SA style bites the Big Apple

28 February 2013 - 02:14 By Times LIVE
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Dark Horse is a design studio that creates objects for an urban setting made with passion and sustainable thinking.

The studio was founded by interior designer and architect duo Lise du Plessis and Jarrad Nelson in May 2011.

They were invited by the Department of Trade and Industry to attend The New York International Gift Fair this month to exhibit their hand-crafted furniture and homeware to design aficionados from around the world.

Describe the design scene in New York?

There is an invested relationship between architecture and design. Stores spend energy on their appearance and customer experience - it's such an urban location, so interiors are key and public spaces take on their own personality. Neighbourhoods are defined and full of character, and exciting spaces interact and unfold unexpectedly.

One of the highlights for me was the High Line, a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan's West Side. Areas become fascinating destinations. We're slowly starting to create similar areas in Cape Town, like Woodstock, and Johannesburg, like the Maboneng District.

What are the gift design trends in the world at the moment?

Homeware and décor presented as gifts. The idea is to layer your space. Unusual conversation starters are popular.

We saw lots of geometric patterns mixed with earthy textures and sleek and simple designs. Vintage crafted pieces with a retro feel were the theme in a lot of stalls.

What was the most interesting aspect of the fair?

It is the largest fair we have ever been to and is spread over three venues with thousands of exhibition stands.

People fly in from around the world. We were there to represent not only Dark Horse, but South Africa.

We surprised people with our minimal, functional approach to design.

A local entrepreneur, who has created an incredible retail experience in Chelsea called Story, loved our aesthetic.

He is stocking some our furniture and will be showing some of our designs during New York Design Week in May.

What were your impressions of the experience?

South African designers have a lot to offer one of the most progressive cities in the world.

The city is so layered. There's an energy that's irresistible and a sexy attitude of ''let's do this".

New York is very commercial. The craft scene isn't represented as well as we thought it would be. It was hard to find handmade things.

Which designers did you seek out?

None really. I found gems: little boutiques and special spaces hidden behind warehouse doors and unassuming corners. I discovered unknown creatives that haven't become big names yet.

What elements did you find impressive?

We loved everything to do with street culture and the theme of old and modern coming together. Street art is a large part of many different areas.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now