Discover swoon-worthy design at Cape Town's NEXT19 exhibit

You can check out the latest work by the movers and shakers of the local design world at the NEXT19 Trade Exhibition which opened in Cape Town yesterday.

A group of 40 exhibitors will showcase their wares at this event at the V&A Waterfront until March 3. Entrance is free to the public.

Four designers who launched their latest creations at the exhibition tell us more about their exciting new collections and the inspiration behind them:

CANDICE LAWRENCE OF MODERN GESTURE

Modern Gesture is based in Retreat, Cape Town.

We're known for our woven pendant lights. [Modern Gesture also produces homeware and stationery.]

Our latest collection falls under the Modern Gesture name. We keep adding to the Modern Gesture range with our new standing lamps and mirrors being the very latest additions.

It was inspired by African Ndebele jewellery.

My favourite products in the new collection are the woven mirrors. They're an example of a new style that is slowly emerging, and exploring new materials in the process of creating them was fun.

RAZAAN JAKOET FROM CHIC FUSION 

Chic Fusion is based in Woodstock, Cape Town.  

We're known for our contemporary hand-felted home decor and fashion accessories in 100% wool and natural fibres.

Our latest collection is called Space. It consists of storage baskets, floor vases, throws, table runners and nesting bowls in a combination of ivory with black.

It was inspired by my fascination with planets and the solar system.

My favourite product in the new collection is the Jupiter basket. I love the effect of the contrasting textures of the various fibres we used — karakul wool and Merino wool with silk — and the leather handles complement it perfectly.  It is both aesthetically interesting and functional in any room in the house.

JAQUELINE BURGE FROM RARITY HANDBAGS

Rarity is based in Woodstock, Cape Town.

We're known for our Feather collection, right now.

Our latest collection is called 'Perfectly, imperfect', acknowledging there is beauty in natural imperfection.

The new socially-minded customer is looking for a more authentic experience. Handmade products should be perfectly imperfect — that's where the beauty lies.

It was inspired by how the simplicity of shape celebrates the individuality of form.

Playing on the concepts of “the same but different, perfect but not” created a surprisingly understated collection.

My favourite product in the new collection is the Pam tote in leather. I like how how this classic shape comes to life with the ostrich-shin handle details. The shoulder sling is in line with our 99% local procurement and the ribbon is woven in Cape Town. The natural leather will change and soften with time, shaping itself to your personality. This is the bag you will carry memories in.

LIZL NAUDE OF LILLY LOOMPA

Lilly Loompa is based in Stellenbosch.

We're known for our upcycled, hip homeware. We restore waste into beautiful, functional items that can be used in your home.

Our latest collection is called the Toona Can range and it consists of fun and colourful storage holders made from used tuna tins. We have designed the lids using local icons and animals and they draw a lot of attention. 

It was inspired by, believe it or not, the drought. I was thinking of ways to get some greenery on my desk and I didn’t want to use a plant that required watering. So, the first design was with a baked bean can and a cactus design. The deep tin was impractical, so I decided to go for the tuna tin as it was more shallow and easier for hands to reach in.

My favourite products in the new collection are the Jozi and Cape Town Toona Cans. The two cities have played significant roles in shaping who I am and where I am today. Each of them holds a special place in my heart and symbolises crucial stages in my journey. 

• NEXT19 is part of Development by Design, a training programme driven by The Dutch Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), and their local partner, the Craft and Design Institute (CDI). The focus is on growing entrepreneurs by coaching them to enter the European market. For more information, visit thecdi.org.za