WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

Curated by Decorex Africa’s Creative Directors Garreth van Niekerk and Alan Hayward, the Capitec handmadeAFRICA Pavilion brings an extraordinary showcase of contemporary designers from across the continent to this year’s Decorex Joburg. Spotlighting craftsmanship, cultural intelligence, and collectable design, the Pavilion will present handmade modern African luxury to visitors.

“This Pavilion is a statement of African excellence,” says Garreth van Niekerk. “It speaks to a continent not stuck in its past, but actively reshaping the future of global design, one handmade piece at a time. Cape Town was a huge success – affirmation that our curatorial instinct is sound. The bold pink Chela Broom wall by Bambizulu became one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ moments of the show. But more importantly, we introduced exceptional designers to new markets, giving their work the visibility it deserves.”

What to See

BambiZulu

BambiZulu debuts the Chela Broom – a radiant design object inspired by traditional Zulu brooms. Collaborating with handmadeAFRICA, BambiZulu reimagines this domestic icon using sustainably sourced ilala palm, vibrant grasses hand-harvested in Nongoma, and bold basket-weave handles developed with the women weavers of Hlabisa.

Monkeybiz

Monkeybiz, the trailblazing bead collective, showcases iconic artworks created by over 300 women bead artists from under-resourced communities.

LRNCE

LRNCE presents its painterly ceramics from Marrakech. Each plate is hand-painted by founder Laurence Leenaert, blending abstraction and symbolism.

Roxas

Roxas presents ceramic vessels and sculptures inscribed with text – poetic, humorous, and quietly philosophical. Created in Morocco, these pieces blur the line between function and art.

Luminaire d’Afrique

Luminaire d’Afrique launches its first collection of high-end lighting – collaborative works involving Ngwenya Glass, Bambizulu, master weaver Beauty Ngxongo, and Johannesburg’s finest lighting manufacturers.

Leatile Mosime Furniture

Leatile Mosime Furniture offers sculptural pieces made from indigenous wood, embracing traditional Tswana joinery. A Botswana-born architect turned designer, Mosime celebrates the imperfections of timber with an honesty and reverence that speaks to deep place-based practice.

Kind Kid

Kind Kid, created by Sanele Kwabe, shows monumental 3D-printed sculptures – scaled-up versions of playful toy-like characters, now chrome-plated in South Africa.

Bombisa

Bombisa, founded by Lazi Mathebula, launches the Isivunguvungu series – intricate paper sculptures exploring the tension between chaos and calm.

The Ninevites

The Ninevites is a design studio and collaborative platform founded by Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg. Gathering threads from across the continent and weaving them all into one beautiful story, The Nineevites make beautiful rugs, cushions, blankets and kitchenware using inventive designs with made-to-be-touched textures.

Moya African Glass Network

Moya African Glass Network is a non-profit company that strives to build a thriving Pan-African glass art community by connecting artists, collectors and enthusiasts while promoting education, sustainability and resource sharing. The featured artists include Mike Hyam, Lothar Bottcher and Martli Jansen van Rensburg.

Capitec handmadeAFRICA Design MRKT

Capitec handmadeAFRICA has teamed up with Decorex AFRICA to present the Design MRKT – an exciting expansion of its retail capsule that will spread across two floors (L4 & L5) at Decorex Johannesburg. 

Spotlight on Emerging Talent

The curators have selected three Spotlight Designers to watch out for across the Capitec HandmadeAFRICA Pavilion and the Design MRKT:

• BambiZulu, whose Chela Broom signals the beginning of a series of provocative, culturally resonant design objects from their collaboration with handmadeAFRICA.
• Bombisa, bringing poetic power to paper with their origami-inspired creations.
• Aaliyah Makoni, purveyor of bold, colourful wares for women and their homes. Known for their proprietary hand-designed prints, Makoni’s accessories and décor pieces speak directly to self-expression, individuality, and joyful living.

Dates and times

24 – 27 July 2025 | Sandton Convention Centre | Open daily 10am–6pm | decorex.co.za

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post A New Vision of African Design at Decorex Joburg 2025 appeared first on Visi.

Decorex Joburg will present all the latest trends, curated displays, local designs and new product releases. A much-anticipated highlight of the decor and design calendar, this massive showcase taking place from 24 to 27 July 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Here are our must-see highlights to help you plan your visit.

Stands to Visit

With numerous exhibitors to explore, these standout brands are leading the way in creativity, craftsmanship and innovation. From surface finishes and flooring to bedding and homeware, make sure these top-tier displays are on your must-visit list.

OGGIE | Level 2 | Stand B73

With over two decades of experience shaping interiors – many of which have graced the pages of VISI – Oggie has established itself as Africa’s largest importer of European Oak, and a name synonymous with sophisticated, sustainable living.

At this year’s Decorex Joburg, the brand will welcome design enthusiasts to its beautifully curated 80m² installation. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in Oggie’s latest engineered hardwood collections, including exclusive patterns and contemporary surface treatments designed to inspire architects, interior designers and aesthetes alike. The brand will have show specials on offer at their stand, too – don’t miss out. | oggie.co.za

STILES | Level 0 | Stand KB107

Known for curating tile ranges that inspire, Stiles returns to Decorex Joburg with a curated edit of decorative tiles that bridge design with lasting function. Visitors can expect to see the latest tile trends on display – including relief textures, graphic forms, and the standout “Funky Tile” collection.

Whether you’re planning a bathroom or kitchen renovation, Stiles’ on-stand tile specialists will be on hand to offer insights into the technical aspects of each range. Also on show: the brand’s sustainable slabs and timeless floor tiles, which have been carefully curated to bring beauty and longevity to any space. | stiles.co.za

@home | Level 5 | Stand P40

Meticulously crafted from the highest quality materials that are exceptionally breathable and luxurious, Granny Goose is the lightest, airiest bedding you will ever experience. If you’re looking to change the way you sleep and transform your nighttime routine, visit the @home Granny Goose sleep stand at Decorex Joburg. Speak to one of the sleep experts on hand to discover which duvet is best for each season are how to choose the perfect pillow, and more. | bash.com/granny-goose

Hubs to Explore

Whether you’re hunting for artisanal treasures, looking to hear from industry pioneers, or scouting what’s next in South African design, these are the places to pause and dive deep.

Capitec handmadeAFRICA + Design MRKT

This pop-up will be showcasing more than 40 brands in a special retail capsule at the iconic design showcase. Plus, the all-new Design MRKT – a fully-fledged artisanal market celebrating Pan-African design – will give visitors the opportunity to take their favourite pieces of design from the continent home with them.

Future Talks

This unmissable programme of 14 CPD-accredited sessions brings together the boldest minds in design under the theme ‘Design Makes the Future’. The talks include the likes of Stephen Klein, the CEO of Klein Concepts, a dynamic interior architecture practice; Sinegugu Ngxongo, the founder of Bambizulu, which produces high-quality eco-friendly woven products; and many more. You’ll find the talks stage as part of 100% Design Africa.

100% Design Africa

100% Design Africa returns to Joburg with three amazing design pavilions – Local, International, Materials – and more.

• Local: features a curated exhibition spotlighting the country’s most compelling design voices.
• International: brings a selection of world-renowned design brands to Sandton.
• Materials: will explore the continent’s most exciting materials.

Included in the 100% Design Africa showcase is a capsule collection of bold ceramic art from the ‘Grounded Practice’ exhibition.

The Create Café

The Create Café, an interactive ceramics studio, will be offering hands-on workshops led by Kendall Simon from Create Lonehill.

Where to Eat

From bubbles to locally roasted coffee and beautifully plated bites, Decorex Joburg’s food and drink offerings are as considered as the design displays themselves.

Kanpai Restaurant | Level 0

Designed by Cocoon Lifestyle, the Kanpai Restaurant will be serving up Japanese-inspired bites in a refined, design-forward setting.

100% Bar and 100% Restaurant | Level 2

Sip inventive cocktails at the 100% Bar by Rialheim, or enjoy a curated menu of bold, modern flavours at the 100% Restaurant by Shalom Interiors.

Line Avenue Bar | Level 5

Lounge in luxury at the Line Avenue Bar by Shalom Interiors – where poke bowls, spring rolls, and champagne-style sparkle meet velvet textures and golden details.

DATES & TIMES 

24 – 27 July 2025 | Sandton Convention Centre | Open daily 10am–6pm | decorex.co.za

The post Inside Decorex Joburg 2025 appeared first on Visi.

Decorex Cape Town will present all the latest trends, curated displays, local designs and new product releases. A much-anticipated highlight of the decor and design calendar, this massive showcase taking place from 5 to 8 June 2025 at the CTICC.

Here are our must-see highlights to help you plan your visit.

Stands to Visit

With numerous exhibitors to explore, these standout brands are leading the way in creativity, craftsmanship and innovation. From surface finishes to fireplaces and flooring, make sure these top-tier displays are on your must-visit list.

STILES | Stand A22

Known for curating tile ranges that inspire, Stiles returns to Decorex Cape Town with a curated edit of decorative tiles that bridge design with lasting function. Visitors can expect to see the latest tile trends on display – including relief textures, graphic forms, checkerboard patterning and the standout “Funky Tile” collection.

Whether you’re planning a bathroom or kitchen renovation, Stiles’ on-stand tile specialists will be on hand to offer insights into the technical aspects of each range. Also on show: the brand’s sustainable slabs and timeless floor tiles, which have been carefully curated to bring beauty and longevity to any space. | stiles.co.za

BEAUTY FIRES | Stand A30

Setting the mood for modern living, Forge Fires – distributed by Beauty Fires – is bringing sculptural simplicity and warmth to the CTICC during the four-day event. Locally manufactured and built to last, this wood-burning collection strikes the perfect balance between innovative design and performance. With both portrait and landscape models available in a variety of sizes, you could quite literally install a fireplace in every room of the house.

Every Forge Fires unit features a dual combustion system that enhances efficiency and reduces wood consumption. Adjustable top and bottom air inlets allow for precise control over the burn rate, while removable ashtrays make clean-up quick and easy.

Visitors to the Beauty Fires stand will be able to view the full range and take advantage of special show discounts on Forge fireplaces. | beautyfires.com

OGGIE | Stand J14

With over two decades of experience shaping interiors – many of which have graced the pages of VISI – Oggie has established itself as Africa’s largest importer of European Oak, and a name synonymous with sophisticated, sustainable living.

At this year’s Decorex Cape Town, the brand will welcome design enthusiasts to its beautifully curated 80m² installation, located next to the Decorex Bubbly Bar. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in Oggie’s latest engineered hardwood collections, including exclusive patterns and contemporary surface treatments designed to inspire architects, interior designers and aesthetes alike. | oggie.co.za

SEALY | Stand L27

For those who believe in the transformative power of sleep, make sure you head straight to Sealy‘s stand. The premium sleep brand will be showcasing the Sealy Crown Jewel – designed for those who are seeking more than just a bed.

At the heart of the Crown Jewel range lies an exclusive zoned support system that’s engineered to provide targeted support. The Crown Jewel Pocket uses individually encased coils to minimise partner disturbance, while the Crown Jewel DSX responds intuitively to body weight with deep, responsive support. Both feature Duraflex Foam Encased edge support, which means the mattress never sags (even when you sit on the edge).

Meticulously handcrafted in South Africa, this luxury range is designed to elevate rest into an art form. | sealy.co.za

Hubs to Explore

Whether you’re hunting for artisanal treasures, looking to hear from industry pioneers, or scouting what’s next in South African design, these are the places to pause and dive deep.

Capitec handmadeAFRICA + Design MRKT

This pop-up will be showcasing more than 40 brands in a special retail capsule at the iconic design showcase. Plus, the all-new Design MRKT – a fully-fledged artisanal market celebrating Pan-African design – will give visitors the opportunity to take their favourite pieces of design from the continent home with them.

Future Talks

This unmissable programme of 14 CPD-accredited sessions brings together the boldest minds in design under the theme ‘Design Makes the Future’. Hear industry titans debate the future of retail, discover the next wave of hospitality trends, and dive into landscape design, culinary innovation and the psychology of colour. 

100% Design Local Pavilion

This year’s event at the CTICC sees the introduction of New Reflections – the 100% Design Africa Local Pavilion – celebrating local talent at the forefront of South Africa’s design future. Curated by Decorex Africa’s Creative Directors Garreth van Niekerk and Alan Hayward, the design hub will feature a host of unmissable product launches, limited-edition pieces and exciting collaborations.

Where to Eat

From bubbles to locally roasted coffee and beautifully plated bites, Decorex Cape Town’s food and drink offerings are as considered as the design displays themselves.

Decorex Bubbly Bar

The Line Avenue Bar is set to take the annual Decorex Bubbly Bar to the next level, starting with its most dramatic design element: a golden seam that splits the space down the middle. One side – all matte metals with obsidian panels – will be punctuated by the lilt of atmospheric jazz, while the other half of the bar will be bathed in an eruption of vibrant colour with upbeat Afro house to set the mood.

Decorex Café

Designed by Rialheim, the central café will turn every bite into a design moment. Between sips of your smooth brew, sink into a full sensory experience that celebrates texture, craftsmanship and local creativity.

DATES & TIMES 

5 – 8 June 2025 | CTICC | Open daily 10am–6pm | decorex.co.za

The post Inside Decorex Cape Town 2025 appeared first on Visi.

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

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post CTFW X VISI Design Prize 2025 Finalist Exhibition appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Gina Dionisio

This year’s Cape Town Furniture Week Festival Hub, hosted at Church House, featured over 35 exhibitors. The ground floor housed a collective exhibition, while the upper floors came alive with pop-up installations and displays.

Exhibitors included Acre Studio, Ananta Design Studio, Ben Kennedy design, Circular Squared, Clout/SA, Damascus, David Krynauw Design, Ex Hotel, Frystark, Green Brother, Hanneke Lourens, Hoi P’loy, Hooked on Waste, Hope Garden Furniture, HUT Design Challenge, Hutch Custom, Jacobs Collection, Kora Collection, Kramer Design, Leighton Calder, LIM, Locha Design Studio, Modern Gesture, NØDE, Occony, Oliver Whyte, Planq, Spectrum Mirror, Student Design Showcase, Studio Dilli, Studio Kalki, TENT, Thomas & Verburg, Vitalli. x Nina Lieska, Vorster & Braye, White Sheep Studio, and Woodbender.

Below are some of the standout pieces and curated pop-ups that caught our eye at the CTFW Festival Hub.

Ananta Design Studio

Sisters Viveka and Rucita Vassen of Ananta Design Studio showcased their vibrant and functional décor pieces, featuring the striking Bimba Chair, first introduced in 2024. Founded during the 2020 lockdown, The design duo collaborate closely with craft communities to uplift and economically empower artisans. Their designs infuse traditional techniques with a playful twist, characterised by vibrant colours and captivating patterns that embody joy and community. The Bimba Chair, made with woven film from old VHS tape, and Masaruma Stool, made with film from old cassette tape, exemplifies this ethos, blending functionality with artistic flair.

Vorster & Braye

The Cape Town-based ceramic design studio, known for specialising in handmade functional and minimalist ceramic design, launched their GeoGlow lighting collection which included their new Double Chain Pendant. The studio also designed the gongs for the CTFW x VISI Design Awards.

Hanneke Lourens

Designer Hanneke Lourens presented the Corrugated Side Table from her debut collection, Corrugated. This collection reimagines one of the world’s most ubiquitous building materials, corrugated iron, by translating its distinctive flowing curves into meticulously crafted white oak furniture.

Hoi P’loy

Hoi P’loy officially launched their new Shard of Light 3D-printed lamp range. This debut follows their previous participations in CTFW 2023 and 2024, where they introduced the Carson Collection, a solid brass lighting range developed over two years, and the Rise & Fall Pendant, a modern take on a classic Victorian-era design. The Shard of Light collection continues their tradition of innovative lighting solutions, blending cutting-edge technology with artistic design. Founders Ploy Phiromnam and Guy van der Walt also walked away with the CTFW X VISI Design Prize ‘Advancement’ award for Shard of Light.

Studio Kalki

Studio Kalki launched their new wallpaper by Nikhil Tricam and Cara Saven, as well as showcase the Kalki Drinks Cabinet, and new Studio Kalki sofa range.

Vitalli.

Vitalli. launched their striking new Tectonic Collection at the Festival Hub, featuring a special exhibition in collaboration with Nina Lieska. The showcase included Vitalli’s RIFT Coffee Table and FRAGMENT Rug, paired with Lieska’s ethereal Suspended Series. They also took home a CTFW x VISI Design Prize for Best in Show at Cape Town Furniture Week 2025 (voted by the public).

HUT Design Challenge

The exhibition of furniture pieces designed from the timber of Muizenberg’s iconic beach huts, included works from Inland x Stripped Collective, Studio Kalki, Kino, Tamdem House Design, Sky Designs, Cara Turner, Amy Claire Arthur and Priyanka Verma.

White Sheep Studio

White Sheep Studio, headed by designer Walter Train, is an African luxury brand known for its bespoke, playful, and collectible furniture, made its debut a curated selection of standout pieces.

Clout/SA

Clout/SA presented an exciting showcase that highlighted innovative screen designs by three finalists from their Nando’s Hot Young Designer competition: Simphiwe Mabuya, Mpumelelo Nyuswa, and White Sheep Studio. The display also featured fresh works from Clout/SA’s talented partners, including PINDA, Vogel Design, Wiid Design, Design Afrika, Thandazani Nofingxana, N I S H, Cara Saven Wall Design, and Plantr.

More Notable Launches

Bronze Age – the foundry launched the sculptural Dune Pendant Light, produced in brass and inspired by the gentle undulations of sand dunes. Each piece is hand-finished and patinated using traditional methods, adding a unique, artisanal touch. Bronze Age were also awarded the CTFW X VISI Design Prize for their Dune Pendant Light.

Dokter and Misses – the brand launched the opening of their new Cape Town showroom as well as their new Mist Collection, which is a vibrant study of colour on steel.

OHKA – alongside the launch of their new Tribe Indoor/Outdoor Collection, OKHA and VISI hosted a discussion on ‘What Makes for Great Design… and a Great Design Business’.

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post New Launches Spotted at Cape Town Furniture Week 2025 appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Hannah St Clair; Slater Studio

Returning for its third edition, Cape Town Furniture Week (CTFW) once again takes centre stage as South Africa’s preeminent showcase of contemporary furniture, lighting and homeware.

This year’s event, taking place between 19 and 22 February, invites the industry and general public to “discover design in the city”, with a curated, publicly accessible programme of special exhibitions, open showrooms, pop-ups, launches, talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and the inaugural year of the CTFW x VISI Design Prize.

The exhibition programme takes place across 50+ venues in 5 design districts in central Cape Town: Central City, De Waterkant, Kloof Street, Gardens and East City. Attendees are invited to walk between the different locations in each district, kicking off with the festive Opening Night on Wednesday 19 February, where participating spaces will be open to the public from 5pm to 8pm. Open hours are from 10am to 5pm on Thursday 20 February and Friday 21 February, and from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 22 February.

Our Cape Town Furniture Week Highlights

We highlight VISI’s standout exhibitions and events, collaborations, pop-ups, launches and other activity taking place around the City Bowl for Furniture Week.

1. CTFW Festival Hub at Church House

19-22 Feb | Church House, 1 Queen Victoria Street

The festival hub for this year’s edition is at Church House, located alongside St George’s Cathedral. The hub hosts a collective exhibition of new designs from a number of brands and designers, along with pop-up installations over the two upper floors. Standouts include Clout/SA 2025 presentation, Circular Squared’s Hooked on Waste design challenge in collaboration with Plastic Pioneers, and Woodbender’s Time-to-Time bench. 

Other exhibitors at Church House include Acre Studio, Ananta Design Studio, Ben Kennedy design, Bronze Age / NØDE, Damascus, David Krynauw Design, Ex Hotel, Frystark, Green Brother, Hanneke Lourens, Hoi P’loy, Hope Garden Furniture, Hutch Custom, Jacobs Collection, Kora Collection, Kramer Design, Leighton Kalder Furniture, Locha Design Studio, Modern Gesture, Oliver Whyte, Studio Dilli, Studio Kalki, TENT, Thomas & Verburg, Vitalli., Vorster & Braye Ceramic Design, and White Sheep Studio.

2. CTFW x VISI Design Prize Exhibition

CTFW and VISI introduce the Design Prize, an award for acknowledging and celebrating new design that advances the contemporary furniture and homeware industries in South Africa. Shortlisted entries will be on exhibition on the 2nd floor of the LEMKUS building at the corner of St George’s Mall and Waterkant Street, with the winner of the Design Prize announced at a private awards event for the industry, taking place during Cape Town Furniture Week.

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.

3. Opening Night

19 Feb | From 5 pm

Opening Night has always been a festive kick-off to Cape Town Furniture Week, with most participating venues open after hours, and many events taking place as well. It’s an opportunity to explore the city on foot, along the lines of Cape Town’s popular First Thursdays, to get a first glimpse at the designs, exhibitions and displays for Furniture Week, and to meet the designers and entrepreneurs behind the exhibiting brands.

Opening Night takes place on Wednesday 19 February from 5pm to 8pm, across all 5 design districts. Printed maps will be available at participating venues.

4. Talks

CTFW Design Talks conference

The official Cape Town Furniture Week talks programme this year takes the format of an afternoon conference at the historic Cape Town Club on Wednesday 19 February. The programme will feature talks and conversations with the likes of Haldane Martin (HALDANE), Sindiso Khumalo (Sindiso Khumalo), Andrea Kleinloog (Hesse Kleinloog Studio), Joey Khuvutlu (Daily), Phillip Hollander (Houtlander), Pim Dekkers (Occony), Luke Pedersen (Pedersen + Lennard), Brad Armitage (Circular Squared), Matteo Cibic (Italian artist / designer), and Katherine Pichulik (PICHULIK).

19 Feb | 2-5 pm | Cape Town Club, 18 Queen Victoria Street

COST: R280

GET TICKETS: Get Tickets via Quicket

MORE INFORMATION: CTFW design talks

A Discussion on Design at OKHA

Alongside their new Tribe Collection, OKHA will be hosting a discussion on design in collaboration with VISI Magazine. The conversation will be moderated by VISI editor-in-chief Steve Smith, with OKHA’s designer and director Adam Court, Studio Kalki’s Nikhil Tricam, Peter van der Post from Indigenus, and other guests.

19 Feb | 5 pm | OKHA Design Studio, 109 Hatfield Street

COST: Free

REGISTER: via Quicket

From Copenhagen to Cape Town with HAY and INOVA Concept Store

Join INOVA for an in-store chat with Charlotte Baines from HAY, who will be talking about the reimagining of HAY’s AAC 222 chair by 10 local artists and design studios as part of the ‘Kaapenhagen’ Design Challenge. 

COST: Free

REGISTER: Via Quicket

21 Feb | 8:30 am | INOVA Concept Store, 76 Harrington Street

Luke Pedersen + Steve Smith

Meet, greet, grab a Cedar Coffee and Hoghouse pasties de natas, and take your seat for a casual yet engaging conversation between Luke Pedersen and Steve Smith – including stories from the Pedersen + Lennard’s Design Week Challenge ’24.

COST: Free

REGISTER: Via Quicket

21 Feb | 10 am | Pedersen + Lennard, 24 Napier Street

5. Collaborations

• INOVA Concept Store x HAY – ‘Kaapenhagen’ design challenge, featuring the reimagining of HAY’s AAC 222 chair by 10 local studios and designers.
• Matteo Cibic x Katherine Pichulik – A collaboration initiated as a part of the annual Italian Design Day, supported by the Italian Consulate as a part of Cape Town Furniture Week.
• African Jacquard x HALDANE – The South African textile brand will be launching its new outdoor fabric collection in collaboration with HALDANE.
• Weylandts x Thebe Magugu – the unveiling of their limited edition sofa collaboration.
• Vitalli. x Nina Lieska – a special exhibition in collaboration with Nina Lieska.
• A collaborative display at Church House.
• Wunders x Skinny laMinx – Wunders is launching new collaborations with Skinny la Minx and Dokter and Misses.
• Sofacompany x Renée Rossouw – an artist collaboration with Renée Rossouw

6. Pop-ups

• CREMA Design at Longkloof
• James Mudge Furniture Studio at 54 Waterkant Street
• Kino at ditto
• Arrange Studio at Chommies
• uMugqa Studio and Ashanti Design at 50 Harrington Street
• Daily at Under the Aegis
• Kevin Fellingham Architects at the Erik Laubscher Trust
• Curación Collection at 7 Newport Street (Gardens)
• Tandem Design House at Platō Coffee
• Studio KÁJA at Loading Bay
• Willowlamp at Open City Architects
• N I S H at 156 Kloof Street
• SPRUNG Outdoor Living at Plantify Harrington Street
• Leila Atelier at Pauline’s (De Waterkant)

7. Launches

• DEFT Studios – will be celebrating its new showroom and the launch of the ‘One by Each’ limited collection for Furniture Week.
• Dokter and Misses – the Joburg-based brand is showcasing its new MIST collection at its new Cape Town showroom upstairs at Heritage Square on Shortmarket St.
• Frystark – will be displaying its new Utility Stool located at the New Design Hub at Church House.
• Hoi P’loy – will be launching their Shard of Light 3D-printed lamp range.
• OKHA Design Studio – is launching its new Tribe Indoor/Outdoor table.
• Spectrum Mirror – Spectrum is a range of solid and gradient colour architectural mirrors created through an innovative process of layering pure metals onto glass. CTFW is the official launch for the brand.
• Studio Kalki – is celebrating the launch of a new wallpaper by Nikhil Tricam x Cara Saven, the Kalki Drinks Cabinet, and the new Studio Kalki sofa range.

8. Tours

There are also factory and studio tours taking place outside of the City Bowl on Thursday and Friday, allowing you to see behind the scenes at the likes of Wiid Design, Wunders, Bronze Age, Space Agency + Cape City Modern, Green Brother, vetsak, Jan Ernst, HALDANE and Iziko Social History Centre.

See all exhibitors, locations and events on the Cape Town Furniture Week website: capetownfurnitureweek.co.za

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post Cape Town Furniture Week 2025: What to See appeared first on Visi.

COMPILED BY Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Anne-Emmanuelle Thion; Felix dol maillot; Celia Spenard-Ko; Supplied

Sur/Reality – the theme of this year’s Maison&Objet – addressed our newfound appetite for the strange and the surprising through the lens of Surrealism. From January 16 to 20, the first edition of this year’s programme featured seven halls with over 2 000 exhibitors showcasing the latest trends in decor, design and lifestyle.

VISI contributor Annemarie Meintjes visited the City of Light to discover the latest inspiring finds in the design world. Here’s what caught her eye at this year’s showcase.

What’s New? In Decor

The What’s New? In Decor installation was carefully curated by trend expert Elizabeth Leriche, who invited attendees to experience the Sur/Reality theme by walking through a sprawling floor labyrinth into a ‘cabinet’ of decor curiosities. Her Room of Dreams, which paid homage to André Breton, emphasised the importance of imagination, and her Fantastic Forest provided a much-needed connection to nature and its myriad mysteries. | elizabeth-leriche.fr

What’s New? In Hospitality

Architect and designer Julien Sebban crafted Hotel Uchronia – a 200-square-meter time-warped space with a colourful, dream-like interior. Ensconced within the fabric walls of this imaginative ‘hotel’ were a hyper-styled master bedroom, a bathroom as a work of art, a reimagined fitness room, a living garden, a mysterious smoking lounge, and a rejuvenating spa. | uchronia.fr/en

Klevering

The Dutch brand is known for its playful lifestyle products. Among their standout pieces showcased at Maison&Objet were the charming apple-themed plates from a collaboration with renowned designer Hal Haines. | klevering.com

Yama-Biko

Yama-Biko, a Japanese brand, showcased its exquisite handwoven baskets crafted from wild vines harvested in the forests of Japan. The level of craftsmanship and design is exceptional, offering a rare combination of quality and artistry that’s seldom seen. | yama-biko-basket.com

valerie_objects

Maarten Baas is renowned for his playful objects that evoke the imperfection of the human hand, and his new tableware collection with valerie_objects is no different. Each plate in the Inner Circles collection represents a unique interpretation of imperfect circles, which Baas created by drawing them by hand. | valerie-objects.com

CIMENTO

CIMENTO is a groundbreaking cement compound that can be applied to various substrates, including tiles and more. With Patricia Urquiola as creative director, the brand is pushing the boundaries of material innovation, blending functionality with cutting-edge design. | cimento.tech

Ferroluce

Ferroluce stood out with their vibrant, inspiring stand and equally bold selection of retro-inspired pop light fittings. Their collection drew attention not only for its playful and dynamic aesthetic but also for its craftsmanship, rooted in artisanal traditions. | ferroluce.it

Faye Toogood

British designer Faye Toogood, who we recently featured, was named Maison&Objet Designer of the Year 2025. She presented WOMANIFESTO! – a surrealist re-assemblage of her archive, blending past collaborations with site-specific ephemeral artworks. It’s a deeply personal exploration of inhabiting a changing female body, redefining beauty, and embracing new perspectives. She also gave an inspiring talk where she shared her inspirations and insights on how to silence the (digital) noise. | fayetoogood.com

 Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post VISI’s Design Highlights from Maison&Objet 2025 appeared first on Visi.

After months of judging and then manufacturing, the seven final pieces of the HUT x Always Welcome design challenge are on exhibition at St George’s Cathedrals’ Church House in Cape Town. 

With VISI magazine the media partner, the HUT x Always Welcome design challenge was launched at the 2024 Cape Town Furniture Week. Seven designers were invited to design limited edition pieces using material reclaimed during the refurbishment of the iconic Muizenberg Huts. Discover all the Hut Design Challenge entries here.

For those not familiar with it, Always Welcome is a multi-brand collective retailer local design and their HUT project celebrates sustainable design, repurposing of found materials and compact living solutions from the unique perspective of African designers. More than mere salvage, AW is inspiring African designers to re-imagine the wood as a living material imbued with a deep sense of our shared coastal heritage. 

Local designer manufacturers were invited to submit a design proposal at Cape Town Furniture Week 2024 where a limited-edition piece by local design outfit Kino was displayed. Setting the tone for the level of output of the challenge, Kino designed and manufactured a vanity stand from the reclaimed Beach Hut material. Their limited-edition design preserves and highlights some of the original iconic color paints on the timber and integrates recycled and upcycled material knowledge. 

After Kino’s piece was exhibited at Milan Design Week, a local judging panel, including VISI’s editor-in-chief Steve Smith, selected a final six from the entries who’d then go ahead and make the furniture pieces. Included in the selection were both recognised design studios and student designers. This inter- generational curation sparks a dynamic between the established and up and coming designers in our African design community.  

Here are the seven and their works … and, by clicking on each, you can read more about each piece, the inspiration behind them and the design methodology employed. 

• Inland X Stripped Collective – “The Muizenbar”
• Studio Kalki – “The Kalki Drinks Cabinet”
• Kino – “Vanity Stand”
• Tandem House Design – “The Tall Boy Locker”
• Sky Designs – “The Surfer’s Curtain”
• Cara Turner – “The Everyman Chair”
• Amy Claire Arthur – “The Balamory Bench”
• Priyanka Verma – “The Shark Attack Table”

The final exhibition of limited edition pieces was launched at the Circular Squared hub located in the Church House heritage building connected to the Cape Town’s St George’s Cathedral.  

The pieces will be on display there for several months and be accessible to holiday goers, locals, press and creative communities alike. In addition to being housed in CT, the HUT team looks forward to exhibiting at future exhibitions held in various cities in Europe in 2025.  

The HUT pieces will be auctioned in collaboration with Strauss & Co in June 2025.  Proceeds will go to The Beach Hut Trust, as well as other charitable causes based in Muizenberg and a percentage will also go to the designer in the form of a royalty. Strauss & co are committed to building a collector’s market for our local design community. 

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post Muizenberg Icons Reborn appeared first on Visi.

After the first event held in Johannesburg earlier this month, Design Week South Africa is heading to The Mother City for the second part of its inaugural event.

Local design was at the centre of every experience during the Joburg edition of Design Week South Africa, powered by Yoco. ”Some of our exceptional local design was showcased, delicious dinners prepared and engaging discussions had – from fashion to urban design, furniture to interiors – leaving me filled with the greatest sense of pride and excitement for our future, a sentiment I hope was experienced by all who attended,” said Margot Molyneux, founder of Design Week South Africa.

The Cape Town edition of the design showcase runs from 24-27 October and includes various activities throughout the city, such as architecture tours, open studios, workshops, talks, art exhibitions, and product launches.

WHAT’S ON

The full list of events is on their website – designweeksouthafrica.com – with some requiring the purchase of tickets, others to register, or some you can just arrive. Here are some Cape Town highlights to look forward to: 

Open studios and factory tours

• Get a glimpse into furniture brand Wunders’ factory space and see their newly launched MakeSpace by Heath Nash.
• Heather Moore, founder of Skinny laMinx, will open up her playful Making Friday studio for visitors to get a glimpse into her process.

Parties

• Brazilian-decor store Nosso is celebrating its birthday.

Launches 

• ‘BROKEN PEOPLE FIXED POSITIONS,’ by Kooooooos and Ex.Hotel
• Wunders will exhibit the products and artworks of their ‘Waste Workshop’, where local artists and creatives upcycled waste in collaboration with breakroom.
• Hoi P’loy, Cape Cobra and N I S H, are launching new products and collections over the weekend. 

Tours

• The public are invited to join free urban and architectural tours ranging from a walk by dhk Architects who will take a look at their inner-city projects, a MyCiti bus trip to Dunoon, hosted by Young Urbanists NPC and the City of Cape Town, and a site visit ‘walk and talk’ at the newly renovated Cape Town Train Station.

DATES 

Cape Town – Thursday, 24 – Sunday, 27 October 2024 

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post Design Week South Africa Heads to Cape Town appeared first on Visi.

With a broad focus from furniture and architecture to fashion, film, food and music, a brand new festival of design has its inaugural events in Joburg and Cape Town this month. 

Staring in Joburg over 10-13 October, the format for Design Week South Africa, powered by Yoco is a series of events that you can attend throughout the city, from architecture tours and open studios, to workshops, art exhibitions, product  launches, and even bicycle ride.  

THE MISSION 

The events’ organisers describe it as curated calendar of events and immersive experiences that will showcase the future of South African design, through knowledge-sharing, inclusivity and support. Their mission is to create South Africa’s leading design platform that will celebrates design as an expression of creative thinking and making, creates connections, jumpstarts collaborations, and cultivates the next generation of creative leaders. 

WHAT’S ON 

The full list of events is on their website – designweeksouthafrica.com – with some requiring the purchase of tickets, others to register, or some you can simply just arrive. Here are some Joburg highlights: 

Parktown North 

• Iconic South African furniture brand TONIC will be celebrating their 25th birthday. 

Parktown 

• Collection launch by fashion brand VIVIERS STUDIO 

Rosebank 

• MØDERNIST will be showcasing their debut collection of sofas at TRUE DESIGN who will also be launching their new range of casegoods.  
• ORIGIN ART host a workshop, in collaboration with ARTIST PROOF STUDIO. 
• YOUNG URBANISTS  and OXFORD PARKS MANAGEMENT DISTRICT will be hosting a walking tour and insightful talk themed “South Africa’s Future Neighbourhood: Designing for No Walls & Safer Streets” with INTAPROP, CITYCON AFRICA and DHK ARCHITECTS  

Sandton  

• Sustainable fashion and accessories brand SEALAND GEAR activate their Select campaign in store. 
• Textile studio SOMETHING GOOD STUDIO and furniture brand THEURBANATIVE  launch their collab collection at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub 

Johannesburg city 

• MAXHOSA studio and factory tour at. 
• Watercolour monotype workshop by BEVAN DE WET at ELEVEN EDITIONS 

Orange Grove 

• OBJECTS BY KALASHNIKOVV  – an exhibition and walkabout held at Latitudes Centre For Art. 

THE TEAM 

Meet the three folk who’s creativity and energy is driving Design Week South Africa… 

Margot Molyneux. Having spent 10 years building her namesake clothing studio,  a manufacturer and retailer of boutique collections of mens and womenswear, Margot more recently turned her attention to the world of media. 2024 has brought the launch of a new initiative, Design Week South Africa, a seemingly natural career transition as she combines her love of design and storytelling with her enthusiasm for the local creative industry and its growth and development. 

Zanele Kumalo. With a twenty-year career in media, marketing and communications that sees her growing the now five-year-old boutique content studio whatzandidnext, she works as the Johannesburg liaison for global membership club, Soho House Cities Without Houses, and is the associate director for Kalashnikovv Gallery.   

Roland Postma believes that building people-first cities is a necessity, not an idealistic goal. Currently the Managing Director at Young Urbanists NPC, he aims to inspire a new generation of thinkers and doers around city design and management, and provide solutions to local governments around the areas of housing, urban design and transportation. 

DATES 

Johannesburg 

Thursday, 10 – Sunday, 13 October 2024 

Cape Town 

Thursday, 24 – Sunday, 27 October 2024 

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post Design Week South Africa Kicks Off in Joburg appeared first on Visi.