When Pedersen + Lennard launched their bucket chair design, I had always kept my eyes glued on them for news on new developments. Each product since then has never failed to make my jaw drop.

I have this silly wishlist system, where I put all the things I’d wish to achieve or own one day. Last year Elle decor did a piece on their furniture collection, I made my little cut out, and made it my “one day, you’ll be mine” piece.

Pedersen and Lennard’s showroom is at the Field Office in Cape Town. They wanted to clear the existing range to make space to exhibit their new products. In celebration of the Field Office’s first birthday, they decided to host an auction on the current products on display there. I was hoping that I’d soon be able to take my “one day, you’ll be mine piece” home with me. Last week Friday, 30th of September, I registered as a buyer at an auction for my very first time

Both the designers were present at the Auction, and casually mingled with the people attending the acution. There was nothing intimidating about the auction, in fact it had a very down to earth vibe.

The items that were being Auctioned became part of the events furniture. Everyone there casually made themselves comfortable. The manger of Field Office, Will,  made the evening very entertaining with his flamboyant style of hosting the auction.

As beautiful as everything on auction was, I was qutie specific with what I wanted. I wanted a bench for the entrance hallway. I waited patiently for what I was there for. As soon as the bidding started, I waited for the other participants to set the bids. Will was about to declare the items sold at “going twice” – when I raised my auction number, and waved to his direction. Another bidder tried to get it off my hands, and I waved my number again at Will. Will started on the count down, and as soon as he yelled “Sold” I received a huge adrenalin rush. It wasn’t from the hype of winning the auction, but rather a dream come true to finally own Pedersen and Lennard pieces!

Ta-dum…. meet my beautiful collection…. I still have to set it up, but these are my core entrance hall pieces.

The crate under the bench was auctioned for separately. It was one of the first pieces that Pedersen and Lennard experimented with in their earlier years of design. I felt rather attached to that notion. Back when I was still a university student, I had a home-made coffee table with the same kind of plastic crate, with a wooden plank nailed to it. In a sense I felt truly inspired by how their passion paved their success to creating and perfecting the beautiful range they have today. To think that it started off a crate, compared to what they create now – brings goose bumps upon that thought. I’m so thrilled to finally enter my home to find the sight of Pedersen and Lennard’s beautiful designs.

Visit the field office to view their new range.

7 barrack street
Cape Town
021-4614599

[PS I have a facebook page, join me on my page to find out about these events in the future]

I met Lorenzo at the beginning of this year when I shared my hopes and dreams for MIKU. Lorenzo gave me such kind words of encouragement, and together we shared a passionate vision to see success and growth amongst the talented South African artists and designers.

[Below is an original biography for his press release sent to MIKU]

“The work of architect Lorenzo Nassimbeni is unique in it’s focus upon the area where the disciplines of architecture and fine art meet. The experience of studying in Venice [IUAV 1999] was significant in marking the beginning of what has become an accomplished career in the visual arts. The practical methodology which he employs is powerful, describing the essence of ‘urban landscape.’ Black line, white background, distillation. Nassimbeni’s portfolio has been the subject of wide acclaim, in South Africa, Australia, Europe and the United states.”

Lorenzo is exhibiting his most recent artworks at Salon91 Contemporary Art Collection, the REALM…an urban enquiry exhibition in collaboration with fine arts artist Gabrielle Raaff. I went to the opening this past Wednesday, and I was blown away by Lorenzo’s concept! His consistency in excellence is portrayed through every single piece. His technique is becoming a signature materpiece that is already recognized internationally. He has posted a very interesting blog post about his preparations for exhibition which can be read here.

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A visit to the gallery is really worth your time. Let your own eyes translate the beauty of his artworks! This artist is already beyond up and coming, securing his original pieces at this point of his growing career would be a fabulous investment!

MIKU’s online platform has his beautiful Cushion designs. Click here to view his products. His designs create a strong urban statement to any interior space, and uniquely presents itself as a collectable piece of the unusual home.

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Lorenzo is exhibiting in Europe soon, and I wish him the best of luck. I’m certain that his creations will be appreciated in all corners of the world! I strongly recommend his blog, you can find it here.

The Freeworld Design Centre had their Exhibit opening last night. They have four pods on their main windows, where designers get to exhibit their space. If you would like to recall the previous exhibits you can find it here. It was interesting to see the direction reflected with each pod, and the diversity of each pod gave more depth to draw inspiration and themes.

Tracy Lynch

Tracy Lynch, the Freeworld Design Centre consultant styled a dressing room. her added details to each choice of item placed in this pod were creatively styled together, making this girly dressing room flow into a poetic stream.

Neil Stemmet

I was very pleased to see the involvement of Neil Stemmet. For those of you that attended the Decorex, you’ll remember how he designed the space for Bos Tea House. The sight of that entire area really blew my breath away, have a look here. His display at the Freeworld Design Centre exhibit had beautiful classic pieces, and balanced the sensitive elements of bringing antique to a contemporary space. Neil Stemmet is known for his philosophy where he often states “Decor is dead, the future lies in the past”. I look forward to seeing more of Neil Stemmet in the South African design platform.

Liam Mooney

Liam Mooney, the product designer of Dry-Goods has themed the space using black. He balances the dominance of black, by mixing many textures that softens the harsh colour.

Kerstin Eser and Christopher Strong

Kerstin Eser and Christopher Strong, both consultants of Freeworld Design Centre use the space to create a splash retail window display.

The pods will reman till the end of July on 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town

This past Friday, I had a pretty eventful evening attending the Dale Lawrence –  The Ever-Flowing Tide Exhibition at Haas Coffee Collective’s Exhibition space.

Dale Lawrence has combined his intricate technical drawings with what he names “inventions” of certain aspects of living. It is quite interesting to see how he conveys the simple inventions for a perfect day or inventions of relationships through his technical drawings as if it could be mechanically put together to function as a unit of action. I spent that lovely exhibition with two good friends, and thus favouring this piece –  ”Invention to Keep Friends Together”

The couple purchased a beautiful piece for their apartment. I learnt the experience of purchasing from orignal artists from the couple. Always request the following: “Signed artwork to be delivered by hand by the Artist.”

The Haas Collective Coffee exhibition space is across the road from their coffee shop. The space reminds me of a quaint European coffee shop, where artisans grab their caffeine fixes. An extension leads from the coffee shop, to a little boutique store, that stock incredible collectables for the home. These curated pieces, are carefully selected, and store a range of pieces that make a space uniquely beautiful.

I would highly reccommend a visit for those who haven’t had the opportunity to visit Haas Coffee Collective, 67 Rose Street, Bo Kaap. The Dale Lawrence Exhibition will be showcasing till the 28th May

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Spotted - this stunning Retro Cabinet

at Dylan Culhane’s new Photographic Art Gallery, Museum, in Woodstock, Cape Town 6 May 2011, 09:00pm. Between 10 and 5 hosted their fashion photography collaboration featuring Cape Town’s up-and-coming photographers collaborating with graduate students from the Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design in Stellies.

It was lovely strolling around Decorex. One fantastic aspect about this inspirational post is that it allows me to be curious, and meet wonderful people who are making such beautiful products. I feel empowered to ask silly questions, which are all answered with the most genuine kindness. My day was spent with visual satisfaction and hearty conversations with people whom I’d never think of meeting.

The highlight of the Decorex was the exhibition right at the end of the hall. The exhibition was put together with pieces of all which were made locally. The exhibition clearly set the epitome of design that the locals are moving towards, and it was very exciting to see.

There was a breathtaking wall installation displaying chairs, and plantation. And directly next to it was a dining area. I absolutely admired the bright yellow set with natural wood.

The ceramics in the kitchen exhibition displayed exquisite pieces, all of which I added to my mental wishlist!

Designer’s Information:

Furniture:

* Haldane Martin

* John Vogel

* Koop

* Liam Mooney

* Pedersen & Lennard

* Wunders

* Casamento

* Aidan Bennetts Design

* Egg Designs

* Feeling Africa

* Goet

Landscaping

* Ubuntu Landscapers

Lighting

* Animal Farm

* Dokter & Misses

* Indigi Designs

Objects

* Shaw Sisters

* Toguna

* Tanya Sturgeon

* Zen Zulu

* Bead

* Design Team

* Peta Lee

Basketware

* Aid to Artisans

* Design Africa

Cermaics

* Antony Shapiro

* Clementina van der Walt

* Gemma Orkin

* Heavenly Earth

* Homebakes

* Lisa Firer

* Loren Kalan

* Mud Studio

* Wonki Ware

* Zizamele

Flooring

* Envirocork

The long list of designers justifies my statement: “Love the talent in South Africa!”