Marian VolkwynFor all of time, women have consistently pushed boundaries, broken glass ceilings and left an indelible mark on the world of design.
It’s their passion, skill, and unwavering determination that has propelled the local design industry to new heights.
Women in design are a formidable force, showcasing their unparalleled creativity and achievements.
Here are some inspirational women in design who will be putting on a vibrant display of creativity and talent at SA’s leading decor and design events this year.
Tshegofatso Mochubi is the owner and designer behind Fatso Interiors, an emerging quality-oriented interior decor brand inspired by Mochubi’s combined love of fashion and art. Catch Tshegofatso Mochubi exhibiting at Decorex Joburg.
Image credit: supplied (Tshegofatso Mochubi)
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Catch bespoke home designer, Kristin Hulda at 100% Design Africa who will teach you how to transform your space by adding custom design elements. Kristin will be collaborating with Distinguished Living, an interior design brand headed up by Boitsheko Ganyane, who will be creating a ‘Room Set’ that shows off her creative prowess.
Led by Khensani Jurczok-de Klerk, Matri-Archi(tecture) is an association with a fluid group of 18 contributors dedicated to the development of African spatial education, offering a site for artistic collaboration through design, art and architectural research projects. Catch Khensani and Matri-Archi contributors: Tapiwa Manase, Tshego Mako, Aude Tollo at 100% Design Africa.
Ronel Jordaan is a multiple-award-winning textile designer. Her hand-felted decor pieces and accessories are produced as part of a job-creation project she runs and is exported all over the world. Catch Ronel at 100% Design Africa.
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The hot young designer
Exhibiting as part of the Clout/SA stand at 100% Design Africa is promising newcomer Nindya Bucktowar, one-half of the Durban-based duo from Kalki Ceramics.
In October 2022, she and her partner Nikhil Tricam won the annual Nando’s Hot Young Designer Talent Search.
The winning piece, their ‘Cactus’ server, will be displayed at the show. The piece turned to South African flora and desert landscapes for inspiration: ‘The colours that we develop at Kalki Ceramics are often inspired by our experiences of nature … a hike in nature, the dense forest and the colours that exist there,’ said Bucktowar.
Image credit: supplied (Nindya Bucktowar)
Design thought leaders
The Future of Design is a fusion of physical and digital exhibits, interactive workshops, live demonstrations and presentations by South Africa’s top design thought leaders, who will be speaking about the issues within the design industry – both current and future.
Expect insightful talks from Hannerie Visser, the owner and creative director of food-focused design and brand consultancy Studio H; Tracy Lee Lynch, the designer behind Studio Lee Lynch and creative director of Clout/SA; and Georgia Black, the founder of micro-festival producers Littlegig.
Image credit: supplied (Hannerie Visser)
Sustainable chairs designed by women
Decorex Africa challenged local designers to create a signature chair that incorporates the five Rs — reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose and refuse — to be showcased at the central restaurant area of both Decorex Cape Town, taking place in June, and Decorex Joburg in August.
Garnering an astounding response from renowned local designers, the display includes creations from the likes of Andrea Kleinloog of Hesse Kleinloog, Sanri Pienaar, Hannerie Visser and more. Keep an eye out for unconventional surprises from visionary designers like Maverick milliner Crystal Birch.
Lastly, Candice Berman’s gallery in Sandton, Johannesburg, has grown to be one of the leading contemporary art destinations in the country since its inception in 2013.
Visit the Candice Berman Gallery at Design Joburg for the Where Art Meets Design exhibition featuring works by leading South African contemporary artists, including Robert Hodgins, Sam Nhlengethwa, Nkosinathi Thomas Ngulube, Zolile Phetshane and John Vusi Mfupi.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary gathering of talented individuals and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Decorex, kicking off in Cape Town on 22 June until 25 June, and Decorex Joburg, 100% Design Africa and Design Joburg from 3 – 6 August, which coincidently takes place during Women’s Month.
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Feature image: Phong Pham via Unsplash
Originally published by Woman&Home Magazine.
