The very best of South Africa’s creativity was once again show-cased at the Design Indaba Expo 2011. An overwhelming manifestation of design and creativity was collaborated at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, establishing a commercial and export platform for South African designed products.

Innovativeness was key this year and the bar was set higher than ever, portraying the incredible amount of South African talent . From architecture,  jewellery design, interior design, ceramics, fashion design to many other aspects, creativity was largely accumulated all under one roof.

Each exhibitor that show-cased at the design indaba were pre-approved by a panel of industry experts, ensuring only the highest quality of South African design was show-cased.  As an anlyst of such an event, I was largely impressed with the standards of this years creative design talent, and found myself indulged in the gorgeous selection of designer products that was on display.

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement from viewers, most in awe of the diverse amount of design that was on display. Not only was it a prestigious design expo, but a social event where people enjoyed quality pastries, decadent desserts, home-made bakes among others that tantilised all tastebuds.

I was largely impressed that this year’s Design Indaba was not majorly African based like it has been in previous years, and rather showcased South African design as a diverse, multi-cultural design platform, incorporating modern influences as well as traditional cultural influences and delacisies.

The craft work was also toned down, offering more space for true deign quality and leisure.  My senses were on full alert as i analysed the variety of products that were on show, with more than 60 first time exhibitors, Kai Lossgott Laser Engraving artworks, creations of Silver Spoon and designs from The Sofa Studio caught my eye. Doreen South wood Clothing  as well as Coppelia designs showcased individual style designs , interpreting classic and timeless styles into modern and trendy clothing. With a very feminine and nostalgic feel, the clothing was aimed for the up-market buyer who tends to stay classic and timeless, rather than following casual trends and fads.

Another interesting exhibitor was Maike Valcarel, which represents out-of-the-box contemporary jewellery with an African touch, entirely hand-made , combining gold with pebbles, silver and felt. While gemstones add colour. Some may see this as craft, but what makes it design is the unique process of creating and designing one of a kind pieces, in unique shapes , using originality and design to create multi-purpose jewellery with an underlying concept.

Cape Town fashion label, Sway showcased women’s clothing , styled for comfort and easy to wear timeless pieces. The textiles used to create Sway clothing are silk-sreened by hand in interesting and innovative designs, turning everyday objects into fun, off-beat patterns.

Haldane Martin took my breath away with his award-winning contemporary furniture designs that intergrates man, nature, culture and technology , with the human qualities of wisdom, love and beauty in each of his unique designs.  This raises the point of recycling in South Africa and creating products from recycled materials, thus creating a platform for design by creating something new without damaging the environment.

I believe that it is important to support emerging designers, and as one of them myself, the Design Indaba is an extraordinary way to promote and show case individual talent and design in South Africa.  Competition within the Design Indaba promotes creative thinking which in turn leads to constant break-throughs of new ideas and talents. To me, designing is about thinking out-of –the-box and creating something that is aesthetically pleasing, functional and has purpose.

The Design Indaba was overflowing with –out-of-the-box thinkers , dedicated to the unique thought process that develops an individual design. Another purpose of design that became known to me at the Design Indaba was inspiration. Without inspiration from designers, nature, shapes and objects, a designer cannot clearly indicate the thought process or purpose of his designs.

I was greatly inspired by the incredible amount of creative designers in South Africa, who have not only inspired me to become a better designer, but to create something new that has never been done before and lead as an inspiration to other individuals.Having a few words with various designers, it was made clear that the Design Indaba was the rock and platform for most design businesses, creating an immense amount of exposure that has sky-rocketed the careers of many young and old designers alike.

The 2011 Design Indaba exceeded my expectations and was enjoyed as a real treat of the mind, body and senses, indulgeing in every aspect of individuality, whether it be designs influenced by personalities, cultures, to experiences and nature, each exhibitor had something unique to offer.

I will definitely make an exerted effort to be part of the Design Indaba in the following years to come, whether it be as a buyer, analyst or exhibitor, I am sure to gain in many aspects that will mould me as an individual designer.