The 2019 edition of 100% Design South Africa is set to take place from 7 - 11 August 2019, alongside Decorex Joburg at the Gallagher Convention Centre.
The show features rising talent and the darlings of the local design world. One of them is much-lauded designer, Laduma Ngxokolo, a speaker at the recent Cond é Nast international Luxury conference—who is set to headline as Feature Designer for 2019.
Ngxokolo is primarily renowned for his vibrant street-cum-craft knitwear brand Maxhosa, that has put the immediately recognisable Xhosa aesthetic on the world map.
The acclaimed multifaceted designer has branched out from the iconic graphic garments that have cemented him as a star on the local fashion scene, into equally dynamic homeware.
Ngxokolo’s homeware is a tribute to the richness of South African culture. ‘Designing homeware simply allowed the patterns to evolve and to live beyond the clothes. Fashion can be restrictive;you’re limited by seasons and themes whereas homeware allows more freedom to play with colour.’
For 100% Design South Africa 2019, he will be showcasing his collection of rugs, cushion and throws, as well as his new offering of upholstery, wallpaper and curtaining, along with a few surprises.
‘We invited Laduma to take part as this year’s Feature Designer for a number of reasons. His strong crossover capability from fashion to home makes him incredibly versatile. And his designs draw on personal heritage and a sense of culture, which we feel is an important narrative to champion,’ says Laurence Brick, creative director of Platform Creative, curators of 100% Design South Africa. ‘Additionally, he has an ability to interpret tradition in a very contemporary way, which makes him really exciting as a designer.’
Ngxokolo says he wants to add something to the show that may not have been seen before. ‘The idea is to bring an African utopian feel with my designs - shake people’s preconceptions. My aim is to offer a new way of living within our surroundings as a new generation of Africans.’
Feature Image: Supplied