The Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair returns to the roof of Hyde Park Corner this weekend for the sixth year with a record number of over 100 makers of fine foods, wines and design. As always, a featured designer is selected and tasked with giving the Fair a distinct visual identity. This year that’s going to Studio19 co-owner Mia Widlake, who will lend her signature on-trend colour palette and keen eye for materials to the overarching look and aesthetic of the Fair. As the name of the Fair implies, exceptionally crafted handmade goods are the focus of the event. Roberta Thatcher, the Fair curator explains: “While we’ve always celebrated the beautiful products our exhibitors bring to the rooftop, the focus has now shifted to understanding how those items came to be and recognising the passion, creativity and uniqueness that went into their production.” We’ll be at the Fair this weekend documenting these gorgeous and delectable artisan edibles and design products in partnership with YOCO, the smarter way to make and receive card payments.
Here are the design highlights we’re looking forward to at this year’s Handmade Contemporary Fair:
Almond is a brand new textile-focused fashion line that will be launching at the Handmade Contemporary. Fashion designer Claudia Dougherty and textile designer of AUREUM Nicole Levenberg have collaborated to create a unique fashion range with textile prints that are hand- drawn and designed specifically for the line.
Our fave luxe leather all-local made by hand handbag label will be showcasing a range of re-issued styles from the Iconic Missibaba collection, which celebrates 10 years of the brands with bold new looks for signature styles like the Sgt. Pepper, Possum, Bow Bag as well as feathery belts.
Last month on Spring day contextual design initiator Agata Karolina launched her new epicene perfume collection. Each micro batch scent in the range is created and bottled by hand and the vintage catalogued. The perfume range launched in Cape Town with flower infused mesh scent pods for each fragrance accompanied by custom curated playlists inspired by each scent. We can’t wait to have our senses tingled by these magical concoctions.
Trebene is a recently launched ultra luxe ethical cashmere scarf brand founded by Bushera Bushir. The five evocative designs in the label each speak to a different colour palette and aesthetic, from polkadots to proteas.
Delicate jewellery at its most whimsical, Dear Rae will be showcasing for the first time in Joburg 9 carat yellow and rose gold pieces from their most loved collection, as well as their recently released mens collection.
Mother-daughter team Sue and Robyn Britz each bring their distinct skills to this quintessentially quirky screen-printed textile design and product brand from Cape Town. Typographic banners, cute totes, graphic scatter cushions, and pastel palettes tick all the right whimsical boxes.
Robyn Victor’s boho lifestyle brand August is all about escapism and being transported to some far-off tropical retreat. Inspired by exotic adventures and distant lands, the kaftans and feminine silhouettes feature eclectic patterns and rich colour palettes.
In response to the mostly hideous paw-print pet goodies commercially available, filmmaker and blogger Hanneke Schutte and friend Karen Carr are launching their own brand of handcrafted monochromatic designery pet products. Working with local artisans (including Ronel Jordaan) to develop each item and using natural materials, the Benji + Moon range features dip-died floor cushions, crocheted kitty pods, wood and ceramic bowls, felt leashes and leather collars.
Look out for photo highlights from the Fair on Monday, brought to you by YOCO – the secure mobile point of sale app and card reader system designed for businesses that are passionate about their product, not their admin.
Fair Details:
Venue: Rooftop of Hyde Park Corner shopping centre
Friday 9 October: 12pm-10pm
Saturday 10 October: 10am-9pm
Sunday 11 October: 10am-4pm
Tickets: R90 (online) R110 (at the door)
