As a Design Indaba greenie, at the cost of the ticket price, I was expecting popcorn, a small slushy and a splattering of exhibition stalls by businesses who probably already dominate 60% of the design market.

To my pleasant surprise, I was given a student discount, upon presentation of my student card. (Note to self: always keep this on you) Upon entering a vey well attended, tastefully decorated exhibition hall at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, my mind went into design overdrive as I gazed over the exhibition hall. Graphic laminated mosaic artwork reflected its owners’ creative streak so appropriately, while hubs of emerging creatives proudly presented their crafts to all who would see.

Virtual concepts such as corporate identity were presented in a refreshingly different manner.

It was apparent that the designers carefully considered the aesthetic elements during their thought modeling. A resounding message that design is able to be approached with different philosophies was prominent to visitors during the exhibition. As no universal language or unifying school of thought exists in the manner in which you approach design, the artists were uninhibited in their style.

 

Craft factories, creative concepts and a strong focus on natural materials were a focal point at the show. Anyone in the wedding co-ordination industry would have felt as though they were sample shopping in boutique lane in Cavendish Street; divine keepsakes, romantic and emotive handmade, hessian sayings enticed you to come nearer.

Art deco and trendy chic interior decorators were able to sufficiently pre-empt the next ‘hot’ trends in their respective industries, with a number of businesses electing to launch their modular furniture collections and brands, into the South African market for the very first time.

We were treated to a shoulder rub (when we squeezed past) by Top Billing’s Aiden Bennett, who seemed to be drawing inspiration for his D.I.Y. show.

Adornments, handmade and the like were also a crowd pleaser on the floor, specifically amongst the bohemian chic, ranging from monochromatic shades of purple to the ever-popular, Fuchsia. On the couture side of things, fun, flirty ballerina dresses with feather accents were very prevalent.  In between starry-eyed gazing and doe-eyed on looking, there was “Angels” ready to rub you up the right way with a massage for a small donation.

An art exhibit showcasing a number of pieces by Barbara Wildenboer was one of the highlights of the show.

Her art can be described as visually motivating the senses and inviting you to pull out canvas and start your own collection. The artist really captured the essence of why art is so exquisite and anyone new to the art-world would have been able to understand that based on her works.

The 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup was subtly introduced as part of the creative synergy of the show. A metre long handmade, wire-modelled zebra and soccer player going for a goal over the African continent were on magnificent display, which naturally conjured up feelings of excitement for this monumental event.

The 2010 Design Indaba certainly lived up to its name and reputation as an assembly of creative luminaries and emerging talent in South Africa.