Local is lekker by Dave Nemeth

Regardless of any negative issues, one thing that can be said about South Africa is that we have a diverse nation that mostly smiles and has a great sense of humour and we have no issues laughing at ourselves and seeing a funny side to most situations. Combine this with our fantastic weather and scenic landscapes and it is no wonder that we are starting to see a quirky and unique design language being created that spans everything from architecture to scatter cushions, light fittings, furniture, fabrics and decor accessories. In fact at long last we are seeing a definitive trend and styling taking place, which is typical of our nation and diverse cultures as opposed to replication of international styles which has been our general trait for many years.

This is however something that has been gaining momentum over many years and not something that has just appeared, this reiterates the fact that it is certainly not a fad but a true new identity in design that will continue to evolve and develop into something that inspires even international designers and design styles.

Johannesburg is currently going through an inner city revival, which is one of the most exciting things to happen in years and the hip and trendy consumer are flooding into the CBD in their hoards looking for a bespoke and out of the ordinary experience. Buildings too are being converted into hip and happening apartments, resembling the aspirational loft living of cities like New York and London. It is along with this rejuvenation that we see designers putting up small retail outlets and creating these new designs many of which take their inspiration directly from Jozi itself. We see die-cut Joburg skylines on everything from old vinyl record clocks, to coat racks and bedside table lamps.

It is not however purely about JHB as we see fabrics representing everything from "platteland" windmills to “wire bokkies” and images of old maps of "Die Oue Kaap". This is all being done in an extremely contemporary and highly marketable way that could easily find its way into any international design store. Most consumers are now sick and tired of seeing the Union Jack and “Stay calm” prints and although these were a great novelty, they really don’t say much about whom we are or what we stand for as South Africans.

The most important thing to take cognizance of is that it is not only these literal items such as beaded object d art, Shweshwe prints turned into contemporary furniture and buck heads made out of printed cardboard that are being noticed, but also our more serious design items. We are seeing items such as wine racks, book stands, bar stools and salad servers. Items that were once imported due to their manufacturing processes are now being proudly designed and manufactured in South Africa. We even find ourselves producing polyprop items including all-weather designer chairs which were once restricted to Asia due to the high volumes necessary in setting up the machinery. Incredibly enough, these locally produced chairs are being sold at a better price than their Chinese counterparts, making it completely inexcusable to buy the imported versions.

Furniture too is being re-visited and contemporary “Riempie” chairs and benches create a unique aesthetics, which still has its roots entrenched in the original Cape Dutch styling. South African design has over the years been featured and many top international design shows, but mostly as a craft initiative. I believe we are finally creating a contemporary aesthetic that we can call our own. It is important that consumers become more design savvy and start looking and asking for these amazing local products. As kitsch as it may sound, never forget: local is Lekker! SAHO