INTERVIEW Ishani Chetty PHOTOS Anke Loots

Iconic and locally loved Artclub and Friends, a uni-sex Cape Town-based fashion label that has become synonymous with effortless style and aesthetics rooted in its love for artists of all mediums, continues to innovate its offering with its first-ever collaboration.

Collaborating with another iconic local brand, Mr Price, the limited-edition research project, as the collection is titled, was developed over two years ensuring that thoughtful curation and creation went into every piece created.

VISI caught up with creative director and founder, Robyn Keyser, to learn more about the collab, the collection, and what it means for Artclub and Friends.

What does this collaboration mean for you as a creative and also for the brand itself?

As a creative, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see my design ethos executed at a truly accessible price point. This has been something I’ve yearned for because I’ve always felt great designers don’t limit themselves to a specific income bracket. However, due to our limited resources and quantities, our products cost significantly more to produce. So as a brand, the collaboration meant we were able to find a way to allow anyone in South Africa to own a piece that we have designed, it is very hard to express the immense pride our team feels in seeing how much joy came from this collaboration. 

What inspired the collaboration?

Almost two years ago we planted a seed and began to experiment. We posed the question “What happens when you apply the design thinking of a small independent brand to the resources of a large-scale local retailer?” Our Limited Edition Research Project, a once-off collaboration between Artclub and Friends and Mr Price explores the possibility of whether considered design and quality can exist in the same space as accessibility.⁠

Are there future collaborations on the horizon for Artclub and Friends? 

Absolutely, collaborating is in our DNA. Although our collaboration with MRP was a once-off, the relationship will continue. We are truly inspired by how their team included us and let us lead from our experience. It was one of those unforgettable projects for us. If we had a trophy case, this would sit on the top shelf. Artclub and Friends is really about people, and working in a silo is something we avoid. We love to see what is possible when two teams bring their best ideas and resources together. So to answer your question, yes, the future is looking very exciting and we are already working on our next collaborative project. 

Can you provide insight into the design process for the selected Artclub and Friends x Mr Price items? 

When we began the research project, we outlined the elements that we feel are core to what makes an Artclub and Friends piece so unique and treasured. From there we worked alongside MRP to translate these ideas, shapes and material selections into the manufacturing options MRP has available. We focused on wearability, trans-seasonality, and fluidity in gender and age, as well as a strong focus on the best quality fabrics we could use while keeping within an accessible price point. 

This was a very new set of parameters for our team but we loved designing this collection. We were able to create a collection that looks and feels like us. And the feedback from across South Africa has been overwhelmingly positive. 

What was the design ethos for this collaboration? 

This collection was by artists and for South Africans. Artclub has always produced on a small scale, mostly due to the size of our community and ensuring we never produce more than is wanted. But because of this we’ve always faced serious roadblocks around our access to production resources and being able to achieve a price point that most South Africans can afford.

So when we began conceptualising, we realised this was not just another collection- but rather a study of what’s possible when artists have the support to dream bigger. Still limited in units, but unlimited in impact.⁠

As a small team with limitless ideas but limited resources, it was an expansive experience working on this collection. From developing 100% cotton premium tees to learning about the processes involved when creating on a larger scale, it truly was an honour for us to collaborate in this way with the Mr Price Team, who are in so many ways thinking the way we are. artclubandfriends.com | mrp.com

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

The post Fashion Forward: Artclub and Friends x Mr Price Reimagine Design for All appeared first on Visi.

From laptops and weekend essentials to your furry friend, backpacks are a hands-free way to carry it all. Here are 15 great options for you to choose from.

1. Tumbler Leather Backpack R1 499, Chapel

2. Fjallraven Kånken 13-inch Backpack R1 759, Superbalist.com

3. The Roadster R3 490, Wolf & Maiden

4. Mally Leather Bags Bambino Baby Backpack R2 495, Takealot

5. Stem Green Backpack R550, Zana

6. Faces in Dark Backpack R937, Society6

7. Glitter Cat Backpack R479, Country Road

8. Traveller Bubble Backpack Pet Carrier R499, Takealot

9. The Wolfpack R4 890, Wolf & Maiden

10. adidas Originals Classic Animal Backpack R549, Spree

11. Spotted Backpack R99.99, Mr Price

12. Teal Ombré Backpack R937, Society6

13. Aztec Backpack R99.99, Mr Price

14. Heritage Backpack R799, Country Road

15. Burgundy Collective Nomad Canvas Backpack R1 900, Design Store

The post 15 Cool Backpacks You’ll Want To Carry All Day appeared first on Visi.

MRP has collaborated with six South African artists on a limited edition range of tees as part of a new PROJECT collection.

The range features original illustrations created by artists Lorenzo Plaatjies, Jade Klara, Kobie Nieuwoudt, Maaike Bakker, Sebastian Quevauvilliers and Nanna Venter.

Lorenzo’s illustration is designed to look like an unfinished Italian painting from the 1800s, while Jade’s simple, graphic tee, made up of primary colours, aims to make the wearer feel good. Nanna’s design symbolises self-determination, while Kobie wants people to interpret her design for themselves, whether the collage be viewed as humourous or mysterious. Maaike’s ’90s-inspired illustration aims to be light-hearted and playful, while Sebastian’s design aims to deal with false perceptions. “I decided to focus on the emotion in the eyes, showing there’s more to the tiger than its savagery,” he explains.

The range launched in store and online on 16 October 2017. The tees retail at R89.99 each. Visit mrp.com to shop online.

The post MRP X PROJECT Tee Collab appeared first on Visi.

If you’ve watched The Devil Wears Prada, you’ll remember Miranda Priestly’s prickly words to her team:

(GIF credit: tumblr.com)

Despite Miranda’s disdain, we just couldn’t resist sharing these 12 cheerful buys with you. They’re bright, beautiful and a great way to celebrate the start of the new season. Happy shopping!

1. 2790 Floral Espadrille Wedge R999, Superga at Superbalist.com

2. Floral Scatter Cushion R180, Woolworths

3. Flowers & Lollipops A6 Notebook Packs (2 per pack) R80, Flowermill Stationery Co.

4. Knockout Headphones R1 899, Skullcandy at Superbalist.com

5. Floral Sunglasses Case R39.99, Mr Price

6. Metal-link Floral Watch R299, Avantgarde at Spree.co.za

7. Multi-Layered Card: Kirstenbosch Gardens R115, Artymiss at KIN

8. Aloha Floral Backpack R475.97, Boardriders

9. Pretty Proteas Phone Cover R380, Handmade By Me

10. Endangered Flowers Shopper R32.50, Woolworths (R10 of each sale goes towards the Botanical Society of South Africa)

11. Tea Towels – Summer Weeds R130 each, Skinny laMinx

12. Floral Tote Bag (Yellow) R295, aLoveSupreme

The post Spring Accessories: 12 Pretty Floral Buys appeared first on Visi.

Looking for a new purse for your on-the-go essentials? Here are 10 trendy options you can find online.

1. Yellow Squares Pattern Purse R105, Handmade By Me

2. Lined Change Purse – Gridly R110, Skinny laMinx

3. Small Leafy Green Pouch R135, Henri Kuikens at KIN

4. Forest Green Zebra Ostrich Pouch R3 250, Okapi

5. Textured Clip Purse R59.99, Mr Price

6. Mint Waves Coin Purse R150, Zana

7. Lizzie Zig Zag Purse in Teal R660, Paul’s Boutique at Takealot.com

8. Coin Holder R138, MI-PAC at Superbalist.com

9. Gridlock Tech Zip Purse R999, Mimco

10. Janice Coin Purse R199, Witchery

The post Design Buys: 10 Stylish Purses appeared first on Visi.

Bring out your inner school kid with any one of these cool backpacks. Whether bright canvas or bespoke leather, the two-strap has made a big comeback, not only for city bike commuters, but for urban style in general. Here are 12 options you can buy online today.

1. Flora canvas and Leather Backpack R1 600, Mandara at Hello Pretty

2. The Bobby Backpack in Brown R1 470, The Freedom Movement at Spree.co.za

3. Rover Backpack R1 233.86, Chapel

4. Classic Backpack in Red R419, Bodachel at Takealot.com

5. Tinder Pack R1 239, Burton at Superbalist.com

6. Demin Backpack R899, Country Road

7. Navy Combo Backpack R950, Double Edge

8. Old Khaki Katniss Fabric Printed Backpack R399, Cape Union Mart

9. Orbit Backpack R559, Eastpack at Superbalist.com

10. Cut Out Backpack R129.99, Mr Price

11. Leather Backpack Black/Monsoon Straw R2 490, Dark Horse

12. Hella Coachella Bucket Backpack Beige Floral R599, The Lot

The post On The Go: 12 Trendy Backpacks appeared first on Visi.

Whether you’re looking to brighten up your outfit with a bold design or simply stay warm this winter, these 10 stylish scarves for the season will do the trick.

1. Block Printed Scarf in Geo Ochre R495, Skinny laMinx

2. Grid Rib Knit Scarf R699, Country Road

3. Mountain Long Scarf R199, Vero Moda at Superbalist.com

4. Block Print Scarf R160, Woolworths

5. Sierra “Jubilee Field” Wool Shawl R1 071, Hinterveld

6. Patricia Geo Scarf R180, Poetry

7. Simple Stripe Scarf R229, Avant Garde at Spree.co.za

8. Gridlock Print Scarf R49.99, Mr Price

9. Feisty Floral Watercolour Scarf R500, Handmade By Me

10. Geostatic Scarf R699, Mimco

The post 10 Stylish Scarves For The Season appeared first on Visi.

The perfect spot to enjoy sunny alfresco lunches and balmy soirees, one city patio is given four unique makeovers courtesy of a refreshing selection of complementary hues from Plascon.

MELON PUNCH
Cheery, multi-coloured DIY planters against an intense, hot-pink backdrop transform an ordinary patio into a happy-go-lucky haven.

GET THIS LOOK: 

• Paint the walls with Plascon Wall & All Fuchsia Fizz (R2-A1-1), the table with Plascon Velvaglo Fuchsia Fizz (R2-A1-1) and the chair with Plascon Velvaglo Orange Juice (O3-A1-2). Leave the ceiling and moulding white. 
• Use pops of bright colour to create a colour-blocked effect. The white wall moulding provides a bit of a breather. 
• Repurpose plastic cleaning containers into flowerpots. Remove the labels, punch holes in the sides and hang them against the wall with a colourful selection of string. Remember to make drainage holes in the bottoms. 
• Choose plants such as Sweet William that provide an abundance of colourful flowers and thrive in small containers. 
• The plastic woven carpet adds texture.

Accessories:

Plants, Stodels. Recycled bottles from local recycling depot. String used to hang recycled planters, Southern Ropes. Painted chair, The Treasury. Table, Mr Price. Chair, Chair Crazy. Plastic glasses, bowl, side plates, all Woolworths. Green stool, Mr Price. Orange yoga pouffe, Ashanti. Orange and pink sarongs on chair, Woolworths. Lilo, The Crazy Store. Butterfly net, Khoki, 021 981 5100. Carpet, Moroccan Warehouse, 021 461 8318. Towel (on ledge), @home. Tropical bikini (on ledge), Chica Loca. Orange espadrilles, Ginger Mary at Truworths. 

LEMON AID
Soft and sherbety pastels, geometric prints and touches of purple come together to create a country-chic retreat in the heart of the city.

GET THIS LOOK:

• Paint the wall with Plascon Wall & All Lemon Rind (Y4-A1-3) and the table in a lighter tone, such as Plascon Velvaglo Lemony Mist (Y4-A2-3), as a highlight. Paint the pots the same colour as the wall to give the impression that they are receding into the backdrop. 
• Fasten pot plants to the wall with cable ties by attaching them end-to-end until they fit around the pot. String another cable tie through this hoop to act as a loop for hanging, then suspend from the wall with a nail.
• Bigger pots allow for a bigger choice of plants. Try statice, petunias or pansies.
• Finish off the look by incorporating a mix of bold, large-scale graphic prints as seen on the cushions and rug.

Accessories:

Painted terracotta pots, Super Floral. Plants, Stodels. Mauve chair, The Modern Home Company. Yellow chair, Haldane Martin. Painted table, Mr Price. Scatter cushions and fabric pot cover, Skinny laMinx. Gardening tools and seed packets, Stodels. Yellow stool, ceramic cup on stool and purple Hunter boots, all Imagenius. Carpet, Gonsenhausers. Fabric on ledge, St Leger & Viney.

BERRY CRUSH
A bold, dramatic backdrop embellished with clean-lined, understated designer accessories make this patio one happening hipster heaven.

GET THIS LOOK:

• Paint the walls with Plascon Wall & All Hot-n-Spicy (R6-B1-1) and the table with Plascon Velvaglo Fresh Scent (Y6-B2-3). Keep the ceiling and moulding white. 
• Offset the red-and-white palette with a smattering of accessories in light blue or teal. 
• If you opt for a high-design look, choose one item as a showpiece – in this instance it’s the white Haldane Martin planters. Keep the rest of the accessories minimal. 
• Go for green accent plants such as cacti and other succulents. 
• Exposed light bulbs in different shapes strung up on red and blue cords add a trendy, yet minimalist touch.

Accessories:

Eco planter (on wall), Haldane Martin. Chair, The Modern Home Company. Table, Mr Price. Radio, I-fi. Coffee cups, bowls and jug, all Entrepo. White stool, Block and Chisel. Red backpack, Chapel. Trolley, Entrepo. White plant pots and plants, Stodels. Carpets, Fibre Designs. Cushion, Entrepo. Ceramic gemsbok head, Quirky Me. Exposed light bulbs and fittings, Hoi P’loy. Red geometric lampshade, Abode. White bulb and fitting, King Juliet Productions. 

SPICE INFUSION
A grounded, natural palette accessorised with a miscellany of hanging lanterns and layered textures transforms a sunny terrace into a Moroccan-inspired oasis.

GET THIS LOOK:

• Paint the wall with Plascon Wall & All You’re My Sweetie (O4-C2-2) and the table with Plascon Velvaglo Freckle (O3-C1-2). 
• Layer the space with a variety of different textured rugs – from smooth plastic to rough natural woven grass – to create a comfortable padded haven. 
• Use a staple gun to cover the ceiling with a pliable, natural woven fabric. 
• For an interesting alternative to the hanging plant trend, put your pot plants into hanging lanterns and stagger them at different heights. Choose plants that will enjoy a terrarium environment.

Accessories:
Lanterns (glass and round), reed lampshades, carpets (except left), chair, leather pouffe, ceramic vase, ceramic bowl, teapot, cushion (on chair), glasses, all Moroccan Warehouse, 021 461 8318. Terracotta pots, Super Floral. Plants, Stodels. Carpets used for ceiling, Ashanti. Carpet on floor (left), Ashanti. Cushion (on floor), Bbellamy & Bbellamy. Oversized basket, Baraka. Hex side table, Haldane Martin. Cactus and basket, both Woodstock Vintage.

For more handy tips, visit plasconspaces.co.za

The post One Room, Four Looks appeared first on Visi.

While the February heat bakes down, stay cool with this season’s soft pastel colours. Get nostalgic with retro designs and search for tongue-in-cheek ceramics by local designers. Says stylist Marian van Wyk: “Hints of gold and gray are good matches for pastel colors. Or jump in the deep end by painting your kitchen chairs in pink, sea green and yellow soft sorbet tones!”

Browse more cool pastel ideas here.

The post Ice cream days appeared first on Visi.

Choose delicate shades of dove grey, sea foam and bleached denim to create a peaceful atmosphere. Soft cotton, classic linens and ceramics create character in this faded palette. Says Marian van Wyk: “Shades that recall faded denim let the earthy texture of crochet work, ceramics and wood come into its own. Frayed edges and peeling paint create a nostalgic feeling.”

The post Lazy days denim appeared first on Visi.