Cape Town

If you’re a big fan of the books TASCHEN publishes, you’ll be excited to know that A4 Arts Foundation in Cape Town is currently hosting a pop-up shop filled with books from the German publisher. Expect to find titles on Zaha Hadid, Marlene Dumas, Wolfgang Tillmans and Nobuyoshi Araki, to name a few. The pop-up runs until July 2019.

Image credit: Kyle Morland, courtesy of a4arts.org

4. ROWDY Bags

Cape Town-based leather bag brand ROWDY bags, who recently moved into a new factory space in Salt River, manufacture a range of accessories by hand, including backpacks, totes, sling bags and travel pouches. Shop online at rowdybags.com.

Images courtesy of ROWDY Bags

5. Iwona Kosicka’s Cherry Pendant Lamps

Polish designer Iwona Kosicka has created a series of cherry-inspired lamps, hand-made from ecological glass. Available in three colour combinations, the painted lights feature detailing in powder-coated black matte steel and brushed brass, and can be mounted to the ceiling.

Images via designboom.com

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