From H&M’s first collaboration with a South African label to a moon-inspired floor lamp and a paper camera, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 278.

1. BAND Collection by Patricia Urquiola

“Renowned designer Patricia Urquiola has launched a new chair collection,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “Entitled BAND, the angular designs of both the dining chair and club armchair aim to challenge the sophisticated lines seen in traditional furniture design.”

Images via kettal.com

2. H&M X Mantsho

“H&M has announced its first African collaboration with South African designer Palesa Mokubung’s Mantsho label,” says Features Editor Amelia Brown. “The range, which features Palesa’s signature vibrant prints and structural silhouettes, will consist of womenswear and accessories, and will be available in all South African stores, as well as exclusive flagship stores around the world, from mid August.”

Images courtesy of H&M & Mantsho

3. DOTMOT Paper Camera

“This clever paper camera by Seoul-based design studio DOTMOT comes complete with interchangeable lenses and a removable flash,” says Copy Editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen. “While the model can’t actually take images, it would still be fun to construct.”

Images and video via thisiscolossal.com

4. Haute Edit Marble-inspired Collection

“Kumari Govender, founder of local brand Haute Edit, has launched a range of marble-inspired ceramics,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “The collection includes condiment bowls, mezze bowls, oil and balsamic bowls, tapas bowls, dessert bowls and sorbet bowls.”

Images via hauteedit.com

5. K.Light Moonlight Floor Lamp

“Local lighting brand K.Light has just launched the LED Moonlight Floor Lamp, perfect for highlighting a favourite artwork at home,” says Editor-in-Chief Sumien Brink. “Better yet, you’re able to rotate the lamp 360° for the perfect positioning.”

Image via via klight.co.za

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Award-winning Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola’s colourful rugs for Italian contemporary rug brand cc-tapis are a celebration of geometric patterns.

Made up of two designs, entitled Rotazioni and Visioni (which was first launched in 2016 before the addition of last year’s new colourways), the Himalayan wool rugs are all hand-knotted by artisans in Nepal.

The geometric designs featured on Visioni’s rugs, which are available in four variations, has an enchanting 3D effect, as do the tubular-like designs seen in the Rotazioni collection. According to Patricia’s website, “Rotazioni plays on the repetition of cylindrical shapes superimposed, which emphasise the circle as a matrix of the drawing.”

See more of Patricia Urquiola’s designs at patriciaurquiola.com.

(h/t) dezeen.com

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From a music machine that uses 2 000 marbles to make a song to delicate icing art and smart headphones, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 121.

1. Patricia Urquiola’s Cuna Bath

“This solid-surface bathtub, created by renowned Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola for Italian brand Agape, is just everything,” says online editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “I wish I could have one in my bathroom!”

Image credit: dezeen.com

2. Here Active Listening Ear buds

“These ear buds offer a unique take on earphones, as they take in sound from the outside world and allow you to adjust the volume of specific sounds, making them great for the work environment,” says special projects manager Cecilia du Plessis. “They also sync with an app to enhance audio to specific settings such as ‘Carnegie Hall’ and ‘Psychedelic,’ which would make for a lot of fun at festivals!”

Image credit: refinery29.com

3. Judit Czinkné Poór’s Cookie Art

“I am amazed by the intricate icing art done by Hungarian artist Judit Czinkné Poór,” says content producer Michaela Stehr. “It almost makes these cookies too good to eat!”

Image credit: boredpanda.com Video credit: Helen Goshulak on YouTube

4. Wintergatan Marble Machine

Features editor Tracy Greenwood is seriously impressed by the time and effort it must have taken Martin Molin to create this incredibly clever marble music making machine.

Image credit: laughingsquid.com Video credit: Wintergatan on YouTube

5. Rural Love Classics T-shirts

Editor-in-chief Sumien Brink loves how local brand Rural Love Classics celebrates South African design.

Image credit: rurallove.co.za

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100% Hotel will be presented at 100% Design South Africa in collaboration with Julia Day’s Joburg-based design firm, Generation. The event runs alongside Decorex Joburg from 6 to 10 August 2015.

Generation has paired up with established Italian furniture brand De Padova, where they will exhibit original and unseen international furniture pieces by Nendo, Patricia Urquiola and Achille Castiglioni.

The stand will be the largest at the show and will feature as a “lobby” area, as this is the area within a hotel that receives the most foot traffic and creates the overall impression of the hotel space. State-of-the-art flooring options will be provided by Mae Artisan Rugs.

“We’re really excited by this opportunity, as it gives us the chance to share our love for and knowledge of international design with the rest of the design fraternity,” Julia explains.

As well as these exciting collaborations, Generation has also created a luxury signature scent for the display, titled Leather Lux.

Want more details about what to expect at 100% Design South Africa, held in association with Dauphin HumanDesign® Group? Here’s everything you need to know.

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A sofa that mixes Roman classicism and contemporary design, two smart solutions to load shedding and skilfully made wooden bowls are just some of the things that inspired the top VISI picks of the week series – week 18.

1. Campana Brother’s “Brazilian Baroque” Range

“I love the Campana brother’s new range, which pairs Roman classicism with a modern design aesthetic,” says special projects manager Cecilia du Plessis. “I especially love the contrast between the detailed gilded bronze external frames and the soft velvet interiors of the chairs and sofas – taking a cue from their 2014 Lina collection. It’s a match made in heaven.”

Image credit: davidgillgallery.com

2. “Die Blaker” by Douglas & Company

In response to SA’s load shedding crisis, local design studio Douglas & Co launched an elegant candleholder made from powder-coated mild steel. “Simple, functional design at its best,” says online editor Lindi Brownell Meiring.

Image credit: jandouglas.co.za

3. Matali Crasset’s “We Trust In Wood” Bowl

Editor-in-chief Sumien Brink thinks these designs illustrate the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Image credit: crowdyhouse.com

4. Scholten & Baijings Characterize “Ottoman” For Moroso

“I love the soft curves of this design, as well as the patterns and mix-matched textiles,” says content producer Michaela Stehr.

Image credit: designboom.com

5. MESH Candle Holders by Patricia Urquiola For Kettal (available at Marlanteak)

Features editor and cat lover Tracy Greenwood thinks this is the perfect design for keeping rogue feline tails away from an open flame.

Image credit: Supplied

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There’s a new bunch of working humans who are mutating as fast as technology is setting them free from old-school ideas about where and how to work. Coalesse, a US furniture brand that has hit local shores, calls them the creative class and is addressing their needs for wanting to work wherever the mood strikes, one designer furniture piece at a time.  

The Coalesse team has done extensive research about the furniture requirements among this new set, which includes freelancers, working parents and other creatives who run their offices in cafés, hotels, libraries and co-working offices. The company’s president, Lew Epstein, explains: “Our name, Coalesse, means ‘coming together’. We create a direct link between the work environment and lifestyle. Our products are developed to inspire people to work in this new way, wherever they may choose.”

With fab pieces such as Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola’s Hosu convertible work lounge with its handy lumbar pillow, American industrial designer Stephan Copeland’s Free Stand foldable and portable table, and French architect and designer Jean-Marie Massaud’s swivel lounge chair now available here, we say it’s high time to give that old office chair the boot. 

For more information, visit inspirationoffice.co.za

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An eclectic mix of succulent egg cup planters, animal mugs, a book with absurd illustrations, a new watch boutique in Paris and an interactive screw installation (of all things) are keeping the top VISI picks of the week series – week 68.

1. Fox Mugtail by Kinto from Superbalist.com

“Who wouldn’t want to drink their morning cuppa like this?” asks online editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “At R249, this fox tail mug from Kinto is now available at Superbalist. Bonus!”

Image source: superbalist.com

2. 36445+1screw:) by Studio Yumakano for Design East 05 Camp

Editor-in-chief Sumien Brink loves this interactive installation that challenges viewers to find a smiley face hidden in a thousand screws! “How cute! Takes DIY to a new level,” she beams.

Image credit: yumakano.com

3. Egg Cup Planters by Justina Blakeney

“What a cool idea it was to turn these adorable little egg cups into planters!” says editorial and online assistant Chantél Hans.

Image credit: blog.justinablakeney.com

4. Officine Panerai Boutique designed by Patricia Urquiola in Paris

“If you happen to be in Paris and you are one of those people that love to collect wristwatches, or maybe just appreciate beautiful minimalistic interiors, be sure to check out Officine Panerai’s newest boutique of marble, bronze and wood,” deputy editor Annemarie Meintjes suggests.

Image source: panerai.com

5. Variations on Normal by Dominic Wilcox

Art director Anton Pietersen was amused by this illustrated book filled with ridiculous solutions to real life situations. (Video below)

Image source: variationsonnormal.com / Video source: Dezeen on Vimeo

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What did you want to be when you were a child? 

I wanted to dig up dinosaur bones and put them together like a puzzle.

What do you do now? 

I “dig up” non-traditional yarns and combine them into shapes that end up being colourful coverings in the city. 

How did that happen? 

I realised our cities are full of yarn in the form of rope or twine and cord or off-cuts. I wanted to use material true to the age and environment, shaping it into something beautiful and functional.

Your biggest accomplishment? 

My most recent project: a giant delicious-monster mat made from off-cut promotional fabric. I’m photographing it in different environments.

Some favourite designers? 

I love Porky Hefer’s design process and the Spanish furniture designer Patricia Urquiola – her use of texture and craft is amazing. 

What would you decree if you were Minister of Design? 

I would chat to the Minister of Finance about tax breaks for emerging designers.

Advice for aspiring designers? 

Do what you love. Draw up a business plan. Set clear goals.

isabeaupeep.com

Click here for more profiles on fresh, talented South African creatives.

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Design pilgrims from all corners of the globe are flocking to the world’s most prestigious design fair in Milan, from 9 to 14 April 2013, where veteran and novice creative wizards will show off their latest creations. We showcase eight of 2013’s hottest debutantes.

Our inimitable deputy editor Annemarie Meintjes will be reporting live from the Milan Furniture Fair next week, so like VISImag on Facebook, follow @VISI_mag on Twitter and VISImag on Pinterest, and plus one VISI on Google+ to get the latest news.

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Southern Guild ArcelorMittal SA Heavy Metal was an independent exhibition of high-end design investment pieces in the Woodstock Foundry at the same time as Design Indaba. Is this the beginning of a design-fuelled fringe festival?

Trevyn and Julian McGowan, the directors of Southern Guild, were not the only people to piggy back their event on the influx of design professionals into the Mother City. The European Light and Design Centre flew in Giullermo Simo Pascual from FLOS Italy to launch Patricia Urquiola’s new Tatou series, and Sodastream SA took the opportunity to celebrate the new Yves Behar-designed machine.

The Heavy Metal exhibition’s opening was perfectly timed: straight after the first day of the Design Indaba Conference. A live performance by Them Tornadoes, kinetic fire sculpture by Brendhan Dickerson, food trucks, and lots of wine and bubbly made for a stylish but laidback party atmosphere. Celebrated Malian designer Cheick Diallo showed work, and conference speaker David Adjaye made an unofficial appearance and whirlwind tour of the work.

With over 40 pieces on show, also noteworthy about Heavy Metal was the number of top South African designers and artists who were not exhibiting at the expo. Gregor Jenkin, Andile Dyalvane, Porky Hefer, Dokter and Misses, Joe Paine and many others chose to make a single statement piece for Heavy Metal, rather than creating a mass of low-cost high-turnover wares that typically do well at the expo.

“With the Heavy Metal exhibition we want to celebrate this age-old tradition of designers working in steel, bronze, copper, aluminium, gold and silver and the beauty of the raw material, but we equally want to throw a spotlight on the durability and appropriateness of this material in tough economic times when high quality investment pieces are, rightly, favoured over cheap, mass-produced, low-quality objects,” said Trevyn.

VISI thinks that it is fantastic that the South African design industry has grown to this point and the quality of the work on display said it all. In particular, we loved Ceramic Matters’s Dream Dolls, Dokter and Misses’s on-trend use of colour, Haldane Martin’s fabulous Hex brass tables and Guy du Toit’s whimsical hare tables.

For more of Southern Guild’s design collaborations, visit their website www.southernguild.co.za

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