WORDS Dumisani Mnisi PHOTOS Supplied; Marijke Willems (portrait)

Created by industrial designers Pia Findlay and Josh McNally, Tandem Design House is a collaboration that opens a fresh dialogue around materiality and its influence on space. Their latest collection, Phlat, is an intergalactic-inspired range of tables, shelves and lamps craft ed from recycled plastic, designed to be modern and well-made, and enduring as heirlooms.

The collection stems from extensive conversations about and research into plastic, and its potential for ethical repurposing. The retro-futuristic aesthetic, evident in both form and colour, asks a provocative question: what does the future of furniture look like in a world that’s drowning in plastic?

From their light-filled studio in Victoria Yards, Johannesburg, the pair shares how they keep ideas flowing.

Pushing each other is the foundation of our relationship.

Josh: As a designer, you have to practise letting go of ideas that you think are amazing if they don’t work.

Pia: Josh brings his technical and manufacturing knowledge to the table, and turns wild ideas into actual tangible objects. I tend to challenge the idea of the square box and come up with things that push boundaries.

When it comes to materials, it’s all about ingenuity.

Pia: Our designs are heavily based on our context. In South Africa – and in Johannesburg specifically – we have limited resources and manufacturing processes. Wood and steel are readily available materials. We reimagine how these are used, and how we can develop them into beautiful, innovative ranges.

Josh: We don’t want to just add to the world of waste; we want to create products that last a long time and have value. Oak, for instance, is an heirloom-quality timber that’s always been used to manufacture furniture, and it’s well suited to our variety of climates. We need to use timber that’ll stand the test of time. We design for South Africa, for ourselves, and that tends to bring us to materials we can trust, like steel. It’s strong and dependable, but it also allows us to keep up to date with modern manufacturing techniques such as laser cutting and CNC bending.

Inspiration for us comes from a mindset of curiosity.

Josh: Our inspiration is ever-evolving, and we are constantly seeking new ideas. We’re behind-the-scenes people. We don’t want to see what’s in the storefront; we want to go to the workshop at the back. Who is making the product, and what tools are they using? How do they do it? That hunger has always led us to value craftsmanship.

Pia: A word that definitely comes to mind is curiosity.

A well-designed piece of furniture is intentional and considered.

Josh: It’s easy to tell the difference between a piece that’s just been put together and a piece that has been designed. Is it balanced? Does it serve its purpose? Does it make sense visually and functionally? Consideration and intention are key in design.

Pia: Being intentional is the process of designing. It’s all about doing things on purpose.

Our favourite pieces are the Tall Boy locker (inspired by the Muizenberg huts) and the MeshMash chair.

Josh: The Tall Boy locker is my favourite because it’s inspired by our Foldi range, and was designed with that aesthetic in mind. We used wood exclusively from the Muizenberg huts, and our Foldi legs. The product ties in with our design beliefs: reusing this reclaimed timber, learning, and creating a modern piece that’s both beautiful and innovative.

Pia: I love the MeshMash chair because it’s playful – and play is such a crucial part of designing and unlocking creativity. | tandemdesignhouse.com

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Justin Patrick Photography

In a powerful meeting of minds and materials, PICHULIK and Studio Lloyd have revealed ‘to hold’ – a collaborative installation presented as part of the CAPSULE section at this year’s Investec Cape Town Art Fair.

Drawing on the ancient arts of knotting, crochet, and weaving, the installation explores the language of rope – not just as a material but as a vessel for feminine knowledge. For centuries, these practices have shaped ritual, trade, and domestic life, encoding care and continuity into every loop and bind. Now, this lineage is brought vividly into the present through a dialogue between two distinct yet complementary practices: PICHULIK, the luxury jewellery atelier known for its bold, sculptural forms; and Studio Lloyd, a design studio celebrated for its handcrafted lighting and objects.

At the heart of the installation is a series of limited-edition embellished bags by PICHULIK. Each is a carrier of meaning, incorporating semi-precious stones, sculptural rope, and symbolic cast brass to evoke ancient ideas of value and adornment.

In response, Studio Lloyd has created a sculptural light landscape that envelops the space. Handwoven and luminous, the structure echoes the rhythms of the bags, transforming rope, stone, and light into an immersive environment.

Together, ‘to hold’ honours craft as a feminist inheritance, reclaiming it as a site of strength, beauty, and contemporary expression. pichulik.com | studiolloyd.com

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WORDS Gina Dionisio

Participating designers and brands are invited to submit one project, released with the past year, from which 12 shortlisted designs are selected. Those shortlisted entries were exhibited together at the Festival Hub for Cape Town Furniture Week, where they were reviewed by an independent jury based on three criteria: Authenticity, Design and Advancement.

This year’s judging panel included VISI editor-in-chief Steve Smith, Lebo Kekana, Roddy Clarke, Sindiso Khumalo and Chiara Piperni with the winners of the Design Prize announced at a private awards event for the industry.

The CTFW x VISI Design Prize 2026 Shortlist

Massa Forma Square Table – Wiid Design

The Massa Forma Collection is a new, evolving series of tables which have been constructed around a recycled cork composite mass, paired with a removable glazed ceramic tile surface, creating a tactile surface that reads as a resolved tactile object.

MŪ202 Ametrine Mirror – MŪVEK x Spectrum Mirror

MŪVEK and Spectrum come together in a new collaboration that introduces a highly customisable mirror design, merging rigorous geometry with expressive surface treatments.

Checkmate – DEFT Studios

CHECKMATE is the ‘Deftest’ piece of furniture DEFT Studios have ever made (and the most difficult). It features exaggerated, sculptural form, playful curves, and complex techniques.

Held Smoke – Rasengani Atelier

Held Smoke is an authentic extension of Resengani Atelier’s material-led practice, rooted in ritual, slowness and the quiet choreography of everyday objects.

Wadi Panel Screen – TheUrbanative (in collaboration with Grey Room and Weluka)

The Wadi Screen is a freestanding spacial divider that explores landscape, material memory and contemporary African design through structure and textile.

WAYST 01 | Pendant – Alkaline

The WAYST collection is an ongoing exploration of storytelling through waste material. Each object in WAYST begins with what is often discarded: rubble from demolition, fragments from renovations, and offcuts from industrial processes.

The Scoop 33 Chair – Woodbender

For decades, Woodbender has honed the art of steam bending – a discipline shaped by precision, patience, and a deep respect for natural materials.

The Reader Lamp – LIM (in collaboration with Lise van Schoor)

With its quirky curved lines and statement colourways, the Reader Lamp is equal parts sculpture, lamp, and side table. Designed with a light footprint, it slips easily into even the tightest spaces, while adding a generous dose of character.

Meridian Tables – NØDE

Meridian draws subtle reference from navigation and alignment, offering a quiet nod to the marine origins of its extruded uprights, above which sits a circular aluminium plane, creating a presence that feels balanced and deliberate.

Di Ponti Touch Light – Hoi P‘loy

The Di Ponti Touch Light pays homage to Luigi Di Ponti’s iconic design (the Moka Pot), by echoing the faceted cylinder we’ve all come to know as the universal symbol of coffee, while drawing on the signature sharp angles found in the Hoi P‘loy logo.

Koppie – Stripped Studio x Tom Lead

Koppie is a contemporary dining chair informed by African vernacular typologies and modern production processes. The design references the stance and proportional logic of the traditional African tripod stool, reinterpreted through a restrained contemporary language that remains grounded and deliberate.

Woven Linear Light – Arkivio

The Woven Light was inspired from a process of material experimentation. The design originated in the workshop while exploring the properties of wet centre cane.

2026 Award Winners

CTFW x VISI Design Prize 2026

• CTFW x VISI Design Prize 2026 Winner – Koppie Chair by Stripped Studio x Tom Lead
• CTFW x VISI Design Prize: Authenticity category award – Held Smoke by Rasengani Atelier
• CTFW x VISI Design Prize: Advancement category award – Massa Forma Square Table by Wiid Design
• CTFW x VISI Design Prize: Design category award – Checkmate by DEFT Studios

Cape Town Furniture Week Award Winners

• Contemporary Craft award – African Jaquard
• Best Collaboration – MŪVEK x Spectrum Mirror
• Best Display – Haldane
• Best in Show (voted by the public) – Ananta Design Studio

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

DEFT’s Melkman Project – an ongoing series – began as a way for Martin and Zani to experiment with new methods of making and designing, free from the constraints of a set brief. “We give ourselves free rein when creating – but we do it tastefully,” says the design duo.

The studio’s favourite stool, the Melkman, proved the perfect vehicle for creative exploration. The duo have translated the stool into a playful series of childhood memories and life experiences, drawing inspiration from themes such as heritage, food, pop culture, art and design.

As a result, the meticulously handcrafted stools created for the Melkman Project form a collection of fun-loving, relatable pieces. Each tells its own story and has a unique personality. The elements of the stool are altered to accommodate each narrative, yet remain constrained enough to maintain the design’s overall identity, ensuring it is always recognisable as a DEFT Melkman.

“What we love about this collection is that there’s bound to be at least one stool that resonates with you, among the options available. It’s a collection for everyone,” say the designers.

The complete collection from the Melkman Project will debut in February 2026. | deftstudios.co.za

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied POSTER Illustration by Koos Groenewald

Design Week South Africa – a curated calendar of events and immersive experiences showcasing the future of South African design – lands in Cape Town for the second year.

“The programme is intentionally dense, offering a rich mix of events and experiences. Attendees are encouraged to curate their own journey through the four days, when the city itself will be alive with activity, offering countless ways to engage and explore,” says Design Week South Africa founder Margot Molyneux.

What to expect

Here are some Cape Town highlights to look forward to: 

Studio tours

Exclusive studio tours include designers:

• Laurie Wiid of Wiid Design
• Ploy and Guy of Hoi P’loy
• Heather Moore of Skinny laMinx
• a tour of the new mixed-use Longkoof Precinct in Park Road by dhk architects and Studio Mass.

Parties

• The official opening party will be held at One Park on Friday 23 October, with DJs from both Cape Town and Johannesburg, while the closing party will be held on Sunday 26 October at Cape Grace Hotel with Jazz Alley.

Talks

Each morning from Thursday to Sunday (9:00–10:30), over coffee at Max Bagels at One Park, leading creatives will share the ideas, challenges and inspiration driving their practice. Joining the conversation in Cape Town are guests including:

• Yoko Choy, Wallpaper China
• Amy Thompson, Yes & Studio
• Max Melville, The MAAK
• Star Shongwe from the V&A Watershed.

Launches 

A host of brands will be launching new collections, including:

• Cape Cobra
• Curacion Collection
• Yamkela Mhlelehlele
• a MAISON KOTR installation – supported by CEC – at Arthur’s Mini Super in Sea Point.
• Furniture designer Tshidzo Mangena of Locha Design will launch his new outdoor furniture collection, Akan, with a lounge installation activating the street outside One Park in Park Road on Friday 23 October.

Exhibitions

The Things We Love exhibition is a collection of local creatives’ favourite South African–designed and –made items intentionally chosen from their homes Participants include:

• Masego Morgan
• Koos Groenewald
• Onesimo Bam

The exhibition will run over the course of Design Week South Africa at 107 Castle Street.

Beyond the City Bowl, Open Langa kicks off on 26 October 2025 with a special Open Streets Day, transforming King Langa Libalele and Lerotholi Avenue into vibrant, car-free public spaces to walk, play and connect. Anchored by the ReBuilt Cape Town exhibition at 16 on Lerotholi by Bauhaus Earth and local partners such as the Masakhe Foundation and African Centre for Cities, the exhibition will be open to the public; on the 26th, the road will be pedestrianised and closed to cars.

The Active Mobility Forum will lead a community ride from both the CBD and Khayelitsha, marking the start of weekly street closures that celebrate movement, culture and the reimagining of Cape Town’s streets for people.

And for the first time since its launch, the Soweto-Caracas Community Centre will open to the public for a special site visit on Saturday 25 October. Hosted by Young Urbanists and Urban Think Tank Empower (UTTE), the visit offers a rare look inside this landmark of community-led design and local upliftment in Khayelitsha. | designweeksouthafrica.com

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

From innovative modern designs to beautifully crafted traditional pieces, every entry in the Heritage Build-off reflects the passion, skill, and dedication of its maker.

Thirteen talented South African furniture makers have been invited to design and craft original works that showcase their vision and attention to detail. Using wood and finished using Rubio Monocoat’s new Oil Plus 2C colours, each piece highlights the natural beauty of the material while adding a fresh, modern touch to classic design.

From 1 to 30 September, Rubio Monocoat will host an online auction, offering design enthusiasts and collectors the chance to own one of these one-of-a-kind creations. All the proceeds from the auction are going to the Tears Foundation – an organisation dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse across South Africa. | rubiomonocoat.co.za

The Makers

Abrie von Weilligh | Sosusvlei Drinks Unit

The Sossuvlei drinks unit is inspired by the cracked mud plates found on the dry riverbed of Sossusvlei, Namibia. “I get inspired by the endless textures and patterns that nature brings us.” says Abrie. Each mud piece is made of Solid oak and is separately hand turned on a wood lath before it gets a hand carved pattern on. We used Oil Plus 2C colour Dunes, which gave a very natural look to the oak. This limited-edition drinks unit is wrapped with bronze that rest in the shadow of the mud plates. The door uniquely hinge on the back of the unit to form pockets that host wine glasses and bottles.”

Brandon Scheepers | Little Haven

Little Haven is a handcrafted baby cot born from the heart of an expecting father and the soul of a woodshop. Designed to be both beautiful and enduring, it is made from solid American walnut, carefully selected for its warmth, strength, and natural elegance. The cot features hand-routed vertical slats, each shaped and sanded with care to ensure smooth, safe edges and a refined finish. All joinery is done using precision Domino joints for uncompromising structural integrity – no shortcuts, just honest woodworking. The entire piece is finished in Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C Hazelnut, enhancing the grain while providing a durable, child-safe surface with a rich satin sheen.

Bruce Wacher | Dawn Patrol Coffee Table

Inspired by the quiet calm of early morning surf missions, the Dawn Patrol coffee table captures the spirit of new beginnings. Crafted from solid oak and finished in Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C Dark Roast, this oval coffee table blends timeless mid-century modern aesthetics with the warmth of coastal living. Its clean, minimalist form is balanced by soft curves and refined, tapered legs, bringing a sense of flow and harmony that mirrors the stillness of early morning light.

Francois Smith | TimbaLuum

Its name reflects both material and meaning: Timba for timber and Luum for light. TimbaLuum is a sculptural entryway shelf that merges the raw beauty of natural timber with refined modern design. Crafted from solid white oak and rosewood, the piece highlights a striking contrast between prominent grain and deep, dark hues. Clean lines and precision-cut surfaces form a minimalist profile, while an integrated soft light casts a subtle glow on each tier, enhancing the wood’s natural warmth and character.

Finished in Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C in Cocoa, the shelf gains depth, richness, and lasting protection without losing its natural feel.

Gino Fernandez | Khomanani

“Khomanani is a Tsonga word meaning ‘caring together’ and I think is appropriate for any heritage day project because diversity is our strength in this wonderful country,” says Gino. The console table is made from scrap pieces of wood donated by Mapel Street Timbers and it is made up of six species – Ash, White Oak, Red oak, European Oak, Meranti and Kiaat. The piece is finished with Rubio Monocoat Oil plus 2C Vienna.

Greg Pretorius | Black Oak River

“For this year’s Rubio Monocoat SA Build-Off, I wanted to create a piece that has been in my mind for over a year— a coffee table I envisioned as a signature piece for our company. This challenge gave me the perfect opportunity to bring it to life while contributing to a meaningful cause,” says Greg. “We crafted the table using the Japanese wood-burning technique, carefully charring the timber before cleaning it and finishing with Rubio Monocoat Precolor Intense Black and Oil Plus 2C Black. The outer oak sections were treated with Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C Colour Light Roast, creating a striking contrast.” The steel base, powder-coated in matte black with black wood inserts, complements the design’s bold character.

Krijnauw Joubert | Handcrafted Whiskey Cabinet

Built from solid white oak, this bespoke whiskey cabinet that marries traditional craftsmanship with a touch of modern elegance.

“We added a walnut border on the doors for a rich contrast, and used CNC machining to create a scalloped pattern on the doors. This detail adds a unique texture and warmth, making the piece not just functional but a real conversation starter,” says Krijnauw. For the finish, Krijnauw chose Rubio Monocoat in a Vienna tone to give the wood a beautiful, warm hue. “We also included a dark grey toughened safety glass shelf to complete the interior, making it both practical and stylish for display,” he adds.

Ndandu Khavhadi | Haya

”’Haya’ means home or restful place. It symbolises grounding, stability and quiet strength with no perfection,” explains Ndandu. This handcrafted cabinet is a modern blend of Scandinavian-inspired with a touch of Wabi Sabi minimalism and organic warmth. Made from oak veneer chipboard started with black Pre colour easy and sealed in Rubio Monocoat’s Midnight Sky. “The top and curved legs were made from Bauboche wood ,with its rustic grounded flair, sealed in a rich cocoa tone, grounding the piece with earthy depth. Its curved edges and the semicircle foot detail adds a playful, almost postmodern nod with a calming presence, making it versatile.”

Njabulo Shabangu | Wine and Whiskey cabinet

The Sands of the Kalahari wine and Whiskey cabinet is inspired by the desert dunes of the Kalahari which has a strong sense of place and Heritage. The cabinet is made from Ash wood donated by Maple Street Timbers. Consists of Half ovelay joining system on the base of the legs. The dual-coloured cabinet is finished with the Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C light Roast and Dark Roast.

Suzi McAfee | The Ubuntu Sideboard

This striking sideboard pays tribute to South African Heritage Day with bold geometric detailing inspired by the colors of the national flag. It features a distinctive center fold of individually crafted 3D faceted shapes, adding depth and visual intrigue to its asymmetrical doors. Crafted from solid oak, generously sponsored by Rare Woods in Knysna, the piece is finished in Dunes oil allowing the natural wood grain to contrast beautifully with the vibrant accents. Sleek black hairpin legs complete the design, blending modern minimalism with cultural celebration.

Taryn-Lee Cockroft | The Marabi Club Cabinet

This one-of-a-kind cabinet is a tribute to the soul of South African jazz, drawing its rhythm and spirit from the legendary Marabi jazz clubs that once pulsed through the streets of Johannesburg. Created in celebration of Heritage Day, it captures the vibrancy, resilience, and creativity that define our shared cultural story. The piece features exquisite hand-burned pyrography panels depicting jazz musicians in full swing, each etched line carrying the warmth and texture of live performance. Like the music that inspired it, the cabinet is layered, rich, and unapologetically alive – an object not only of utility, but of memory and pride.

Warren Turnbull | The Veil Coffee Table

A study in curves and contrast, The Veil reveals its beauty from every angle. Steam-bent white oak strips form a sculptural shelf beneath the oval top, their arcs framed by a central glass inset. The Oil Plus 2C Colour Dark Roast finish deepens the oak’s tone, adding richness and warmth while allowing the grain to breathe.

Greg Stock | Liquor Cabinet

“A liquor cabinet has been a dream build of mine for some time, and I felt this was the perfect opportunity to bring it to life. The aesthetic choices were guided by simplicity – not in technicality, but in form,” says Greg.

Donated ash from Rare Woods – marked by deformities, cracks, and knots – was not discarded. Instead, Greg embraced these imperfections and form part of the design. “The act of repairing flaws serves a purpose similar to kintsugi: to restore rather than replace, and to honor what remains both beautiful and useful,” he says. “The entire piece is complemented by the warm tones of Rubio Monocoat Cocoa and Light Roast.”

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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

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

From 5-8 June, the Mother City’s design and decor scene comes to life with the return of Decorex Cape Town – an exciting four days of showcases, talks and product launches.

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.

“This showcase reflects on where we’ve come from and where we’re headed, exploring themes of democracy in design, material innovation and creative collaboration,” says Garreth van Niekerk. “By looking both back at our heritage and forward to new possibilities, New Reflections presents a vision for the future of South African design — one that is bold, inclusive and deeply rooted in our culture and craft traditions.”

New Reflections will feature South African all-stars who approach their practice through fresh design lenses, including design luminaries such as Mash.T Design Studio, Ananta Design Studio, Greg Marshall Design, Stuart Graham Fabrics, African Jacquard, Curación Collection, UNI FORM, The Mood Collectives, House of Harhaz, The Urbanative, Vitalli., Clout/SA and Indigenus.

Here’s are some of our must-sees at the pavilion:

Mash.T Design Studio‘s high-end handcrafted collectable designs have travelled to prestigious international institutions, including the Musée des Arts Décoratifs at the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou in Paris… and now Decorex Cape Town. The lighting atelier will showcase its new Smiley Pendant – a bold beaded lighting piece available to shop at the 100% Design Africa Local Pavilion.

Local textile brand African Jacquard will present their latest creations, namely the Kelp Forest Collection and Outdoor Kuba Collection. The Kelp Forest Collection is woven from natural fibres, such as cotton and linen, plus SeaCell, a future fabric combining cellulose fibres with organic brown seaweed, embodying the perfect synergy of nature and technology. The Outdoor Kuba Collection is inspired by the rich geometric patterns of traditional Kuba cloth from the Congo. This boutique collection marks a new chapter for the brand as it ventures into high-performance outdoor fabrics.

Ananta Design Studio, led by sisters Viveka and Rucita Vassen, will bring their colourful flair and functional art to the pavilion and standalone booth. The designer duo are launching their new beaded vases and will showcase the Klopse Blomme chair, created for Cape Town Furniture Week 2025‘s Kaapenhagen Design Challenge earlier this year.

Founded by award-winning designer Ryan Olivier, Vitalli. creates collectible furniture that speaks to the raw, unfiltered beauty in imperfection. The brand will showcase its AKKA Side Table, KARA Bench as part of the pavilion.

This year, Clout/SA is celebrating a decade of facilitating Nando’s Hot Young Designer (HYD) talent search and its ongoing collaborations with young local designers. “Clout/SA is super excited to have been invited to participate in this year’s New Reflections – 100% Design Africa Local Pavilion at Decorex Cape Town. To celebrate 10 years of Nando’s HYD we are showcasing a few designs from our first woven upholstery fabric collection for Nando’s, featuring patterns by four of our HYD pattern designers. The collection was launched in Manchester in the UK recently. The fabrics will be upholstered onto our iconic school chair – this humble chair manufactured by Naturalis is one of the top-selling products on the Portal to Africa. We have sold hundreds of this unique chair locally and globally and each time we sell one, we print a selected HYD pattern onto the chair’s back. The use of the pattern earns the pattern designer a licence fee and this passive income helps our pattern designers build their businesses. The pattern makers whose patterns have been woven into our new fabric collection – which is called Clout/SA Threads – are Thandazani Nofingxana, Spamandla Mdunyelwa, Lesego Maloko and Xolela Madlanga,” says Clout/SA Creative Director Tracy Lynch.

Cape Town-based Indigenus creates desirable designer planters that showcase botanical beauty. This year, Indigenus will officially launch their newest range, Petra, by New York–based artist Fernando Mastrangelo. Known for his conceptual design and sculptural works influenced by ecological issues, Mastrangelo brings a bold new perspective to the Indigenus collection. | decorex.co.za

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WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS Supplied

They’re known for their bold, multidisciplinary approach that blends art and design with storytelling. Their work pushes creative boundaries, often exploring themes of identity, humour and social commentary. They seamlessly move between graphic design, installations and conceptual art, with a unique style that combines local influences with global relevance. They’re admired in both design and art circles. They’re Studio Jana + Koos…

How did your partnership begin, and what inspired you to start Studio Jana + Koos together?

“We met while studying in Pretoria, immediately became friends, did a lot of projects together… and haven’t really ever stopped.”

Describe your design philosophy and the core principles that guide your creative process.

“Start fresh every time. Trust your gut. What’s obvious to you isn’t obvious to everyone else, so honour the small and silly thoughts. Don’t overwork or over-polish for the sake of it. Recognise and go with the happy accidents – they are little gifts along the way. Imperfect is sometimes (mostly) perfect. Trends are trendy, and pass.”

Any local or international designers who have had an influence on your work?

“We’re both more influenced by culture and artistic references than purely design – perhaps because we both wanted to do something else first. But we’ve always loved that we can share weird references from film, fashion, nature TV or Reddit as inspiration for projects. [Koos: “I never feel shy or scared to show Jana a strange, hilarious meme as a legitimate base or idea for work.”]

“Some influences overlap, but mostly not – and we love that. There are also many South African creators that make us want to be better at everything we do. Among them are Lukhanyo Mdingi, Brett Murray, iJusi Magazine, Wanda Lephoto, Hoick, Johannes Kerkorrel, Manthe Ribane, Trevor Noah, Athi-Patra Ruga, Casper de Vries, Dokter and Misses, Meghan Ho-Tong, Moonchild Sanelly, Daniel Ting Chong, AKJP Studio, and Peet Pienaar.”

How does being South African, and more broadly African, shape your approach to branding and design?

“We’re learning more and more as we’re getting older and doing this for longer, how fortunate it is that we were born in South Africa, and that we got to spend time in Pretoria, and start our career and path in Joburg at the height of what felt like the creative awakening. That we moved to Cape Town, and have travelled locally and internationally. And just how special and diverse the mix of influences is that we have been exposed to and look(ed) up to.

“Even when we try to be more ‘professional’ and emulate others, we are this weird cocktail of places, people and two individual tastes and preferences that end up making something unique to us. Sometimes we don’t even recognise it; someone will point it out to us. With time, we’re both learning to recognise and hone in on this texture that makes us, and appreciate more and more the role that South Africa and Africa keep playing in that mix. We’re both a bit underdog-spirited and ‘otherwise’ at heart, and South Africa is a great place for that. Or maybe it made us this way… We think it’s a good spirit to keep alive for a studio that’s not new any more, and that wants to keep going for a while still.”

What types of work does Studio Jana + Koos specialise in, and how do you ensure that your projects stand out in a competitive industry?

“We’ve done it all through the years, and it seems like the more fun we have, the better the reception. So we try to keep things on the interesting and under-sweated side. We specialise in turning businesses, products and services into brands that are given a real direction and meaning (research and strategy) and a stand-out personality (visual identity development), which serves as the starting compass for a brand to enter the marketplace (brand book). We specialise less in a type of work than in a type of client.”

What kind of client, then, is typically drawn to your studio? And what do you think sets your client relationships apart?

“We’re lucky by virtue of the fact that we’ve been around long enough for clients to seek us out because they’re looking for something strategically or aesthetically unexpected. Their business success may have come from a similarly left-field approach. Perhaps this sounds obvious, but many clients know exactly what they want and need – and they just want it executed well by a design studio.

“We have a running joke that we act more like therapists day to day, especially when it comes to bigger clients with many shareholders who all have very different frustrations and objectives. Our job is to hear them all out, and present something strategically sound and creatively surprising that makes everyone feel heard and addressed. That, and the fact that we are incurable people-pleasers, contributes to good
client relationships.”

What are your plans and goals for 2025? And how do you see the studio evolving in the next few years?

“We have always believed in a slow-burn mentality and approach, and feel really proud of the year-on-year growth in the type, character and level of work that we do, rather than growing in size or scaling up as a studio. So, looking forward, we’ll just keep going with this ‘blinkers on’ approach – but with consistently better planning, scheduling and time management. We look forward to having more time and space to go deeper, try new avenues and experiment – and to always bring the art and artistic angle to the mix.

“We love the almost 50/50 local-to-international project ratio that we’ve had in our stable for the past few years, and we want to keep this going, but obviously build on the global tentacles, make new connections and keep working with people we can also learn from. We’re part of starting a South African graphic design directory called Full Cream that’s super-exciting in terms of talent, new connections and industry support.

“We’ve always dreamt of being able to take three months off per year to travel, rest, make art, do a residency, explore other avenues of making… This is the ultimate dream, largely because it’s so important how the ‘not-work’ part influences our work and attitude and style of creative output. We’ve been working together for 15 years, and we look forward to many more, whatever form or shape that may take.” | janaandkoos.studio

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The post Inside the Boundary-pushing World of Studio Jana + Koos appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Slater Studio; Photography by Robynne

The KAAPENHAGEN Design Challenge brought together 10 of Cape Town’s most innovative creatives and designers to reimagine HAY‘s iconic About A Chair AAC 222.

“We’re putting Cape Town’s unique creative pulse at the heart of this challenge,” said Brent Weldon, Director of INOVA Concept Store. “KAAPENHAGEN isn’t just about reimagining a chair – it’s about showcasing how our city’s designers can take a global design icon and transform it through their distinctive creative lens. When we say we’re putting the ‘KAAP’ in KAAPENHAGEN, we’re celebrating the intersection of two design powerhouses: Danish precision and Cape Town’s creative energy.”

Each participant was tasked with pushing their creative boundaries to transform this masterpiece of Danish design, originally created by Hee Welling, into a unique interpretation that bridges Scandinavian heritage with contemporary design sensibilities from Cape Town.

The result? 10 Unique pieces ranging from functional updates to purely conceptual art pieces.

The reimagined chairs were unveiled at INOVA Concept Store on the opening night of Cape Town Furniture Week. The exhibition space was transformed into an immersive design experience, where visitors were encouraged to engage with the works and participate in the public vote. The “people’s choice” winner was announced at the CTFW x VISI Design Prize evening, with Paragon ultimately receiving the honour.

‘You Are Cape Town’

PARAGON

PARAGON transformed the iconic chair into a sculptural expression (and reflection) of the relationship between the city’s landscape and its people. Covered in a mirrored surface, the artwork blurred the boundaries between the self and the surroundings. The base of the piece represented the contours of Table Mountain, anchoring it in the natural world.

Turning the Furniture Industry on Its Head and ‘Shining a Light’ on South African Design

Studio Goodd

Studio Goodd’s installation reimagined transformation, sustainability, and the relationship between nature and the home. Inspired by the question, “What if a chair no longer needed to be a chair?” the studio reinterpreted the design of the HAY AAC 22 chair – quite literally turning it on its head. Transformed into a sculptural floor lamp, its shade encased an exposed halogen bulb, evoking the image of filament-like pollen. The organic, curving frame reflected nature’s aversion to straight lines, while the original chair legs were repurposed into a functional side table, ensuring that nothing went to waste.

Echoes of Cape Town – A Chair of Community

Inhouse Design Studio

Inhouse Design Studio‘s reinterpretation of the iconic HAY design honoured the unity and heritage of Cape Town. Each of the four legs symbolised a chapter in the city’s history, encompassing its ancestral roots, colonial influence, the struggle for liberation, and the vibrant modern spirit that defines Cape Town today.

Amaranthus

Myuzu

Myuzu incorporated two varieties of hanging Amaranthus – Coral Fountain and Green – to transform the chair into a biomorphic-inspired piece. By following the natural curves of the Amaranthus stems, Myuzu seamlessly mirrored the chair’s organic form.

Klopse Blomme

Ananta Design Studio

Inspired by the iconic Kaapse Klopse, Ananta Design Studio reimagined the chair to capture the festival’s dazzling explosion of colour, music, and energy – a vibrant celebration of heritage, resilience, and freedom.

PATCHWORK PROTEA

ATTIK Design

Much like the Mother City, nestled between mountain and sea, ATTIK Design‘s piece embraced the organic, the imperfect, and the interconnected. Inspired by the concept of patchwork, it wove together the layered histories, stories, and textures that define Cape Town.

‘R100 for Everything’ – What if play was the most valuable resource we had? 

The MAAK

The MAAK challenged themselves with a R100 budget and materials salvaged from the local dump. R100 for Everything transformed a single HAY AAC 222 chair into a series of playful objects: a swing, a seesaw, a go-kart, a slide, a noughts-and-crosses board, and a toy push car.

Bursting Ruffles

Sindiso Khumalo

Designer Sindiso Khumalo’s reinterpretation of the chair was a celebration of femininity. Staying true to the sustainability ethos central to the Sindiso Khumalo brand, all the fabric was reimagined from waste materials sourced from their production and transformed into elegant ruffles.

The Thinking Chair

The Detail Smith

The Detail Smith embraced the idea of creating a ‘thinking chair’ – a sculptural, flower-like structure which unfolded, allowing the brain to do its thing.

Akho Bantu 

Lebo Kekana – Artist, curator and director of FEDE Arthouse

Lebo Kekana’s transformed chair embodied a desire to break free from Western hegemony, as reflected in the city’s urban planning. This planning often embraced Modernist aesthetic values, which overlooked the cultural identity of the Abantu people.

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The post KAAPENHAGEN Design Challenge: Reimagining a Modern HAY Classic appeared first on Visi.