From a public art sculpture in Tokyo and paintings created during lockdown to the new LEGO Nintendo NES set and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks from The Duchess, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 343.

1. Emmanuelle Moreaux’s Mirai

Mirai (which translates to “the future” in Japanese) is French architect, artist and designer Emmanuelle Moureaux’s first public art sculpture. Located in Tokyo and made up of 100 different colours, the piece represents the next 100 years until 2119.

Image credit: Daisuke Shima via emmanuellemoureaux.com

2. Handmade By Me’s Lockdown Commissions

Sera Holland, who heads up local decor brand Handmade by Me, has been taking commissions for small oil paintings to aid those in need during the pandemic. Her first instalment consisted of 15 commissions of buyers’ favourite spaces around the country. All proceeds are donated to various charities, including Ladles of Love, Coronacare, and Care For Wild. Sera will be doing a second round of commissions – follow her on Instagram to find out more.

Images courtesy of Handmade By Me

3. LEGO Nintendo NES Set

Nintendo and LEGO have released their latest joint venture, a 1980s NES console with a controller, cable, plug, an opening slot for the Game Pak and a retro television with a flat 8-bit scene from SuperMario. This nostalgic collaboration reimagines the gamer classic through 2 600 blocks.

Image credit: LEGO via designboom.com

4. Victoria Verbaan at Wanderland Collective

Wanderland Collective has collaborated with South African artist and designer Victoria Verbaan on two notebooks featuring local wildlife. Each A5 notebook is made up of 60 off-white blank pages for notes, doodles and musings.

Images courtesy of Wanderland Collective

5. The Duchess Spritz

The Duchess Drinks Studio has added the Duchess Spritz to its non-alcoholic drinks range. Crafted with de-alcohlised wine and botanical extracts, the “wine” spritzer comes in two refreshing flavours: Spritz Berry Rose, a Rosé and açai berry medley and Spritz Elderflower White, a Chardonnay variant with soft fragrant elderflower notes. The Duchess Spritz is available through Yuppiechef and at Spar stores across the country.

Images courtesy of drinktheduchess.com

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Keen on redecorating your space this season? We’ve rounded up a selection of 16 buys for you to choose from. Think fluffy throws, velvet cushions and all the accessories you need to stay snug this winter.

1. Raven Stove Top Kettle & Tea Steeper R1 689, Fellow at Yuppiechef

2. Dalia Throw R699, Volpes

3. Le Creuset Cookbook R498, Le Creuset

4. Stanley Classic One Hand 0.35L Vacuum Mug R499, Cape Union Mart

5. Wine Red Velvet Cushion (60 X 60 cm) R249, @home

6. Metal Tub Scented Candle R151.31, Woolworths

7. Osage Printed Rug R1 299, Superbalist.com

8. Original Cane Collection Casserole 2L R489, Mason Cash at Yuppiechef

9. Mom & Toddler Cutie Cat Mug Set R325, Sugar & Vice

10. Make Me Wanna XX Umbrella R770, Victoria Verbaan

11. Vida X Russell Hobbs Galaxia Coffee Machine R1 195, Takealot.com

12. Wool-blend Beret R179, H&M

13. Modern Lantern R1 595, Weylandts

14. Faux Fur Hot Water Bottle R199, @home

15. Cosy Fringe Snood R149, Cotton On

16. Boschendal Estate 1685 Merlot CV R138, Cyber Cellar

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A sturdy umbrella is always a good investment. Beat the winter blues with any one these 10 brollies available online today.

1. Monster Delish Umbrella R650, Victoria Verbaan

2. WAWA Umbrella R626.98, Babatunde 

3. 23″ Rubber Hooked Handle Rain Umbrella R51.50 ex VAT, The Umbrella Man 

4. Rain Dance Umbrella R299, Mimco

5. Pylones Umbrella Telesc Rainette R499.95, Pylones

6. House of Orange in Pink Umbrella R650, Victoria Verbaan

7. Sparkling Silver Senz Original R625, Smacs.co.za

8. Compact Umbrella R150, Woolworths

9. Water Planet Senz Original R625, Smacs.co.za

10. Abomey Umbrella R629.98, Babatunde

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From gadgets in the shape of oranges to pineapple iPhone covers and melon-inspired lanterns, these 10 fruity items will add a colourful touch to your space, and your wardrobe.

1. Melon Paper Lanterns R60, Tassels and Treasures at Spree.co.za

2. Watermelon Diamond Blocks R129, Superbalist.com

3. Watermelon Watch White R99, Style Republic at Spree.co.za

4. Orange Fruity Highlighters, approximately R167 (£8), Just Mustard

5. Orange Speakers R315, Yuppiegadgets

6. Banana Doorstop R90, Big Blue

7. Gold Pineapple iPhone Cover R199, Skinnydip at Superbalist.com

8. Orange Blossom Soap R45, Woolworths

9. Little Imps Auto-pop Fashion Umbrella R650, Victoria Verbaan

10. Pineapples Pouch R120, Zana

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From palm leaf scatters to Delicious Monster wallpaper, here are 13 cool designs inspired by plants (for you and your home) inspired by our natural surroundings.

1. Printed Palm Leaf Scatter R119.99, Mr Price Home

2. Botanical Society Shopper Bag R32.50, Woolworths

3. Plant Illustration Scatter R495, Weylandts

4. Leafy Necklace R149, CTR at Superbalist.com

5. Botanical Coasters R75, Essie Letterpress

6. Monster Delish Wallpaper Price on Request, Victoria Verbaan

7. “Forest Fever” Dark Leaf Bar Necklace R570, Jewellery For My Friends

8. Carved Art Leaf (80cm x 110cm) R2 999, @home

9. Tropical Leaf Watch R99, Style Republic at Spree.co.za

10. Fern Cushion R350, Love Milo

11. Gold Delicious Monster Ring R1 300, Dear Rae

12. Pugg Teapot R319, Tea Forte at Yuppiechef.com

13. Tall Pincushion Tea Towel R130, Skinny laMinx

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Durban-based Victoria Verbaan is a multi-talented creative on a clear mission. This artist, designer and illustrator has taken her work from paper to ceramics, bags, umbrellas and rugs. And that’s not all. Wallpaper named her as one of 20 reasons to visit South Africa too. Keep reading to find out how she reacted to this exciting news and what you can expect to see from her in the near future.

When did you first start illustrating and what inspired you to become an artist?

I was six. I drew these very intricate hairstyles with a pencil. I remember the teacher called my Mum in to see them. I never stopped after that. I think it gave me the confidence to pursue what I love most, which is making art.

Painting and illustrating is my escape. It allows me to challenge myself and explore life on a daily basis. It gives me the independence and individuality I need to be happy.

Describe your aesthetic in three words.

Hopeful. Raw. Fantastical.

How did it feel when Wallpaper magazine named you as one of 20 reasons to visit South Africa?

“WHAT!!!!”

I was surprised and very appreciative of the recognition. In the creative industry you never know what the reaction will be to new artworks or products, so it’s always a tremendous relief when the response is a positive one.

Your illustrations and paintings can be found on umbrellas, scatters, rugs, totes and wallpaper. You’ve also branched out into ceramics. What do you enjoy most about continuously creating?

This Audrey Hepburn quote springs to mind: ‘Nothing’s impossible, the word itself says I’m possible.’ It’s knowing that whatever I can imagine, I can do. It’s an on-going mission to continuously work hard and grow the brand. To uplift and bring a smile is very important to me too, so if I can somehow do that with my work, that’s what I enjoy most!

Do you have any new projects coming up?

Yes, I’m busy researching and toying with swimwear ideas, like ‘Scuba Swimwear – Essential Unmentionables by VV,’ which features a daily illustration. I think it will translate well and it’s a fun add-on to the existing functional product range.

View Victoria’s full range at victoriaverbaan.com.

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With winter swiftly approaching, it’s time to trade in last year’s wind-swept brollies for something a bit more stylish and fun. Here are 10 options you can find online today.

1. Umbrella UM001 R695, Clinton Friedman at Africandy

2. 21” Manual Open Fold-Up Umbrella R50, The Umbrella Man

3. Monochrome Mini Umbrella R140, Woolworths

4. Kitty Tipsy Umbrella R650, Victoria Verbaan

5. Black Umbrella R537, Pringle of Scotland at Spree.co.za

6. Keta Umbrella R534.51, Babatunde

7. Senz Mini in Passion Red R565, Smacs.co.za

8. Polka Dot Umbrella R49.99, Mr Price

9. Rain Clouds Mini Umbrella R140, Woolworths

10. Totes Travel Umbrella R450, Cape Union Mart

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From limited edition prints and handy hooks to fun decals and stylish clocks, brighten up your space with any of these 12 items to decorate your walls.

1. Gridart Photo Display R599, Umbra at Superbalist.com

2. Embossed Wall Clock R99.99, Mr Price Home

3. The Dogs Wall Decal R180, Hello Dolly Designs

4. Let’s Go Print R315, Ben Grib at Essie Letterpress

5. Circled Flower Tiles R22.50 per tile (44 tiles make up 1 square metre), Shaw Tec

6. Cubist Wall Display R599, Umbra at Superbalist.com

7. Let’s Stay Home Flag Banner R210, Zana

8. Modern Hexagon Mirror (32.3cm) R110, @home

9. The Real Swizz Archival Pigment Print (edition of 20) R640, Victoria Verbaan

10. Kinn Large Frame R449, Country Road

11. Reindeer Wall Head R340, Santos at Spree.co.za

12. Buddy Moulded Wall Hooks (set of 3) R259, Umbra at Yuppiechef.com

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