From a mobile home built out of salvaged materials to a sculptural installation featuring more than 7 500 barrels, these are the VISI team’s top picks of the week.

1. Portable Trailer by Invisible Studio

“This little pod, designed by UK-based Invisible Studio, would make for a dreamy getaway spot,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “Better still, it’s made using recycled materials, including unseasoned timber and waste materials sourced from construction sites. Even the doors were found at a rubbish dump!”

Image credit: Piers Taylor via Archdaily

2. Artist Christo’s Colourful Sculpture: The London Mastaba

“Made up of 7 506 painted barrels and based on the trapezoid shapes of mastaba (the Arabic word for bench), this temporary 20-metre high sculpture floats on London’s Serpentine Lake,” says Content Producer Mary Garner. “The mastaba is a form that has fascinated Christo and his late wife Jeanne-Claude for 50 years.”

Image credit: Wolfgang Volz via dezeen.com

3. The Soweto Gold Tower by Karabo Poppy Moletsane

“Designer and artist Karabo Poppy Moletsane has worked her magic for Soweto Gold – Superior Golden Lager on one of the Orlando Cooling Towers in Soweto,” says Features Editor Amelia Brown. “Karabo sums it up best: ‘I see Soweto as a great source of inspiration because despite political struggles, the creative aesthetic of the area is often at the forefront. This aesthetic is not one that is trying to be like another, it is one that has been cultivated by South Africans, for South Africans – from street art to music, we see a great reflection of our country. It is unmistakably ours. Soweto isn’t just in the people of Soweto, but in the people of South Africa.'”

Image credit: sowetobrewing.co.za

4. Mohair Throws From Jane Sews

“Made from a luxurious mohair and wool blend, these lightweight, breathable and textured throws from Cape Town-based brand Jane Sews are perfect for cold wintry days,” says Art Director Lené Roux. “The throws are also woven locally on traditional looms.”

Image credit: janesews.co.za

5. The June Gin Box

“The June Gin Box is a real treat for gin lovers everywhere,” says Assistant Editor Tracy Greenwood. “It includes KWV Cruxland Gin, a delicious spirit infused with Kalahari truffle and nine signature botanicals, which was awarded Best South African London Dry Gin at the World Gin Awards in London this year.”

Image credit: theginbox.co.za

The post VISI Picks of the Week Series – Week 237 appeared first on Visi.

We really are spoiled for choice when it comes to locally designed bags, from totes and backpacks to messenger bags and bucket bags, in both classic and modern styles. Here are 15 options you can find online right now.

1. The Bucket Bag R1 700, Burgundy Collective

2. Buffalo Bucket Bag R999, Chapel Goods

3. Woodstock Cross Body Bag R3 395, Jekyll & Hide

4. The Ted R2 995, Freedom of Movement

5. Amara Bag R5 100, Thalia Strates

6. Backpack R499, Mat & May

7. Afri Diamond Sling Bag R790, True at Prestwich Collection

8. The Wolfpack R4 890, Wolf & Maiden

9. Natural Paper & Cotton Messenger Bag R950, The Wren Design

10. Sahara Tote R499, Chapel Goods

11. The Daily Tote R2 700, Jane Sews

12. Arrows Sling Bag R750, Ilundi

13. Small Backpack R2 700, Pichulik

14. Leather Duffel R3 350, Dark Horse

15. Astara Red Suede 3 in 1 R650, Matewis

The post 15 Locally Designed Bags appeared first on Visi.

Is your bank account looking slightly better post payday? Treat yourself to any of these 12 payday treats this weekend.

1. Dido Shoes R499, Truffle at Superbalist.com

2. Stemless Chardonnay/Viognier Glasses (Set of 2) R369, Riedel at Yuppiechef.com

3. Thorne & Daughters Rocking Horse 2014 R190, Publik

4. Striped Cuffed Bangle R385, Dear Rae

5. Mirror R299, H&M

6. Tiger Print R180, Maria Lebedeva at KIN

7. Shea Ultra Shoft Cream Vanilla Bouquet R320, L’Occitane

8. Fjord Coffee Table R1 699, Nomad Home at Superbalist.com

9. Copper Plated Mule Mugs R199 each, Woolworths

10. Round Printed Sunglasses Multi-Colour R229, Lundun Eyewear at Spree.co.za

11. Felt Hat R699, Jane Sews

12. Authentic Leather Messenger R1 999, Country Road

The post 12 Payday Treats appeared first on Visi.

We thought it was about time that we rounded up a list of some of the most beautiful accessories we could find online. And what better time than Women’s Month! Here are 15 pretty picks to treat yourself to this August.

1. Landscape Print Clutch R299, Country Road

2. Mila Sandals R799, Jane Sews

3. African Soliflore – Orange Blossom Shea Butter (Protea Porcelain) R980 ($77), Frazer Parfum

4. Double Brass Bangle R550, Famke

5. Impero Earrings R650, Pichulik

6. Kirsten Round Sunglasses R499, Witchery

7. Nora Necklace R1 680, Kirsten Goss

8. Leah Hat R649, Simon and Mary at Superbalist.com

9. Elie Saab Le Parfum EDT (90ml) R1 159.95, NetPerfume

10. MIMCO X Frends Monogramania Headphones R2 499, Mimco

11. Sally Watch R3 799, Marc By Marc Jacobs at The Handlers

12. Ellen Crossbody Bag R899, Fiorelli at Superbalist.com

13. Yellow Gold Wrap Around Ring R1 300, Dear Rae Jewellery

14. Almond Shower Oil (500ml) R495, L’Occitane

15. Tribal-Print Scarf Multi-Colour R115, Edit at Spree.co.za

The post Treat Yourself! 15 Beautiful Buys For Her appeared first on Visi.

Fashion label Jane Sews has opened their first store at The Commune, a new melting pot for local apparel, homeware and designer pieces in Durban.

The Commune is situated in the Station Drive Precinct, a revived hot spot for Durban creatives, including Two Streams, Glass Garden, Journey Man, Maker’s Union and Grace Creative.

The concept behind the space is to bring together a team of like-minded people creating items with value and intention.

“With The Commune, I sought out to fill the space with honest hands and skilled artisans whose product is a labour of love,” says Jane Sews founder, Amy Venter. In the shared workspace, local makers produce and sell their products, and in the process build genuine interactions between tenants and visitors in the space, she adds. “The integrity of each product is guaranteed, as the process behind each piece is revealed. We are a community of artisans who seek to educate, rejuvenate and inspire people locally and internationally. Work feels more like home and tenants feel more like kindreds.”

Haven’t seen Jane Sews’ latest collection? We featured it here.

The post Jane Sews’ New Store at The Commune appeared first on Visi.

A beautifully designed bag is sometimes all an outfit needs to make a statement. Here are 15 gorgeous options to keep in mind if you’re on the lookout for a new tote.

1. Blue Tulip Bag R1 578 (ex. VAT), Reanne Urbain & Zara Gray for Urban Africa Atelier

2. Adriaan Kuiters x Jody Paulsen x Pichulik Tassel Bag R1 780, Pichulik

3. Wooden Tote Bag R850, Indalo

4. Meg Contemporary Classic Handheld Bag in Stone R1 260, Paul’s Boutique at Takealot.com

5. Dinky Mini Tote R329, New Look at Superbalist.com

6. Kinetica Circle Hip Bag R1 799, Mimco

7. Cassie Shoulder Bag R999, Witchery

8. Clutches R250 each, Maria Mccloy

9. The Messenger R1 499, Jane Sews

10. 11” Satchel R1 599, Cambridge Satchel Company at Superbalist.com

11. Cha Ching Lux Pineapple Scallop #1 Bag R2 950, Missibaba

12. Gold Detail Tan Handbag R499, Zoom at Spree.co.za

13. Tumu Clutch Bag R487.68, Babatunde

14. Colour Block Tote Bag R399, Woolworths

15. Robben Sling Backpack R1496.41, Chapel

The post Design: 15 Beautiful Bags For Her 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.

The post The New Jane Sews Lookbook appeared first on Visi.