From life-like embroidered moths and butterflies and mussel pots from Le Creuset to the world’s first bionic robotic cat and a multi-use desk and storage container, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 315.

1. Yumi Okita’s Fabric Butterflies and Moths

Theses incredibly detailed embroidered sculptures are made by North Carolina-based artist Yumi Okita, using thread, feathers and faux fur.

Images via thisiscolossal.com, courtesy of Yumi Okita

2. Le Creuset Mussel Pot

You can serve perfectly steamed mussels straight from stove to tabletop in Le Creuset’s Mussel Pots. Made from enamel-on-steel, the pot is available in a variety of cool colourways.

Images courtesy of Le Creuset

3. Filodesign Mini Desk

This nifty multi-purpose furniture piece by Filodesign converts from a storage container into a desk with one swift movement, perfect for small spaces.

Images courtesy of filodesign.it

4. Neo-Noir Candle Collection by Miminat Designs

Miminat Designs, founded by British-Nigerian designer Mimi Shodeinde, has launched a new scented candle range, available in four different colours and scents, namely Electric, Noir, Noir Smoke and White Forest, each topped with Miminat’s signature engraved wooden lids.

Images courtesy of Miminat

5. MarsCat

Chinese tech firm Elephant Robotics has launched Marscat – the world’s first bionic robotic cat – on Kickstarter. The digi-kitten can recognise 20 keywords and moves using 16 motorised joints. MarsCat interacts with its surroundings by using sensors and cameras, making it the perfect robo-pet.

Images via designboom.com, courtesy of Elephant Robotics

Browse more like VISI picks of the week series – week 315 on picks of the week 175.

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From a Lego Airbnb and suspended 3D portraits to a modular pop-up library, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 206.

1. OFIS Arhitekti Pop-Up Library

“OFIS Arhitekti studio, in collaboration with C+C and C28 architects, AKT engineers and contractor Permiz, designed a micro house earlier this year, which has now been transformed into a pop-up library,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “Each modular pod, designed to house a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, now allows visitors to sit and relax with views across Ljubljana. Dreamy!”

Image credit: Janez Martincic via dezeen.com

2. MUT Design’s Beetle Acoustic Panels

“Designers Alberto Sánchez and Eduardo Villalón run the multidisciplinary MUT Design Studio,” says Content Producer Mary Garner. “Inspired by emotional design and daily life, these striking sound panels, launched at this year’s Salone del Mobile, are as visually appealing as they are useful.”

Image credit: mutdesign.com

3. Airbnb Lego House

“The Lego House in Denmark, designed by architect Bjarke Ingels, opened to the public in September,” says Features Editor Amelia Brown. “Now, thanks to Airbnb, you can stay the night, surrounded by 25 million lego bricks. Pretty amazing!”

Image credit: designboom.com

4. Chris Durosz’s 3D Suspended Portraits

“San Francisco-based artist Chris Dorosz creates 3D sculptural portraits with the use of paint and string,” says Copy Editor Kay-Anne Van Rooyen. “At first, the pieces appear to be abstract paintings, but when you take a closer look you start to see the shape of a human face appear in front of you.”

Image credit: thisiscolossal.com

5. Le-A Coffee Table

“French design studio Leblon Delienne, in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Design, has created a Star Wars-inspired table, influenced by Princess Leia’s iconic hairstyle,” says Editor-In-Chief Sumien Brink.

Image credit: leblon-delienne.com

Check out more VISI Picks of the Week Series.

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Fabrica design studio’s Kirsten Townsend (whose Citymapmats are featured in the latest issue of VISI) and Stokperd furniture’s Monya Eastman have merged their creative expertise to create a range of desks.

Kirsten’s interest in the bright and bold geometric designs of the Ndebele homes is what gave birth to the range. More than that, the traditional significance of each painted house as having historical meaning for the Ndebele people pushed both collaborators to do the project. The Ndebele Desk, which features an Afrocentric, slim-line design, is hand-crafted by local craftsmen.

The chosen palette adds a bright pop of colour to the geometric designs, which are made from a combination of powder coated metal and birch plywood. Available in white, pink and yellow, the desks retail at R6 700 each.

The Ndebele Desk will be available to view in Paris in June/July 2017, as part of the South Africa exhibition at Le BHV Marais.

For more information about the desks, visit fabrica.co.za or to shop online, visit stokperd.com.

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The new Sigma range from Weylandts is all about slimmer design proportions, without compromising on functionality and quality.

Inspired by the Scandinavian approach to design, this new range is made up of minimalist furniture pieces, all of which are constructed from oak.

The collection includes dining tables, a chest of drawers, and a pedestal. The range retails between R4 500 and R13 000.

For more information about the range, visit weylandts.co.za.

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To celebrate the launch of our #VISIWorkspace competition, we rounded up a collection of 13 stylish desks you can get your hands on today.

Haven’t participated in our competition yet? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! Here are all the details.

1. Writer’s Desk R7 850, Pedersen + Lennard

2. Flexi Desk R11 850, Dokter and Misses

3. Trestle Table (Standard) R7 190, Hemma Furniture

4. QuickStand Desk R17 214, Formfunc Studio

5. Trestle Storage Cube/Trestle Leg Desk R5 190, LIM

6. Spike Desk R3 899, @home

7. Brass Top Table (Walnut) R12 000, James Mudge

8. Trestle Desk R2 000, Mr P Home

9. Jules Desk R1 899, @home

10. Fusion Writing Desk R15 995, Weylandts

11. Daniela Desk R15 995, Bakos Brothers

12. Overhead Shelf Desk R2 000, Mr P Home

13. Normandy Writing Table R8 995, Block & Chisel

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