Durban-based brand Arkivio, established in 2014, creates a stylish range of hand-made homeware and lighting designs.

Each piece available as part of the brand’s ranges is made in its home-base studio in Durban with the use of artisanal techniques combined with new technologies.

Its collections are made by hand in small batches, helping to keep the designs more exclusive. Arkivio believes in manufacturing its products locally and sourcing staff from the surrounding community, upskilling each member in the refined techniques required to produce high quality decor, lighting and mirror designs.

We especially love the colourful fans Arkivio will be releasing just in time for summer, seen below.

Summer is coming, keep it breezey ? #Arkivio #fan #pink #industrialdesign #productdesign #interiordesign #retro #summer #durban #southafrica #minimal #minimalism #minimalist

A post shared by Arkivio (@arkivio_) on Aug 27, 2017 at 12:04am PDT

For more information, visit arkivio.co.za.

The post Local Design: Arkivio appeared first on Visi.

Durban-based clothing and footwear brand Jane Sews recently launched their new, exquisitely shot lookbook.

It features their range, which is made up of minimal, key womenswear pieces in pure linens and cottons, across a palette of neutral and classic colours.

“I have always been inspired by nature’s authenticity,” says Amy Venter, designer and founder of Jane Sews. “My design (and making) hopes to reflect this same spirit; every design element is carefully considered and close attention is paid to fine construction and finish. With Jane Sews I sought out to create uplifted staples and timeless pieces that are suitable for all seasons. The small run collections are crafted from high quality natural fabrics.”

In a world obsessed with disposable fashion, Jane Sews’ commitment to slow fashion, all made by carefully selected, local makers, is a breath of fresh and fashionable air. On 25 June 2015, Amy will also open the brand’s first outlet, in Durban, right in front of their studio.

Shop the range on janesews.co.za.

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Durban-based 3D designer Nick Smith chatted to us about his design inspirations and the real difference between 3D renderings and photography.

How did you get into 3D design?

While studying for my national diploma in interior design I was introduced to Autodesk 3D Max (3D software) by a close family friend who is also in the 3D industry and fell in love with the idea of creating what most people think are photos, in a completely virtual world.

It was a case of countless hours of practice, watching tutorials online and gaining as much knowledge about the software as I possibly could. I think what helped massively was that after I qualified from DUT I went straight into a 3D artist role and focused solely on honing my 3D skills and really making a career out of it.

What do you think is the biggest difference between photographs and 3D renders?

I think for marketing imagery for the home improvement industry (kitchen, bedroom and bathroom), the biggest difference is cost. For example, in the past when a kitchen company wanted to create a brochure, each kitchen would need to be built first, which includes costs for materials and labour, delivery and transportation, and so on. Then they’d need to hire a stylist and an art director and purchase all the furniture and prop elements for the shoot, all before a photographer is even hired to take the photos.

With CGI, there is no waiting for prototypes to be manufactured, meaning product can get to market sooner. The best aspect of 3D rendering is its accumulative nature, i.e. when clients need to update their brochures in line with current design trends, we can take the already built space and change colours or restyle without the cost of building a whole new kitchen to be photographed.

Do you follow strict briefs for each project that you do or are there architects and designers that inspire you?

It all depends on the client and the type of job we are working on. For architectural visualisation, the design of the building or space is what needs to be represented as accurately as possible and we can’t stray too much from what the client has designed. However, for property marketing and room set images we are generally shown mood boards and concept boards of what the client has in mind before going away to develop the design to meet their expectations.

As for inspiration, I don’t have a favourite architect or designer as such, but visual imagery of current trends in design keeps me inspired. Great sites that keep the creative juices flowing are VISI, Contemporist, Freshome, Dezeen, Designmilk and Mocoloco.

Tell us about the latest project you’ve been working on in Nigeria.

The first two images in the above gallery are examples of the work we’ve produced for a new multipurpose development near Abuja in Nigeria. We were asked to create imagery showing the first phase of the development. We were given full creative freedom for the interior design for this project and decided that we didn’t want to play it too safe. Keep an eye out on the KAIA website for updates regarding this project, as there are more images currently being worked on…

Browse our gallery for more examples of 3D renderings designed by KAIA.

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Kiara Gounder, a Durban-based fashion design graduate from the Durban University of Technology created Digital Nature, a fashion range featuring 3D printed accessories.

The pieces explore the concept of symmetry in nature, and to achieve this she turned to microscopic images of fossils, plant cells and insect cells for inspiration. The resulting 3D printed accessories, complemented by monochromatic structured garments, earned this young talent a place amongst this year’s 40 Design Indaba Emerging Creatives. We caught up with her for a brief chat.

How would you describe, in your own words, what you do?

I am a recent fashion design graduate. I conceptualise, design and create – and enjoy pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

What do you think sets your work apart?

I suppose what sets it apart is the integration of innovative 3D technologies. 3D printing technology has been breaking new ground in the international fashion industry, but remains relatively unexplored within South Africa.

The work that I will be exhibiting at Design Indaba forms the practical component for my B-Tech: Fashion study, entitled 3D printing revolution: The impact of innovative technologies on fashion in South Africa. I used my B-tech study as an opportunity to explore my own curiosity about 3D printing technology.

What does it mean for you to be selected as one of Design Indaba’s Emerging Creatives?

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase my creative abilities. It is also an incredible honour to be included in a group that is so vastly talented.

Any plans in the near future that we should know about?

I am currently working as a part-time fashion lecturer at the Durban University of Technology. I am also working towards my Masters study which will focus on the development of flexible 3D printed materials to create wearable 3D printed garments. I also hope to fit some travelling in between.

In your chosen field, who do you rate?

Alexander McQueen.

Iris van Herpen is the main designer whose work motivated me to apply 3D printing technology to my design practice. Her experimentation and application of 3D printing technology within the international fashion industry is unparalleled.

Anna Wintour – I have always wanted to become a fashion editor. She holds one of the most influential positions within the international fashion industry.

Lastly, South African designer and artist Dr Michaella Janse van Vuuren. She has exhibited her incredibly intricate 3D printed pieces across the world.

We say world domination, you say?

Absolutely! Where do I sign?

Come back next week for #5 of our Emerging Creatives to watch. Missed the others? You’ll find the rest of our interviews right here.

Click here for the full list of this year’s Emerging Creatives.

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