Twyg announced this year’s Sustainable Fashion Awards winners on 17 November 2022 at the Mount Nelson hotel in Cape Town. Designers and brands were awarded for their implementation of sustainable, ethical, circular and regenerative design.

We chat with award founder and designer Jackie May about the future of SA design and the inspiration behind the awards.

Tell us about how the awards came about.

The concept emerged over a dinner date with two close friends. We were brainstorming how to amplify and extend Twyg’s mission.

What are the criteria for choosing winners?

Each of the 10 categories has slightly different criteria, but essentially we are promoting designers whose work is paving a way for a kinder, fairer, circular and sustainable fashion ecosystem. Our ethos is captured by Twyg’s manifesto which you can find here.

How have you watched design evolve in the past four years?

From the nominations, we have seen a clear shift towards circular design. In our first year, there were very few brands working with waste and upcycling. The focus then was mostly on quality, slow fashion and trans-seasonal design. Although these criteria are still very important, we have seen incredible progress in the use of circular design techniques.

I think that storytelling has also become more interesting and relevant. You can see evidence of this in Cleo Droomer’s work.

Has your criteria for the awards evolved with the change in design trends?

We continue to refine the process. Last year, we consulted with Eco Standard South Africa to improve the entry form. This year we had a new jury. Besides the criteria listed on the website, the judges use a rubric for the judging. This rubric looks at 1) fashion qualities and at 2) sustainability.

What are your predictions for the future of design, specifically in South Africa?

We are so well placed to be a global leader in circular and sustainable design. Firstly, South Africans are incredibly resourceful at making do with what we have – and are doing this beautifully. As it becomes increasingly obvious that we need to protect natural resources, reusing and remaking what is already in use should be the starting point of all design. Secondly, designers and makers will continue to shape our fashion ecosystem, not retailers and industrial manufacturers. The stories told by these makers and designers through their fashion and product are shaping and rebuilding our national identity.

The key challenge to solve is how we move forward as a country in a sustainable way while creating jobs. I’m excited to see how designers unlock this conundrum.  

What are some trends you’ve seen in terms of eco/sustainable design?

Besides the circular principles of remaking and reusing, there is a beautiful return to nature – designing with nature, rather than against it – and to understanding the farm-to-fibre supply chain. South Africa is a major supplier to the world of mohair and wool, providing jobs and contributing to the country’s economy. I’m very excited to see how more and more designers use the natural fibres that are grown here. I’m also interested to see how the hemp sector develops and what transpires for the fashion industry.

After a week-long judging process, 27 finalists were selected and 10 category winners were announced on the Thursday evening.

The winners of the Sustainable Fashion Awards are as follows:

Accessory Award: This award recognises an accessory brand that implements ethical labour practices, limits toxic chemicals and uses sustainable materials to create a quality item and considers end-of-life. The winner of this category is PICHULIK.

Innovative Design and Materials Award presented by Polo South Africa:  This award is presented to a designer who has used innovative techniques to reduce fashion’s negative impact and shows commitment to using sustainable fabrics. The winner of this category is Droomer.

Nicholas Coutts Award: This award honours the talented young designer Nicolas Coutts. Nicholas, who beautifully used and explored traditional crafts and techniques in his design, tragically lost his life at the beginning of 2019. This award is presented to a designer who uses artisanal craft techniques such as weaving, embroidery or botanical dyeing to make fashion that foregrounds, celebrates and values the skills of the people who make the garments. The winner of this category is Laaniraani, who wins R10 000 from Nicholas’ family.

Student Award from Levi’s South Africa: This award is presented to a student who has produced a garment or collection that addresses the challenges of sustainability in the most exciting and beautiful way. The winner of this category is Aidan Peters.

Textiles or Mills Award: This award is presented to a South African textile maker or mill that uses natural, regenerative fibres, non-toxic dyes and finishes, and closed-loop systems. The winner of this category is ZURI and IMANI. 

Trans-seasonal Award: This award is presented to a collection, garment or brand that promotes trans-seasonal, multi-functionality and versatile style. The winner of this category is The BAM collective.

Retail Award: This award is presented to a retailer or retailing initiative that enhances sustainability, including pre-loved/gently worn, swap shops, garment rental, and similar activities. The winner of this category is Merchants on Long.

CMT or Manufacturer Award: This award is presented to a ‘cut, make and trim’ factory or manufacturer of clothes or accessories that is socially and environmentally conscious and/or whose business practices are socially and environmentally responsible. The winner of this category is Sparrow Society.

Influencer Award: This award is presented to a personality or think-fluencer who has actively promoted slow, sustainable fashion over the last 12 months and who has sparked relevant conversations. This person has also explained sustainable issues factually and has cautioned against harming nature on social media and other platforms. The winner of this category is Khensani Mohlatlole.

Changemaker Award presented by Country Road: This award, which is not open for entries is presented to a designer whose career has embraced sustainable and circular design practices. The winners with the highest scores in the design categories (Student, Accessory, Trans-seasonal, Coutts, Innovative Design and Materials Award) were judged against the criteria set for the Changemaker Award. The winner of the Changemaker Award who has been awarded R100 000.00 by Country Road is Droomer.

Looking for more design inspiration? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here.

The post 4th Annual Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards appeared first on Visi.

Simply Colour is here to change the way South Africans think about paint. Simply Colour’s concept is, well, simple: take the Colour Expert quiz, order peel + stick swatches, choose your colour, buy supplies, and then paint. 

Finally, Painting Made Simple

If any industry has been hankering for disruption and modernisation, it’s the paint industry. Choosing colours, understanding complicated paint jargon and purchasing the correct supplies are all hurdles that intimidate and overwhelm the everyday consumer. Simply Colour is the antithesis of traditional and archaic paint and hardware stores. Simply Colour was created to eradicate the confusion and inconvenience one usually encounters when purchasing paint. Farewell to the outdated hardware store and their generic paint brands, because Simply Colour now enables you to purchase paint online and have it delivered to your door. The brand also donates a percentage of all sales to their Simply Care Initiative which provides paint to GBV Shelters across SA.

Three-Step Purchasing Process:

Although paint is the cheapest and easiest way to transform your space, choosing and purchasing paint is overwhelming and exasperating and requires multiple (bothersome) trips to the hardware store. To eradicate these pain points, Simply Colour has created a three-step process for choosing your colour and purchasing your paint. Step one: choosing your colour is made exciting and simple with ‘The Colour Expert’ (an AI Bot/quiz) which asks you relevant questions about your space and then suggests three colours for you to consider. The questions include; room type, light, décor style and the mood you’d like the space to have. ‘The Colour Expert’ was created with expert advice from interior designers, trend analysts and colour psychologists. Step two: purchasing the paint, is both simple and efficient with features such as; a paint calculator to help calculate how much paint you require and a curated offering of supplies to ensure that you can have everything you need to complete your paint project. With simple descriptions and instructions on our blog, DIY fiends and novices alike can shop without any uncertainty or confusion. Step three: painting your space. With revolutionary peel + stick swatches, paint that contains little to no VOCs (those nasty Volatile Organic Compounds) and is odour-free paint and delivery to your door in eco-friendly packaging, Simply Colour is the new way to paint.

Revolutionary Peel + Stick Swatches:

To ease scepticism about purchasing paint online, Simply Colour not only offers but also encourages consumers to purchase our peel + stick swatches (goodbye outdated and messy tester pots). The swatches are repositionable vinyl stickers (with 100% colour accuracy) which eradicates the need for outdated tester pots which cause mess and stress. With Simply Colour, there is a better way to sample paint.

Inspiring Consumers:

Simply Colour was created to simplify, inspire and empower. As an online-only paint brand, it offers everything a modern day consumer needs and wants including collaborations with sought-after local brands like Pina Jewels and Mash T for limited edition collections of on-trend items in their signature colours. Simply Colour’s products can be purchased directly from their Instagram or on their website. Showcasing their colours online will inspire consumers to update their own space with a few clicks, from the comfort of their home.

The post The Simple Way to Paint appeared first on Visi.

We’ve never felt the pull of wide-open spaces and bone-dry landscapes more strongly than right now. Recreate that sense of endless possibility with a minimal, earthy interior style inspired by the desert.

1. Made from kooboo cane and leather, and large enough to take an afternoon snooze in, this new sleeping pod/cosy nest by Cape Town-based designer Porky Hefer is the perfect addition to any hideaway. Pictured: Mud Dauber Sleeping Pod I by Porky Hefer (edition of two), POA, Southern Guild.

2. These mid-century classic chairs were conceived by Danish designer Børge Mogensen, and combine all-natural materials with thoughtful detailing. They’re still in production today at Danish manufacturers Fredericia Furniture. Find designs with a similar feel in SA at Weylandts and Homewood.

3. Casa Pask is theatre designer Scott Pask’s getaway home in Tucson, Arizona. Renovated by architect Graydon Yearick in the early 2010s, the house combines features of the area’s adobe-style buildings with a pared-back sensibility that makes it a perfect desert retreat. To recreate its interior look, combine textured, bag-plastered white walls with natural finishes and accents in black and brick red – to see more of the house, check out Living in the Desert (Phaidon, R885), in which it is featured. Packed with inspiration and featuring the sort of breathtaking visuals we all expect from design and art publishers Phaidon, Living in the Desert is the ideal coffee-table book to pore over while hunkered down in your very own desert hideaway.

4. Rugs are essential in a desert-inspired space, creating a luxurious feel underfoot while adding subtle elements of colour and texture. Pictured: Typhoon rug in Thunder, R12 000, HAUS.

5. Combine scatters with graphic patterns to create accents. Rough-textured, printed deep orange Turk cushion cover by Sixth Floor, R359, Superbalist and white-on-black twill appliqué scatter, R895, Weylandts.

6. Every desert retreat needs an artwork to inspire contemplation and a connection with the natural world, and this exquisite terracotta clay piece by acclaimed ceramicist Andile Dyalvane does just that. Pictured: Intshatshoba (Maize Stalk Flower), (one-off ), Southern Guild.

7. Add a few baskets for simple storage of firewood, throws, blankets or swimming towels. Pictured: Open Weave baskets, from R595 each, Weylandts.

8. Blending sleek lines with a textured woven seat and back, this laidback lounge chair will add an element of casual chic to any space. Pictured: Edison lounge chair, R7 995, Weylandts.

10. Texture and colour combine to evocative effect in this asymmetrical pure new wool rug by Charlotte Lancelot for Spanish manufacturers GAN. Pictured: Canevas Geo rug by Charlotte Lancelot for GAN, R39 500, Limeline.

The post Decor Inspiration: The Desert appeared first on Visi.

Maximalists have mastered the art of layering colour, pattern and texture to create very personalised interiors. Now’s the time to embrace the bold mishmash and make home yours.

The importance of home has never been as apparent as in the past few months. Isolated and hibernated, we’ve been engulfed by the things that decorate our dwellings. If you’ve noticed a mark of your personality emerging in the way you brought vintage silk cushions and soft woollen throws out of storage, painted feature walls in striking hues, and mounted artworks and photos to imbue your rooms with some true-to-you oomph, then you’re living proof that Maximalism is back in business.

The more-is-more approach – or, as US designer and ceramicist Jonathan Adler puts it, “glamour upon glamour” – is pretty much the direct opposite of Minimalism. While that Scandinavian/Japanese style advocates the bare necessities in the most neutral tones, Maximalism champions a riot of colour, multitude of textures and profusion of patterns.

An example of Jonathan Adler’s bold style, with his antique glass-and-polished-brass Delphine Bar as a focal point.

It calls for the unashamed mixing-and-matching of styles. It’s a case of “anything goes”, and is a welcome reprieve from the stringent regulations imposed on us outside our homes. While it defies any formal definition, US composer David Jaffe sees it, in musical terms, as something that “embraces heterogeneity and allows for complex systems of collision and juxtaposition”. But perhaps Maximalism isn’t meant to be theorised.

London-based artist and interior designer Luke Edward Hall, a modern-day poster boy for Maximalism, calls it “a fantasy in which to lose yourself”. “The world we’re living in can be rather grim at times,” says Hall. “I think that’s partly why people are taking to this trend. Perhaps they need an escape from the everyday, as opposed to living in a white box.”

Maximalism’s feel-good factor is an undeniable drawcard. Embodied in personalisation rather than perfection, this style dates back to the Memphis Group of the 1980s, another counter-movement against the purity and conventionality of design at the time. It encourages us to explore who we are by eclectically embellishing our home narratives. Plants, books and curious collections (of glassware, magnets, mirrors or flea-market toys) enliven these interiors with a curated form of clutter that represents passions, hobbies and interests. Bold floral wallpaper, family heirlooms, Persian rugs and the latest Tonic armchair can all coexist with layer upon layer of exotic Ardmore fabric and wild animal prints. The busier, the Maximalists say, the better.

Local fashion designers Marianne Fassler and Klûk CGDT have mastered this art of weaving worlds together – both in their colour-splashed, textural collections and in their boutiques – as has Cape Town interior designer Andrea Graff.

Cape Town interior designer Andrea Graff uses elements of Maximalism to celebrate a home’s sense of history while giving it a modern, contemporary edge.

“Maximalism allows you to create spaces with a sense of history, while still being current and contemporary,” says Andrea. It’s not unusual for her to place a leopard-print coffee table over a jute carpet – and then to throw in an electric-blue velvet sofa scattered with cerise cushions alongside an antique ceramic stool. Perhaps an attitude rather than a style, Maximalism is making home the place where the heart is once again.

The post Design Deconstruction: Maximalism appeared first on Visi.

RIPPLE EFFECT

Wave is a contemporary outdoor chaise longue sunbed designed by Francesco Rota for Paola Lenti. Hand-woven with rope cord, its adjustable backrest can be set to two positions. Available locally from Il Lusso.

PORSCHE PROFILE

“The 356 is a collection of outdoor furniture inspired by the sinuous and elegant curves of the first Porsche 356 made in the 1940s and 1950s, which bestow ergonomics and comfort on the product,” says José Antonio Gandía-Blasco Canales, who designed the 356 chaise longue with Pablo Gironés. It’s made from 100% recyclable rotation-moulded polyethylene. Available locally from Limeline.

BEANBAG REDUX

As a tribute to the bean bag of the 1970s, designer Héctor Serrano came up with his own version using just two pieces of fabric and a triangular pattern. The polystyrene bead filling moves and moulds for optimum comfort. Available locally from Limeline.

CUSTOMISABLE COMPOSITIONS

The Clip collection offers modular versatility with just two pieces: the ergonomic chair and the side table that doubles as a footrest to turn the chair into a lounger. Available in an array of bright shades, it’s moulded from 100% recyclable polyethylene. Available locally from Limeline.

POSTCARD APPEAL

The traditional striped deck chair with footstool remains a seaside classic. Polo South Africa has launched a new outdoor furniture range, with more homeware items joining the collection soon.

The post 5 Summer Loungers appeared first on Visi.

TV presenter, celebrity blogger and host of E!’s How Do I Look? SA Roxy Burger took us on a tour of her new home, which she shares with husband Neil Shraga in Johannesburg’s Meyersdal.

Roxy let us in on her design decisions, inexpensive decor tricks and which pieces she’s most drawn to in her home.

How would you describe the style of your space?

The 3 Ms: modern, minimal and mid-century. We have gone for a very clean aesthetic accentuated by white shutters from Taylor Blinds and polished Cemcrete flooring: These two elements bring the look and feel together with pops of colour sprinkled throughout the house. I love the fact that we’ve kept the decor uncluttered and neat. 

You have two shelves filled with art prints. How do you go about choosing pieces for your home?

I have a secret – some I bought from decor spots, but most are actually stock images that I’ve purchased online and printed myself! I get bored easily and this way I can swap and change prints whenever I feel like it. The frames open up and I can exchange a print effortlessly. It’s an inexpensive decor trick to constantly keep your house feeling fresh and inspired. 

Where is your favourite spot in the house?

I love taking a long bath in my bathroom – it’s my favourite thing to do after a hectic day. We also decided to go with grey Cemcrete polished concrete in the bathroom. It’s versatile, modern and lends itself to so many different interpretations. I love our little pops of colour in there too, like the green porcelain cactus. 

How have you incorporated texture into your space?

Texture is important and, personally, I don’t like to match everything perfectly. From the polished concrete to the faux fur and Nguni hide, I’ve mixed and matched quite a bit. Even the old wooden door that hangs above our bed (from our wedding day) brings a new, playful element into our bedroom.

Which three pieces in your home are you most drawn to and why?

• The old drinks cabinet in our dining room is authentically vintage and came from my husband’s parents’ home when they lived in Oranjemund in Namibia in the ’80s. 
• The door that hangs above our bed was my gift to my husband for our first wedding anniversary. I bought the door in Cape Town at a junkyard for R250 and used it as our table seating board at our wedding. I converted it into a massive frame and framed images from our wedding day.
• The little cluster of prints from our travels – one larger print of London, a firm favourite city for us, and two prints from New York that I bought in January. Black, white and gold with a hit of mint is my favourite colour combo.

Browse the gallery above for an exclusive look inside Roxy and Neil’s new home.

The post Roxy Burger’s Johannesburg Home appeared first on Visi.

Haven’t popped in to Fuego yet? This recently opened hot spot in Cape Town’s Sea Point, which focuses on contemporary Latin American cuisine, caught our attention with its simple, stylish interiors.

“We wanted to go with a clean, uncluttered space that would incorporate a modern look and that would feel welcoming for our guests,” says co-owner Jennifer Fernandez, who designed the space together with her husband. “We are a contemporary Latin American restaurant and wanted our interior to reflect a new take on traditional dishes. We chose warm natural materials that would give off a cosy and welcoming environment. We also focused on a design that would complement the contemporary dishes.” This is showcased perfectly in the taco holders that actually match the slatted wall.

The design of the space is inspired by natural materials, including oak, copper and white marble, all of which contribute to the restaurant’s modern atmosphere. “The seating area is defined by clean and bold lines,” says Jennifer. “Palms and pineapples on the walls of the bathroom express an unexpected bathroom oasis.”

Find Fuego at La Rhone Building, 77 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town. Visit facebook.com/fuegocpt for more information.

The post Cape Town Hot Spot: Fuego appeared first on Visi.

Started by Ben Olins and Jane Smillie in 2010, London-based design studio Herb Lester Associates creates fun guides to get you around the world in style.

They’ve published 54 guides so far (some of which you browse in our gallery above) and sold over 250 000. These beautifully designed maps will help you get around cities like Rome, Barcelona, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tokyo, and assist you in discovering specialist suppliers in London, local hot spots in Paris to enjoy with your family and even a guide on navigating the solar system. There’s also a three-book pack to help you read and understand menus in France, Italy and Spain.

Herb Lester also makes tote bags, notepads, luggage tags and gift sets, including the amazing Everywhere Box that’s packed with 42 of the studio’s stylish guides.

They ship from London all over the world, including South Africa. To shop online, visit herblester.com.

The post Getting Around: Herb Lester’s Fun Guides 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.

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.