Much-loved bespoke pet accessory brand Chommies, has released a brand new collection inspired by the happy hounds of Cape Town.

Chommies’ locally made new range of vibrant collars, harnesses and leads bring a stylish edge to your pet’s persona. The Dogs of the Mother City collection is comprised of the Adjustable Leather Dog Collar, Everyday Leather Dog Leash and Leather Dog Harness. Part of the new range includes a new special Sighthound line, for svelte and sleek dogs such as whippets and greyhounds. With safety and style in mind, these new collars don’t slip off lean necks with soft leather cushioning for extra comfort.

These collars can be worn with Chommies’ mini Sighthound leashes, which are especially lightweight and available in matching colours.

With the Mother City Collection, Chommies has also extended its offering for feline friends with a capsule of luxury leather cat collars.

Available in five colourways with names inspired by iconic hip hop artists — Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lizzo and Slim Shady — Chommies offers pet owners an extensive choice of bright and bold colourways to showcase their pet’s personality.

“The popping blue of ‘Blue Snoop’, hot pink of ‘Pink Lizzo’ and rich teal of ‘Green Shady’ are perfect for those seeking stand-out colours, while the warm orange of ‘Cognac West’ and charcoal grey of ‘Grey Z’ suit a more classic aesthetic,” the team from Chommies explains.

“Handcrafted to the highest quality with pride and precision by a team of skilled artisans in the Chommies studio, each of the sophisticated pieces are made from chromium-free, vegetable-tanned South African leather, paired with solid brass fittings and Chommie’s signature black and white rope.”

The Mother City Collection is available online and at The House of Chommies Concept Store in Gardens, the OZCF market on weekends in Granger Bay and the Chommies Store in Prince Albert.

Looking for more design inspiration? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here.

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Referencing the concept of “if it fits I sits”, Korean designer Taesung Yoon has created Pulpet, a DIY paper cat house for your feline companions.

Made from eco-friendly paper cutouts, Pulpet is handcrafted and assembled in the shape of a geometric sitting cat. The flat-packed pieces need no other parts to assemble the final form. Taesung came up with the idea when realising the joy that is brought through cats sitting and playing in boxes, for both owners and the cats.

The paper is FSC-certified material harvested from responsibly managed and environmentally conscious forests. The material does not puncture if clawed and is durable enough to withstand some rough-and-tumble. It also contains lightfast technology, so it won’t bleach and fade in direct sunlight, and has a neutral, PH and a chlorine-free bleaching pulp, which is safe for cats, humans and the environment.

Love this? Check out these amazing paper artworks by Artist Morongwe Mokone and Korean paper artist and graphic designer Lee Ji-hee.

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Joburg-born, Cape Town-based artist Juliet White, who illustrates under the name Cosmic Lucky Bag, chats to VISI about cats, creativity and how living in Japan for two years has influenced her work.

How did you initially get into art?

I don’t remember a time when art hasn’t in some way been present in my life. With art, we start off by learning to draw trees, family and the sun before we learn to read and write the words. At school, my favourite subjects were language and art and they make a good-looking couple, however, biology was an absolute favourite. It was the one subject that combined drawing, research, nature and all of its mechanics. I ended up studying art at Wits and majored in Printmaking and English Literature. I think that if I had pursued another discipline instead, I would probably still be drawing in my spare time.

Where did you come up with the name Cosmic Lucky Bag?

The Cosmic Lucky Bag is not my idea, although I wish it was. I was entertaining the idea of working for myself at the beginning of a very unstable economy in 2009. It all came from a conversation I was having at the time with my brother, along the lines of manifesting ideas. He coined the term “cosmic lucky bag” and I stole it. It is based on the lucky packs we used to get as kids. You never know what you are going to get and sometimes the uncertainty and mystery of the lucky pack is more fun that the actual contents of the bag. We are driven by certainty and expectation, these are the things that also guide us. And then there is the other thing, uncertainty, and that is what moulds us.

Your work ranges from Japanese ink on paper to street art. Do you have a preference when it comes to creating?

Creativity has no preference – it’s a language that can be applied to coding, painting, industrial design, event planning, food-making, writing, dance, your dress sense, humour, gardening, gift-giving, email-writing, excuse-making, suitcase-packing, dish-stacking. It all requires some form of creative engagement. There is no difference between the side of building or an A4 page, it is how you engage that surface and which one presents itself first. I have been working inside on a smaller scale lately because that’s the space I have to work with, but things might change again in the new year, and I am open to that experience when it comes.

Your work in Nine Lives clearly illustrates that you’ve perfected the art of painting cats! Why did you decide to focus on this furry subject?

The truth is I have been the crazy cat lady since I was six. Creative block also had a lot to do with it. I used to spend a lot of time thinking about what kind of artist I should be, what would look best, what would the neighbours say? Every time I looked at a blank canvas or blank wall I would freeze up because the burden of trying to accommodate every possibility was killing the process. I was leaning towards painting murals at the time and couldn’t think of anything to put up and a friend simply said, “Draw what you love”. The first thought was I love my cat, Bitey. Instead of agonising over the finer details of what it all means, I went with it. This process has really helped me to work more intuitively. The first thought is usually the best one.

You lived in Japan for two years. How did this influence your style?

While living in Aomori, I took part in as many traditional workshops and experiences as I could and shodō (calligraphy) really stuck with me. I loved working with the ink and brushes and made a point of using them as often as I could. Japanese Budō is an overarching concept of a path of discipline, practice, personal development and respect. I really appreciate those values and try my best to implement them in my daily life. I was really influenced by the simple and elegant design of wood block prints, the need for harmony, and above all, respect for nature, be it animal, plant or human.

Which local illustrators would you most love to collaborate with, and why?

This is a really difficult one to answer because there are so many to choose from. I love seeing what my long-lost art school friends are up to and would definitely put Lauren Mulligan up there for a collab. I love how playful and fresh her daily drawings are. Pony of the Sea’s illustration really speaks to me and I also have such a crush on Nina Torr’s mysterious and strange art. I admire the way she has brought illustration into the gallery space.

Any exciting projects coming up?

I am going to Iceland in search of new ideas early next year, so that’s exciting for me. I rely a lot on nature and silence to inform new creative directions. I will also be heading to London with some exciting new work in 2020, but some of that is still emerging from the Cosmic Lucky Bag, so I will update on that as it happens. I plan on revisiting a lot of my favourite platforms too, such as Comic Con Africa, Fan Con, and if there’s time, I would like to do some First Thursday exhibiting. Most importantly, I have finally committed to launch my online store. So many people have asked about it and I can’t keep procrastinating and watching cat videos, so that will be happening very soon as well.

See more of Juliet’s work at cosmicluckybag.com and follow Cosmic Lucky Bag on Instagram.

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From an electric car made of 80% recycled plastic and a paper travel bag to cat furniture that encourages play and a new sneaker collab, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 281.

Catastrophic Creations’ Cat Playgrounds

Headed up by Megan Hanneman and Mike Wilson, Catastrophic Creations designs fun and functional cat furniture, including wall-mounted systems that aim to encourage your feline friends to play and stay active. A cat’s paradise!

Images via etsy.com

Wren Design’s Paper Travel Bag

Local design studio Wren’s Paper Travel Bag, one of the brand’s most successful products to date, is made from cement paper fused to thick cotton canvas, creating a durable design that’s ideal for anyone on the go. The bags are also sprayed with a water-resistant nano liquid glass. Apart from the natural paper option, Wren also offers three striking designs illustrated by Nigerian-Italian illustrator and textile designer Diana Ejaita.

Images via thewrendesign.com

Herman Miller’s Cosm Chair

Cosm, designed by Berlin-based studio 7.5, is office furniture brand Herman Miller’s first task chair with an automatic tilt and suspension armrest. The automatic tilt function adjusts to whomever is sitting in the chair, making it an ideal option for co-working spaces. The chair also features an industry first with its Leaf Arms, designed to cradle the elbow and provide maximum comfort. Cosm is now available in SA, through All Office.

Images courtesy of Herman Miller

Mandalaki Studio’s Birò O2 car

In collaboration with car company Estrima, Italian studio Mandalaki has designed an electric car that’s made from 80% recycled plastic, which the studio says is higher than any other car on the market. The model, whose top speed is 65km/h, is set to become available to the public in June 2019.

Images via dezeen.com

PUMA x Sophie Webster

British footwear and accessories designer Sophie Webster has teamed up with PUMA to create a colourful sneaker range inspired by dance, ‘80s workout gear and colour-blocking. The range drops in SA on 11 May 2019 at PUMA Select stores, Madaiza and Superbalist.com.

Images courtesy of PUMA

Browse more like VISI Picks of the week series – week 281 on picks of the week.

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Architecture for pets is becoming serious business as design heavyweights turn their hand to pet furniture and products.

Phaidon has released a book entitled Pet-Tecture: Designs for Pets, which includes designs by the likes of Sou Fujimoto, Kengo Kuma and MAD Architects, is an irresistible read for design-conscious pet lovers.

Suite, Chiavari for FORMA Italia. Picture credit: Joe Kesrouani (page 62)

Pet House Series, Natural Slow (page 40)

Flip through it and you’ll find trees for cats, concrete dog homes, luxury fish tanks, chicken coops and even a dog-shaped cat scratcher. Birds, rabbits, horses, mice and guinea pigs are catered for, too.

Pet-Tecture: Designs for Pets retails for approximately R400.

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The California-based cat furniture company Tuft + Paw has launched the Milo: the “ultimate playground for cats”, according to Dezeen.

For the design-conscious pet owner, it can be a challenge to find stylish pet furniture. Not only does this jungle gym offer indoor tigers the chance to play, discover and maintain their physical prowess, but its simple, Ikea-like flat-pack design and white and grey colour scheme means it is a piece of furniture you’ll be happy to have on show in your home.

It features two covered treehouses, two perches, and two scratching posts – a slide and the other a fireman-poll-like one both upholstered in a durable carpet fibre. Its curved side panels (designed especially to avoid sharp edges) are made of natural birch plywood with a white UV coating and slot together to build the frame, some of which is wrapped in rope for extra claw sharpening opportunities. Steps between the frame are ideal for cats to perch or jump on.

Arguably its best feature is the “crystal hammock”: a translucent, fish-bowl-style basin for perching or napping. Great for multi-cat households (the best kind, in our opinion), it is “suitable for cats of all shapes and sizes”, according to the site.

Tuft + Paw’s mission is to provide beautiful, well-made furniture for housecats, and it sources beautiful products from around the world, including beds, houses and (gasp!) hammocks, scratching posts and climbing gyms, and stylish litter box furniture and accessories.

Here at VISI HQ, we’re fairly partial to pets. Check out our list of design-savvy feline furniture from around the globe, here. 

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Japanese artist Wakuneco creates hyper-realistic portraits of cats using needle-felted wool.

These realistic 3D cats are produced using a traditional needle-felting technique.

Each portrait, made up of felted wool fur, glass eyes and whiskers, is created by repetitively poking wool layers with a needle until the fibres loosen up to create a solid shape.

Wakuneco makes sure to use a basic guide before putting the layers together to create the final piece. When the portrait is complete, the guide is cut away and the piece is placed into a wooden frame.

Follow Wakuneco on Instagram to view more of her creations.

(h/t) designboom.com

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From a getaway spot in Australia to a cherry blossom tree built from LEGO and a cocoon lounge set by Kevin Haviid and Martin Kechayas, these are the VISI picks of the week series – week 233.

1. JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate

“This JR Hut in Gundagai, Australia was designed by Anthony Hunt Design and Luke Stanley Architects,” says Content Producer Mary Garner. “Inspired by the classic A-frame cabin, this little abode allows guest to escape from modern distractions.”

Image credit: Hilary Bradford via archdaily.com

2. LEGO Cherry Blossom Tree

“This beautiful LEGO replica of a cherry blossom tree, built at LEGOLAND Japan, is made up of 881 470 bricks and took over 6 500 hours to build,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “I just wish I could go and see it in person.”

Image credit: thisiscolossal.com Video credit: Guinness World Records on YouTube

3. New Carrol Boyes Chocolates

“Renowned South African designer Carrol Boyes has just launched a line of dark and milk chocolates, all of which reflect one of the brand’s distinct designs,” says Editor-in-Chief Sumien Brink.

Image credit: carrolboyes.com

4. Cats in Architecture Photography 

“Photos of cats dropping in on an architectural photo shoot is testament to their carefree spirit,” says Assistant Editor Tracy Greenwood. “I just love the collection of pics that Archdaily rounded up from a selection of featured projects.”

Image credit: Filippo Poli.

Image credit: Kyungsub Shin.

Image credit: Olivier Mathiotte.

Image credit: Pedro Vannucchi.

Image credits: via archdaily.com

5. Cocoon Lounge by Kevin Haviid and Martin Kechayas

“These modernist 1960s-inspired lounge chairs by Danish design duo Kevin Haviid and Martin Kechayas perfectly blend wood, rattan and all-purpose coolness,” says Features Editor Amelia Brown. “They’re kind of like grown-up, chic Mose’s basket-cocoons and all I want to do is curl up with a book in one of them.”

Image credit: Chris Calmer via designboom.com

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Icelandic designer Thórunn Árnadóttir and product developer Dan Koval are behind the creation of PyroPet candles, a collection of seven animal-shaped candles – with a difference.

Not an ordinary collection of candles, the PyroPet range comes complete with a hidden surprise. As the candle burns, a tiny metal skeleton starts to appear. The idea was launched with Kisa, a cat-shaped candle, on Kickstarter, which saw the brand almost triple their funding goal.

“Cats have always had a split personality,” explains Thórunn. “One minute purring contentedly the next hissing and temperamental. Kisa was created to capture this duality. Kisa performs a slowly unfolding transformation from cute kitty to brooding skeleton.”

The candles, made from a combination of aluminium and paraffin wax, burn for approximately 20 hours.

Apart from Kisa, PyroPet candles now include Einer (a unicorn), Hoppa (a rabbit), Dreki (a dragon), Bíbí (a bird), Ugla (an owl) and Dýri (a reindeer).

Shop online here.

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Malaysian artist Kamwei Fong, otherwise known as Bo & Friends, has gained over 56 000 followers on Instagram posting his intricate (and fun!) illustrations of fluffy black cats.

The detailed drawings, featuring the character he calls The Furry Thing, are created with black ink and channel Kamwei’s mantra to “Be happy. Be Childlike. Be Ridiculous.” He also draws monkeys, dogs and bunnies, as well as goldfish (which he calls Bo).

“Furry-ing” Kitty No.23 . . . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #thefurrything #kitty #cat #workinprogress #fineline

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Jan 25, 2018 at 2:10am PST

He has also launched a series of limited-edition slip-casted and hand-painted ceramic sculptures for Malaysian store ana-tomy, seen below.

You can buy prints of his work online at Etsy.

Here are 12 of our favourite illustrations by this talented artist.

Kitty No.25 I believe that he’s probably closely related to Kitty No.3 ? . . . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #thefurrything #kitty #cat #fineline

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Jan 31, 2018 at 9:20am PST

Kitty No.26 . . . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #thefurrything #kitty #cat #fineline

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Feb 4, 2018 at 9:56am PST

Kitty No.23 . . . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #thefurrything #kitty #cat #fineline

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Jan 26, 2018 at 7:19am PST

Kitty No.24 . . . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #thefurrything #kitty #cat #fineline

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Jan 28, 2018 at 8:59am PST

Kitty No.22 . .I’m open for commission, if you want to have an original work of your fur kids, chat with me ????? . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #thefurrything #kitty #cat #fineline

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Jan 22, 2018 at 4:53am PST

Kitty No.21 . .I’m open for commission, if you want to have an original work of your fur kids, chat with me ????? . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #thefurrything #kitty #cat #fineline

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Jan 20, 2018 at 6:18am PST

Kitty No.9 – Never underestimate yourself. Repost. 2017. Inspired by The great wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai ? . Prints available on www.boandfriends.etsy.com (link in bio) ? . . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #thefurrything #kitty #cat #fineline

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Mar 21, 2018 at 11:13am PDT

Kitty No.1,2&3 are now available at The Royal Grocery, South Korea ?? Awesome shop, and lovely cats ? . You can also get The Furry Thing prints on www.boandfriends.etsy.com (link in bio)? . . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #thefurrything #kitty #cat #fineline #artprint

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Mar 14, 2018 at 9:22am PDT

Cat mountain . New limited edition prints of 50 in A3 size now available on my art shop www.boandfriends.etsy.com (link in bio) Every piece is personally signed, numbered and dated, comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. . Second pictures is the original artwork 25×37 inches . . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #thefurrything #kitty #catmountain #mountain #limitededition

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Feb 9, 2018 at 7:56am PST

Kitty No.19 . .I’m open for commission, if you want to have an original work of your fur kids, chat with me ????? . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #thefurrything #kitty #cat #fineline

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Jan 14, 2018 at 6:44am PST

Kitty No.13 . . . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #artistoninstagram #artig #instaartist #instagood #artoftheday #instapet #instacat #instaart #art #artist #happy #childlike #ridiculous #artlife #kitty #thefurrything #ridiculouslyhappy #pictureoftheday #artoftheday #fineline #furry #kittyno13

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Nov 2, 2017 at 6:44am PDT

Kitty No.12 . . . #kamweiatwork #kamweifong #boandfriends #博與福嵐德仕 #artistoninstagram #artig #art #artist #happy #childlike #ridiculous #artlife #thefurrything #cat #kitty #fluffy #inkonpaper #illustration #finelinepen #kittyno12 #picame #simplycooldesign #blackworknow

A post shared by Kamwei Fong (@kamweiatwork) on Aug 21, 2017 at 7:38am PDT

View more of Kamwei’s work on Instagram and Facebook.

(h/t) thisiscolossal.com

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