Table of contents for VISI 115 in Visi

I’ve always liked old stuff. From furniture, decor and art to clothes, cars and even bicycles, my tastes lean towards the classic. There’s a mid-century collectables vibe to my home, ’60s abstractism on my walls, vintage tweed in my wardrobe, and a fintail Merc and steel Colnago in my garage. I’ve nodded in agreement whenever anyone puts forward the argument that there is no such thing as a new idea, and that anything that’s presented as such is really just a reworked mashup or progression of what’s gone before. To my surprise, however, over the last year or so there’s been a bit of shift in my sensibilities. What’s even more surprising is that, rather than grudgingly accepting the change, I’ve found myself embracing the compass-needle swing. It’s now wobbling…

When I was in my early 20s, my mother gave me her prized 18-person Villeroy & Boch dinner service with a pattern of blue trumpet-shaped flowers. I was living in digs with a weed-smoking housemate and a collection of mismatched furniture – but I had porcelain plates and gravy boats. When I use this precious crockery now, it reminds me of the dinner parties my mother used to host in the ’80s: three-course, slightly raucous affairs heavily influenced by Robert Carrier, and attended by shoulder-padded guests who had to figure out where they were seated by deciphering cryptic descriptions of themselves written on the place cards. My mother was a gifted host, and the sound of voices and tinkling silverware drifting from the other end of the house was magical…

The V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance incubation programme, now open for applications, aims to provide ongoing support for young artists. It follows on from the success the V&A has achieved with its other incubator programmes, including the Buskers Programme and, more recently, the Makers Landing incubation programme. The new incubator will focus on fine arts, design, film and illustration in a partnership with Between10and5. Bubblegum Club will be the creative partner. “Between 10and5 has long been in the business of showcasing creative talent, and it is an honour to collaborate with the V&A Waterfront to grow and develop talent,” says Annel Malan of Between10and5. Adds Jamal Nxedlana of Bubblegum Club, “There is a feeling among young Cape Town creatives that most initiatives and support programmes are based in Joburg. This is…

As families spend more time at home, we’re investing in home appliances we can personalise – which is why Samsung’s new BESPOKE refrigerator lineup is capturing the imagination of many. No ordinary refrigerator, BESPOKE has a customisable design: you can choose your favourite finish, colour or material based on your taste or personality. The super-cool BESPOKE 4-Door Flex™ includes customisable configurations, and comes in 10 original colours, providing a generous number of combinations to choose from. Whether your preferred colour palette is minimalist or cosy, BESPOKE has you covered – and whichever shades you select, you are guaranteed a premium touch to your home thanks to the refrigerator’s flat doors and seamless design. Plus, of course, the BESPOKE 4-Door Flex™ includes Samsung’s trademark large capacity, flexible convenience and powerful cooling…

for over half a decade. “I designed this building in 2015 – it went through some changes, but the concept remained the same,” says André Krige of TwoFiveFive Architects. “The primary intention was to create something better than what was the norm for the area, but to keep to a feasible project budget.” Initially, one might think “Agora” is derived from the Greek word for public spaces, but the appellation actually originates from the Portuguese word for “now”. This idea is something that André and his team believe the building embodies. It’s created to live in concurrent harmony with its occupants – a physical reminder of living in the present – and to architecturally transport people between yesterday and tomorrow, while always bringing them back to today. ALTHOUGH THE AGORA…

Can you tell us a bit about your background as a designer and artist? I’ve been sketching for as long as I can remember. During my primary-school years, my mother enrolled me for art classes at the Mmabana Cultural Centre in Thaba ’Nchu. My time at Mmabana was paramount, because it is where my passion and skill were initially nurtured. In my first year of studying graphic design at Technikon Free State, I came across a graffiti artist named Rusty, from Johannesburg. I was impressed by his expressive style and skill. I realised I was intrigued by a rather skewed approach to art and design, so I coined Sqew as my graffiti name, and started tagging and bombing across the City of Roses. I relocated to Cape Town in 2009…

The fashion industry is notorious for its heavy footprint on the ecosystems within which it operates. Globally, according to the Pretty Planeteer, textile waste amounts to about 13-million tonnes of missed opportunities each year. It’s almost more than one can comprehend, and it happens with far too much ease – discarded clothing and offcuts end up in landfills at a rapid rate. Fortunately, manufacturers have begun dancing to the beat laid down by consumers, and making attempts to give the planet a break by adopting more ethical production practices. Inevitably, they are still going to make products – but the growing trend urges them to consider how they’ll go about it. This more environmentally friendly twist on consumerism is a step in the right direction, and it ticks boxes for…

Masquerade is one of those stores you pop into thinking, “I’ll just take a two-minute peek for inspiration,” and then walk out of – some 30 minutes later – having purchased two brilliant gifts for the sort of friends who already have everything, plus a couple of scented candles for yourself. The word “irresistible” most definitely springs to mind whenever we are reminded of owner Marti Foster’s store – which is why it was no wonder that we also loved her Franschhoek home (featured in VISI 114). With outlets in both Franschhoek and Constantia, all of Masquerade’s vintage-inspired homeware is also available online. But, as Marti says, while the online store is well-established and growing, “Nothing beats the feeling of walking into Masquerade, and being able to smell, feel and…

A raw and grounded place to stay in nature, within short hiking distance of a spring where zebra and wildebeest can occasionally be seen, FARMHOUSE was rst some years ago. When Bheki Dube – who is the founder of local hotel brand Curiocity – was invited to view the property in the Cradle of Humankind, within the wider 58 project and the Nirox Foundation, he instantly recognised its potential. Steeped in history, the location was home to a dairy farm for several decades. Then, over the past few years, it was used as a publishing house, before being redeveloped into a unique place to stay. The design team’s aim was to repurpose the existing structure while retaining its character. As a result, the building’s history is evident in the imperfections…

Napoleon is rumoured to have said, “In victory you deserve Champagne; in defeat you need it.” What’s your favourite MCC for celebrations? “Ambeloui Rosanna Rosé MCC Chardonnay/Pinot Noir. Miranda Green, the MCC maker at the family business that is Ambeloui, is so full of joy and love that it shines through. Delicious.” R210 | ambeloui.co.za And what about something to cheer you up when you’re feeling down? “One of our cocktails: either the Negroni Sbagliato (a bubbly version of the Negroni) or the English Garden. Both are beautiful and guaranteed to lift your mood – and both are made with the perfectly dry Waterkloof Astraeus MCC Brut Chardonnay.” R240 | waterkloofwines.co.za We aren’t all famous generals – what about an MCC perfect for daily drinking? “The almost unknown gem that…

One day, when the pandemic is over, we will host long lunches and dinner parties again – but in the meantime, we can still dream! Who are the people who will be the first you’ll invite to sit around your feast table? ZODWA KUMALO-VALENTINE, WRITER, EDITOR & MUSIC SELECTOR I’d love to host my three sisters (one lives in Cape Town; another in Oslo, Norway) around a harvest table in my garden, with endless playlists and dancing and singing. Zodwa is group native content editor at Arena Holdings as well as a freelance writer – and a self-described “food, fashion and design enthusiast”. She’s been a speaker at the Street Food Festival and at the Business of Design conference, and was one of the 38 curators of World Design Capital…

In today’s increasingly busy culture, family time around the dinner table is under threat. Fast-food meals are at an all-time high, and meal planning seems a thing of the past. Family meals are the exception rather than the norm, and many people may have difficulty imagining a family dinnertime routine due to dual-income schedules, business travel, or children being involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities. However, while establishing and guarding family mealtime might require you to make difficult and counter-cultural decisions, once the decision is made and dinnertime together is set as a priority for your family, the benefits will be astounding. I’ve personally witnessed the positive results that come from a family sitting around a table and sharing a meal together. Sharing a family meal is good for…

WHO CAN APPLY? Anyone based in Cape Town, and aged between 18 and 30. WHEN SHOULD YOU APPLY? Submissions for the first programme will be open until 31 July 2021, and successful candidates will be selected by early August 2021. WHEN WILL THE PROGRAMME RUN? From the beginning of September 2021 to the end of October 2021. WHERE TO APPLY Visit waterfront.co.za to access the application form – or, if you do not have internet access at home, pop into the e-hub computer centre at the V&A Waterfront’s offices in Dock Road. HOW TO APPLY Anyone who wants to apply will be required to submit a portfolio of their work, and to include a motivational letter or video in their application. The submission should include a short biography or description…

Going BESPOKE doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice function for form. These brilliant fridges include innovative features such as: • FlexZone™ TechnologyThe BESPOKE refrigerator offers more customised food management options than ever before, with a FlexZone in its lower-right compartment that allows you to switch between refrigerator and freezer modes, depending on your requirements. • Beverage CentreEnjoy quick and easy access to refreshingly cold and flavoured water with the innovative BESPOKE design. • 2 Step Foldable ShelvesSlide & Fold Shelves are super-flexible, letting you fold, raise, lower or remove them to create the very best fit for your groceries. • Digital Inverter for surge protectionYour BESPOKE fridge is protected against post-loadshedding voltage spikes, which can damage refrigerators. Samsung’s Digital Inverter motor can protect your BESPOKE against such occurrences with volt control.…

Hello, welcome to Hotel Sky. I am Ariel. How can I assist you?” Delivered in a soothing, measured tone, the welcoming refrain sounds every few minutes – whenever a guest enters the lobby of the newly minted Hotel Sky in Cape Town’s Foreshore. The voice emanates not from one of the friendly receptionists, but from a robot with expressive LCD eyes that has been programmed to answer more than 2 000 questions. And bring you room service. Joined by her equally helpful colleague Skyla, the idiosyncratic AI assistant guides guests into a brave new world of automatic check-ins and app-enabled key cards on their phone – the future of hospitality, according to Hotel Sky managing director Paul Kelley. Hi-tech machinations aren’t all that’s been grabbing Capetonians’ attention. Hotel Sky is…

what makes us feel like we belong, the experiences we cling to… This is the principal thought that design studio DHK Architects and interior design studio SourceIBA have had fun celebrating at the new Radisson RED hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg. And in order to get it right, Jeremy Stewart of SourceIBA says it was important to focus on reflecting the locale and its community – and to create future-proof public areas that are flexible in layout and functionality, and that will accommodate any potential challenges down the road. Key parts of Rosebank’s identity are art (Keyes Art Mile is a five-minute walk away), fashion (The Zone and Rosebank Mall are just over 100 steps away) and music (Sony Music Entertainment Africa is one of the hotel’s neighbours). It’s one of…

SUBTLE CONTRASTS PLAY OUT BETWEEN THE BEAUTIFUL RAW MATERIALS AND RADICAL ARCHITECTURAL LINES. INTERIOR ARCHITECT VINCENT-LOUIS VOINCHET CONSISTENTLY SHAKES UP traditions at his design practice, Studio Nohau. And he made no exception to this rule when renovating his country house in the bohemian countryside region of Le Perche, about an hour away from Paris. The upgrades included a restructuring of spaces – the remains of two rural buildings, which included cramped rooms and abandoned barns – and re-imagining them in a refined way that incorporates both Japanese and German influences. “I’m a great admirer of Charlotte Perriand’s work during her stay in Japan in the 1940s,” says Vincent-Louis, “but also of the Bauhaus style – of the search for an aesthetic that’s all about simplicity, stripped-down elegance and functionalism.” In…

Now back on home soil, it’s almost certain Tshepiso’s inspired work will leave a mark on the South African jewellery industry. Her debut collection of fashion-forward, demi-fine pieces challenges gender-specific designs. “Times are changing – and my brand is keeping up with that by creating designs that are more gender-fluid,” she says. Tshepiso’s “Landing” campaign marks a turning point – the time before and after her work entered the South African landscape. To make it possible, Tshepiso joined forces with photographer Armand Dicker and creative director Anthony Hinrichsen. “I wanted something weird and ‘out there’,” she says. “Armand and Anthony gave me more than that. They had seen one of my Instagram pictures, which looked like the jewellery was on the moon, and they drew some inspiration from that.” With…

What was the thinking behind the launch of Popstrukt? At the time – four years ago – we believed there was a space for a furniture brand that was easy to understand, well designed and readily available. We went in with an open mind, hoping to serve the needs of the discerning South African buyer. We tested various products, materials and manufacturing methods, as well as different furniture pieces – and the result is the Popstrukt range you see today. At its core, our range consists of six pieces that are versatile, modern with a dash of fun, considered and readily available. How did the company come about? I have a background in industrial design, and I wanted to build my own business. Furniture design is a medium I understand,…

Clad in black and a mask, and sporting an enviable mohawk, the waitron pours warm, lemongrass-scented water into a ceramic vessel through a small hole. Two other holes are filled with small, tightly rolled towels. As I chat with friends over a chilled glass of recommended rosé, she instructs us to pop a towel into the water. It slowly blooms into a fluffy, bona fide napkin, and the table gasps with delight; we remark on how we’ve missed the little things – not least of them the pleasure of a midweek lunch out. Apparently, many others have too, because Tang, the newest addition to Johannesburg’s restaurant scene, is surprisingly full. A group of businessmen converses jovially; tables dotted around the room are filled with couples canoodling; and elegantly dressed women…

It was never the plan for my partner and me to leave South Africa. Then an opportunity presented itself, and we took it so our child could grow up seeing themselves represented in society – something I’ve never had. But even as an East Asian immigrant whose history and presence are often erased in South Africa, leaving the country I called home was painful. I’d found my community and my extended family while living in Cape Town. We’d sold our house and packed all of our belongings into a container, and the dogs were in Pretoria en route to our new home. And then, two days before our flight to join Kyle in San Francisco (where he’d already been based for four months), the country went into lockdown. Bao and…

YOTAM OTTOLENGHI x SERAX Internationally acclaimed chef Yotam Ottolenghi is the author of multiple best-selling cookbooks, and so famous that his sort of cooking is frequently described as “Ottolenghi-style”. His early restaurants served food on large platters, and bowls of salads-as-meals, displayed in tempting heaps from which guests could select their favourites. So it’s an almost overdue step for this game-changing creative to be launching his own range of ceramics, glassware and serveware, which he recently did in a collaboration with Serax. Designed with input from regular Ottolenghi visual collaborator, Sicilian artist Ivo Bisignano, the range is colourful and playful, featuring simple prints of bell peppers and other vegetables, and abstract faces. All pieces will be used in Ottolenghi eateries, and fans will be able to take them home too.…

1. JOIN THE DOTS Ninety-two-year-old Yayoi Kusama is one of the world’s most celebrated living artists – and remarkably, she has voluntarily resided in a psychiatric hospital for 45 years. Best known for her “immersive infinity rooms”, she uses lots of borderline-kitsch pop-vegetal imagery, including pumpkins. Her work is mind-bending, witty and wise. yayoi-kusama.jp 2. FLORAL FANTASIA Wide-ranging in expression and commercially successful, Takashi Murakami’s work is frequently read as an ironic commentary on art itself. He has 2.3-million Instagram followers, and uses elements derived from anime, traditional Japanese painting and sci-fi to make his work. Invited to exhibit at the palace of Versailles in France (pictured opposite), he controversially filled its opulent halls with smiley plastic flowers and manga-style characters. c takashipom 3. DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER One of a…

SET IN A BURGEONING GROVE OF INDIGENOUS KAREE TREES ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF BLOEMFONTEIN, Philip and Lisa Nel’s home anticipated the current trend of prefabricated dwellings by a decade. Back in 2009, having just renovated and sold a house, Philip finally took the plunge and built the prefabricated small dwelling he’d had in mind for a while. A piece of property adjacent to his parents’ home on the western edge of the city was the chosen site – and 12 years later, it’s where the couple still live. EVERY ITEM OF FURNITURE AND ELEMENT OF DECORATION IN THEIR ABODE HAS BEEN “FOUND, COLLECTED, AND IS VERY MUCH LIKED”. Originally just 45m2 in size and manufactured in three sections that fit neatly between two of his beloved karee trees, the design…

“I DEFINITELY GET A KICK OUT OF COMBINING INCONGRUOUS THINGS THAT TELL A STORY.” – OWNER DANÉ ERWEE Smitten by its location in the picturesque village of Pniel at the foot of the Simonsberg mountain in Stellenbosch, Dané Erwee and Chris Willemse bought this 2.5-hectare piece of land 10 years ago. The idea was to start a flower farm that could supply their floral retail business, Okasie. “There was nothing here then besides a few gardenia bushes and plum trees,” recalls Chris, a horticulturist. “Our first mission was to build a road that would allow the builders to access the land.” Architect Henri Comrie was entrusted to design the house. “We chose Henri for his strong ideas, and because we knew he’d give us something timeless,” says Dané, a master…

2002 ZULU MAMA CAFE CHAIR Internationally, this chair is most synonymous with my design brand. The 2007 SABS DISA award-winning piece is an exploration of the feminine mother archetype, and a cross-cultural collaboration. 2008 SONGOLOLO SOFA Launched at the Design Indaba, the original leather Songololo sofa with its multitude of legs has been redesigned, and is now also an ideal option for outdoor use. It’s got a cool retro appeal inspired by sectional sofas of the 1970s, and is bound to be the centre of attention in any space. Over the years, it has gleaned quite a bit of international acclaim, and has been featured in films and design books. 2010 BABA PAPA LOUNGER This one developed its own personality to such an extent that it somehow became a sex…

Given the way we’re caught up in the demands of career, family and the rapid tempo of city living, time to pamper and revitalise the spirit is usually swallowed up in the melee. Hendrien Kruger, owner of Inoar Lifestyle Centre, recognised this challenge as a beckoning opportunity in disguise. “Our vision was for the centre to be more than just a destination where women get pampered,” she says. “We want it to be a haven that inspires, supports dreams and cultivates a sense of community.” Hendrien turned to award-winning architecture firm Earthworld Architects and Inside Interiors to transform her vision into a reality. Renowned for their skilful use of natural materials and exquisitely sculptural architecture, the architects’ design philosophy resonated immediately with the Inoar brand’s natural approach to beauty. One…

VISI /REASONS A Cape Town-based studio with in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities, Ayaro is adding depth and drama to a variety of interior projects around the city. Spearheaded by Dutch-German lead designer Albert Jansen van Rosendaal, this maverick outfit plays with concrete, solid brass, mild steel, marble and other materials to create impactful design pieces and spaces. The studio creates everything from high-end furniture to lighting – and, coming soon, exclusive homeware pieces too. Stay tuned to Ayaro’s website for the online unveiling of the brand’s new lifestyle shop, which will feature its own lighting, crockery, cutlery, art objects, mirrors, ceramics and glassware designs. “Our ideas and plans are rooted predominantly in contemporary European design and production standards – but the African and Asian influences in our work can’t be…

ARCHITIZER: THE WORLD’S BEST ARCHITECTURE 2020 Edited by Phaidon Phaidon | R1 770 Founded in 2009, the Architizer website showcases remarkable built-environment projects from around the world, and celebrates them via its annual A+Awards, which honour each year’s extraordinary architecture. The winners are chosen by more than 400 international luminaries in fields such as publishing, product design and technology, and are also voted for by the public. The awards are then celebrated in a fully illustrated book – and this is the resulting compendium for 2020, which includes projects ranging from a huge airport to tiny weekend homes. DESIGN SECRETS By Kit Kemp Abrams | R520 Acclaimed worldwide as a hotelier and interior designer, Kit Kemp reveals how to create character in your home, and suggests ways to celebrate raw…

With romantic antebellum homes and gorgeous gardens shaded from tropical heat by a canopy of oak trees, New Orleans’ Garden District is on every traveller’s must-visit list. And now there’s a fresh attraction: new luxury hotel The Chloe is situated just a couple of minutes’ walk away, in the Uptown District. A genuine boutique hotel with just 14 guest rooms, The Chloe is housed in a renovated Victorian mansion that was originally built by renowned local architect Thomas Sully, with its reworked interiors designed by local decorator Sara Ruffin Costello. The new hotel is all about understated luxury, with moody themes typical of New Orleans – including mysticism and the natural world – reflected in the interior design. Think dim lighting, darker hues, slow-turning fans and winding rooms: a place…