The Most Beautiful Object in South Africa nominations
Design Indaba Expo 2015 invited the nominators to select a work that they found to be compelling, impactful, moving or relevant. The public will have the opportunity to decide which object is the overall winner with voting commencing online and culminating at the MBOISA stand at Design Indaba Expo. This year's MBOISA nominations are:
DO Stackable Storage Tower - nominated by Annemarie Meintjies, Deputy Editor of VISI magazine. These fun, modular pieces pair De Steyl's minimalist Birch Plywood furniture with designer Renée Rossouw's graphic patterns.
The Boomslang - nominated by Mike van Graan, Executive Director of the African Arts Institute. Inspired by a snake skeleton, this walkway by Mark Thomas Architects and Henry Fagan & Partners allows explorers to have a bird's-eye view of the iconic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
The Boran Bull - nominated by Zanele Mohuli, photographer. Designer Ntombephi Ntobela of Ubuhle Beautiful Beads tells her story in an intricately beaded artwork that transcends language barriers as well as literacy.
Political Berets - nominated by Chester Missing, South Africa's "top puppet political analyst." The battle of the berets that broke out between the EFF and ANC this year pointed to the power a design symbol can have - even in politics.
Explora Satellite Decoder - nominated by Toby Shapshak, Editor and Publisher of Stuff magazine. The decoder is now manufactured locally by Pace for MultiChoice and includes world-class software functionality.
Silk Organza and Leather Floral Dress - nominated by Lucilla Booyzen, Director of South African Fashion Week. This dress from local label ERRE's Spring/Summer 2014 collection combines technology with handcrafted techniques and was inspired by offcuts from the brand's leather jackets.
"Flag Prophecy" - nominated by Xolisa Dyeshana Executive Creative Director and Partner of Joe Public and outgoing Chairman of the Loerie Awards. Illustrator Thandiwe Tshabalala created this artwork as an observation about the relationship between the design of South Africa's flag and the 2014 election outcome.
Haywire Chandelier - nominated by Masego "Maps" Maponyane, TV Presenter, actor, creative consultant and entrepreneur. Featured on the cover of Wallpaper magazine, this chandelier by David Krynauw can be configured in endless ways as each arm swivels independently.
Repurpose Schoolbag - nominated by the Design Indaba Expo Team. Social enterprise Rethaka makes this school bag from recycled plastic shopping bags. Additional features include a solar panel that transforms into a solar lantern to study for up to 12 hours.
Milk Mohair and Wool Felted Cape - nominated by Nonhle Thema, actress, presenter and businesswoman. Ruth McNaughton, the designer behind Milk: Mohair She Felt, designed this cape to demonstrate the beauty and purity of using all-natural and local resources in a truly sustainable way.
Kitale Drinks Cabinet - nominated by Tiaan Nagel, Editor of the Sunday Times Fashion Weekly section. This new range by Tonic features brass components combined with brightly lacquered surfaces and simple geometrical shapes.
"Centre Point: Dancing Ballerina" - nominated by Lalla Hirayama, dancer, actress and TV presenter. Sculptor Llewellyn Davies captures a simple but powerful moment - a young dancer in motion.
Vote for your favourite Most Beautiful Object in South Africa via SMS and online at designindaba.com. The winner will be announced at the Expo.