Like Evolution Products’ stainless steel drinking straws, which replace the single-use plastic versions, the range of totes was designed to be used as an alternative to plastic shopping bags, which often end up in our oceans, harming the wildlife.

Evolution Product was assisted by The South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) when it came to the designs featured on the products. The team at the Institute found a rare book dating back to 1908 by William Tyson, showcasing a collection of pressed Sea Algae, and shared the discovery with Evolution Product, who in turn translated the pressings into a pattern.

Through its offering, Evolution Product aims to create awareness about the plight of our oceans and natural habitats, inspired by David Attenborough’s continued conservation work, as well as the work of Dr Kerry Sink, who after five years of campaigning has managed to increase Marine Protected Areas in South Africa from 0.4% to 5%. The new areas will advance ocean protection by approximately 50 000 km2, an area two and half times the size of the Kruger National Park. Through this unique approach, South Africa establishes itself as a leader in developing country strategies for sustainable oceans. 

Evolution Product has also reduced its own waste by introducing biodegradable plastic bags, brown wrapping paper and paper tape for product packaging.

For more information and to shop online, visit evolutionproduct.co.za.

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How proud we are here at VISI HQ that South African design is continuing to make its mark on the international scene. Here is our showcase of only a few of the exhibitors who took part in Maison&Objet Paris in September.

Evolution Product

Swerving Savannahs, a range that celebrates all 847 plant species in the southern African grasslands, is one of two ranges shown in Paris by Amanda du Plessis and her company Evolution Product. This blue botanical print art panel (150 x 300 cm) is made of 100 % linen.

minima

Jacques Cronje, founder and product designer at bespoke timber lighting and furniture company minima, is known for his sophisticated Scandi-style designs. The products are lightweight and come flat-packed, and they clip together like puzzle pieces. The minima 2016/17 range of timber-ribbed ceiling lights, including the Lucent light featured here, were launched at Maison&Objet Paris.

Indigi Designs

Designer Natalie du Toit’s Facet glass-topped coffee table, part of Indigi Designs’ Geometric Facet range, is made of epoxy-coated mild steel with a smoked-glass top.

De Steyl

Furniture designer Deánne Viljoen of De Steyl showed her 2DO Stackable Storage System at Maison&Objet 2016. Created in collaboration with artist Renée Rossouw, the storage system is made of sustainable birch plywood with Renée’s distinctive Liquorice African Candy motif in water-based ink on the front and sides. We love the Yellow Tower on Wheels, pictured here, with its handy casters.

Vogel Designs

The design of the Cape Spring table was inspired by wildflowers blooming in Namaqualand in spring, says designer John Vogel. It is part of a new collection made mainly of factory offcuts and waste timber, including sculptured wall hooks and floating shelves, all designed to be flat-packed. 

Willowlamp

Designer Adam Hoets of Willowlamp took five chandeliers to Maison&Objet Paris, including this striking Protea chandelier in brass.

The post SA Designers Representing appeared first on Visi.

Give your living space a new lease on life with the fresh colour and cheerful motifs of authentic South African fabrics. Or, if your fingers itch, make a patchwork, says Marian van Wyk: “I love combining different motifs and colours and, if I have the time, stitching them together to create something fabulous. For my blanket (which is nearly finished!) I chose different South African symbols, like shwe-shwe, fynbos, proteas, the Bush and farm motifs.”

• designteamfabrics.co.za
• makietie.com
• Era Design, 082 607 0013
• biggiebestwebshop.co.za
• lulafabrics.co.za
• fabricnation.co.za
• evolutionproduct.co.za
• mitat.co.za
• skinnylaminx.com

Originally published in Rapport Mytyd. Subscribe here.

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