Design Indaba – ‘Make Think Grow To Be DID’

Article by Debbie Lourens

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Celebrating its 19th year, the Design Indaba is one of the most anticipated exhibitions yearly. I was lucky enough to attend the exhibition and was absolutely overwhelmed by the many talented exhibitors, creatives sharing ideas and the excited energy filling the exhibition.

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Head Sponsor, ABSA, has actively taken it upon themselves to create opportunities for creatives to be ambitions and inspire South Africa to be a more knowledge based economy as opposed to be more reliant on commodities.

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‘We believe that when people act on their design ideas, when these ideas become tangible, we all proper. We want to help people do this by Make think become DID’; in other words making ideas become a reality’; – said Marketing Brand Manager of Absa, Lauren Smith

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Images credit: Design Indaba

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That all seems inspiring and motivational enough, but was it worth the hour long wait to get in? I would say it definitely was! There was an incredible vibe at the Cape Town Convention Centre. Giddy girls admiring the gorgeous jewellery display, hipsters drooling over the designer clothes and me, staring in wonder at how an event could bring so many cultures, social groups and creatives together. I spent a few hours visiting the stands, pausing to chat to some of the designers and exhibitors, overwhelmed by their excitement and pride at being able to show off their talent. There were quite a few displays that I loved, Ceramics being one of the most popular at the Indaba.
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I would however love to share the 4 exhibitors that I really loved:
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1. Touchee Feelee (www.toucheefeelee.net)

Designer + Illustrator Euodia Roets blew me away with her home-ware designs.  I particularly loved her pillow designs.

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‘We all live in a world of mass production where the touch of a hand has value. I have no interest in mass production, but rather take pride in creating tactile pieces.’; says Euodia .  Her bespoke designs are available to order on her website.
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2. Ceramic Factory (www.ceramicfactory.co.za)
As their tagline says ‘Handmade ceramics with original Boland Flair’;  Ceramic Factory offers an extensive range of beautiful home ware sporting a monthly best-seller list that you should be sure to check out.
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Images by: Lauren Kim Photography

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3. Essie Letterpress (essieletterpress.co.za)

My ever growing love affair with stationary continued when I saw the gorgeous designs of  Vanessa Grib, Owner and printer at Essie.  Nothing says luxury, elegance and style quote like a beautiful letterpress note.
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My attention was particularly drawn to their range of journals, since I love to scribble down thoughts and notes myself.
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4. Tic Tac Toe