6 things not to miss at the Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair

Now in its 6th year, the Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair opens at Hyde Park Corner in Joburg today. Formerly known as FoodWineDesign, this vibey event celebrates all things artisinal, from furniture to food. Here are some highlights to look out for

1. CAPE TOWN DESIGN IN JOBURG

Now's your chance to get goodies from those Cape Town (and Durban) designers whose work you've been eyeing. We're particularly excited to check out the jewellery on Dear Rae's stand - they make simply gorgeous rings!

Dear rae ringsSupplied 

Other noteworthy exhibitors from the Mother City include ceramics company Art in the Forest, The Wren Design who produce cool recycled bags, Zana who produce homeware in an array of playful prints, and perfumers House of Gozdawa.

2. NEW DESIGNERS

Two new labels are launching their products at the Fair this year. First there's Almond, a collaborative fashion label that's the brainchild of designers Nicole Levenberg and Claudia Dougherty. If you love pimping up your dog or cat with cool accessories (think crocheted beds and leather collars), then Benji + Moon is also worth a look.

3. CHEFS IN THE CITY

What's this special project all about? Three top chefs (one for each day of the Fair) will produce their signature dishes for visitors to enjoy. This year's chefs are Dario di Angeli of Cube Tasting Room, Marthinus Ferreira of dw eleven-13 and Andrea Burgener of The Leopard.

Be sure to also check out Delish Sister's stand - these Ballito chefs whip up some great food - and the drinks on offer from Inverroche Distillery, who put a local spin on gin using fynbos.

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4. SUNDAY TIMES FASHION WEEKLY'S POP-UP SHOP

The lovely folks at the Fashion Weekly have curated their first-ever pop-up shop. Dubbed The Blue Room, it features the work of 16 top local designers who have each created a bespoke collection especially for the Fair - all in shades of inky blue.

5. BUBBLY, BUBBLY AND MORE BUBBLY!

Another special project not to miss is the cool champagne and charcuterie bar designed by this year's featured designer, Mia Widlake of Studio 19. The drinks will be supplied by Black Elephant Vintners, a boutique winery from Franschhoek. The meat will be supplied by master charcutier Richard Bosman.

6. THE GARDEN ROUTE EXPERIENCE

If you can't go to the Garden Route, let the Garden Route come to you (sort of). This is, you guessed it, another special project that celebrates the best design, food and drinks this scenic Cape region has to offer.

Highlights include ceramic plant pot makers Pret-a-Pot, chic Plett winemakers Newstead and textile company Mungo Design.

The Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair takes place at Hyde Park Corner, Joburg, from October 9-11 2015. Visit sanlamhmc.co.za for more info.