In episode 2 of our Talk Carpet Travel Series, we explore design in South Africa. We meet talented creatives in Cape Town and Johannesburg, offering a very diverse range of South African design.
Cape Town is a city with a large Dutch, French and British influence and has a vibrant design community. The atmosphere is very laid back, and the scenery around the Cape is beyond compare—what an incredible place to live.
We’re visiting the Montebello Design Centre, promoting local art and craft. At Montebello, we’re having a conversation with Dr. Elbe Coetsee about her Mogalakwena Foundation and her incredible research project. Afterward, we’re exploring the ceramics studio of John Bauer, who has mastered a unique technique where he applies images of objects to the texture of the ceramics.
We’re taking a quick break at Muizenberg beach for lunch, after which we’re visiting Ronel Jordaan and her felting studio. We’re closing the day to see some more design shops like Ashanti Design and Villa Africa.
We stayed at the Gorgeous George Hotel; however, we also visited The Silo, where Irene took us on an art tour throughout the hotel.
In Johannesburg, you will discover a very cosmopolitan atmosphere, with tons of new creative initiatives in different city areas. We’re starting our exploration with a walking tour in Maboneng for its street art, followed by a walk through downtown to admire the great variety of architecture from multiple eras. At Victoria Yards, a creative collective, we’re meetings several workshop owners and explore their creations. On day two of our Joburg visit, we’re heading out with Laurice Taitz, editor of In Your Pocket City Guides, and go on a shopping tour in really great galleries and design shops. The cherry on the pie in Johannesburg is the visit of new spaces entirely designed with South African design: Flame Studios and Nandos Rosettenville.