Every February, people from all over the world descend upon South Africa’s tourist capital Cape Town for the annual three-day creative extravaganza known as Design Indaba. A cultural institution that has been going strong since its founding by South African businessman Ravi Naidoo in 1995 (and the site of many a creative’s breakout moment) 2021 marks the first time in the event’s 25 year history that it will not be taking place, a decision likely made due to the challenges presented by an ongoing global pandemic.

Despite its unexpected hiatus, we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate the event anyway. Read on to discover some of the designers who’ve left their stamp on the event and who continue to make notable waves in the industry.

emerging creatives

One of Design Indaba’s flagship initiatives, the Emerging Creatives programme is a developmental platform for young artists who have had relatively little industry exposure. Established in 2005, it epitomizes the organisation's belief in nurturing new creative talent and eliminating many of the barriers faced by young people getting a start in the creative economy. The talent the program has churned out over the years have gone on to accomplish impressive feats. Below are just a few of the designers that have used the program as a launchpad toward bigger things.

MOST BEAUTIFUL OBJECT IN SOUTH AFRICA (MBOISA)

An initiative that Design Indaba began in 2007, the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa competition is an annual celebration of achievement in design. Each year, a host of industry experts and media personalities are invited to submit their nominees, after which voting is opened to the public. More than just an object of visual appeal, MBOISA encourages a wider definition of beauty—one that includes social significance, economic impact, and sustainability, and taps into the pulse of what’s happening in local design. Here are some of the past few years’ most fashion-forward winners.

4.

Pebble Dress

by gavin rajah, 2013

Part of designer Gavin Rajah’s Spring/Summer 2013 couture collection, the South African Fashion OG’s striking Pebble Dress was named the Most Beautiful Object in the country that very same year. Crafted from ostrich skin leather moulded into pebble shapes and then embroidered onto mesh, the gold-toned creation’s scale-like appearance was created via a foiling technique reportedly pioneered by Rajah’s design studio. Handmade in accordance with the traditions of couture, the garment is a strikingly tactile creation that exudes pure elegance.

5.

Lilypad Ring

by kirsten goss, 2012

A hand crafted ring featuring a green amethyst nestled within two contrasting layers of yellow gold, South African fine jewelry designer Kirsten Goss’ Lily-Pad Ring took home the top honors in 2012. A design that’s become the brand’s signature ever since it was voted the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa, it’s a delicate yet head turning piece that embodies Goss’ contemporary design aesthetic and love for abstract shapes. Crafted by an in-house team of goldsmiths, the ring is a boundary-pushing artistic statement that’s still immensely wearable.

6.

MaXhosa Shawl

by Laduma Ngxokolo, 2016

Famous for his Xhosa-inspired knitwear, Laduma Ngxokolo’s MaXhosa Shawl was unveiled as 2016’s Most Beautiful Object, the versatile piece intended as both a wardrobe and a homeware accessory. Designed in Ngxokolo’s signature style, the piece is a unisex piece made from 80% wool and 20% mohair, traditional Xhosa embellishment styles and beadwork motifs peppering the piece in a pattern inspired by the textures of ripe umnqusho (a traditional Xhosa dish). Designed as a part of Ngxokolo’s Autumn/Winter ’16 collection, the shawl is a celebration of the rich heritage of the Xhosa culture.