Life as a Cafe

Eddie and I curated 'Life as a Cafe' with our dear friends, The Drawing Room Café. The exhibition features brand new work by our kinfolk; Audrey Anderson, Caroline Tomlinson, Flagg, Maria Lebedeva and Sarah Wocknitz!

Cafés are interesting spaces, not least because of the visitors who take up residence to eat, work and love in it's spaces. From a quick cup of coffee to a long leisurely lunch, the café offers sustenance of the beautifully crafted kind. 

The consultant, the student, the entrepreneur take refuge in the café, using the music, the endless coffee and the closeness of strangers to galvanise them into tapping away on their laptops. 

On any given day, there are the lovers, foreheads touching, fingers entwined, coffee cooling, and then there are the breakups, hookups, and the comings and goings of love arriving and leaving, fleeting and yearning. 

The café sees it all. The barista watches, cooly detached, the wait staff with their own stories unfolding. 

It is the unraveling and weaving of life. Life as a Café.

New KIN

_____

Lift the bowl
from the bottom shelf
and hold it
in both hands. Cup
the bowl. Let your palms
feel its weight. Wonder (...)
- Melissa Butler

After six years of providing a platform to South African design, I felt my focus shift. 

Locally manufactured was always integral to KIN; it was the first criteria of all objects in our bricks and mortar pop-ups, and then in our stores and then online.

Another was our love for the object and our devotion to the story around the object. 

I believe that our focus on ethical manufacturing can now take flight and go beyond our previous bricks and mortar bound existence

KIN’s focus remains very simple. But now, through our most beloved materials of paper, metal and clay, I will be focusing on:
Place: KIN's heart is in locally manufactured design
Meaning: KIN is the story of where an object comes from and where it will go
Craftsmanship: KIN is well made and made to last. Period.

Please join Eddie and I as we journey to designers' spaces and discover beautifully crafted pieces for your hands, homes and hearts.

To find Melissa Butler's book of poetry 'Removing', I order my copies from my favourite Cape Town bookstore, The Book Lounge.

Studio Sneak Peek : judith+kevin

A Sneak Peek? What's this? Chatting over tea at HQ one day, we were marvelling at how lucky we are to work with such an array of wonderful designers, and in doing so get to know them, their spaces, people and pets. Suddenly we thought, "We should share them!" and voila! we now have a spot on the blog for Studio Sneak Peeks!

judith+kevin – one part American, the other part South African – met in New York and immediately connected over their love of stories. Three years later, they moved to Cape Town, their love carefully packed up in their carry-on luggage, and decided to settle by the lighthouse.

Their work reflects the things they love most – books, beautifully printed cards, writing, graphic design, illustration and typography. Although Kevin will tell you that their mutual love of writing and reading out loud often leads to silly poems – it’s their easy, light-hearted spirit that infuses even their simplest products and makes their work so irresistibly charming.

We had the lucky chance of catching up with Kevin over a cup of coffee, and we were able to take a peek into the creation process of his typography and design work. All Kevin's ideas are first hand-drawn and edited over and over until he is completely happy with design, and only then does he begin to work on it digitally. We all sat enchanted as Kevin showed us his old-school, leather-bound sketchbooks and designs-in-progress on sheet of translucent paper. His natural passion for typography as an art form is so evident in the layers upon layers of penciled versions he explores as he searches for that sweet spot in the process when the design balances and becomes whole. In a world of tablets, screens and printers, it was a rare treat to see all this beautiful, hand-drawn design work!

Follow judith+kevin on Facebook here
 

The #RemakeChallenge : Smith Jewellery teams up with finalist Leandra du Bruyn

Brass Organic Oval Wreath Necklace by Anna Raimondo

We paired KIN jewellery designer Anna Raimondo of Smith Jewellery with Remake Challenge fashion finalist Leandra du Bryn as the work of both designers has a simple, elegant focus with a subtle play on textures and pattern.From the very start, Anna has had a clear vision of what and who Smith Jewellery is, and the standard of quality that it embodies. It has been such a privilege to watch her collections grow and develop into the incredible brand that they form today.

The hand-crafted luxury of Smith stems from Anna's attention to each element of a piece - everything is made by her hands and is unique in its natural intricacy. For her inspiration, Anna draws from the multitude of textured cultures and environments that she encounters when she follows her second passion - travelling. Each trip away results in a cornucopia of gathered ideas that she can bring into shape and form when back in her studio.

Leandra du Bryn's inspiration board for the Remake Challenge

  What Leandra's says about her transparency collection for the Remake Challenge:

"I firstly, really looked at the Ford EcoSport and searched for something to use from the car. The fact that there are so, many different textures combined in the car inspired me to also create a variety of textures in my designs. I gained most of my inspiration from the Ford EcoSport and especially used the tire track pattern in my designs. The spare wheel at the back of the car made me think of the pattern of cotton crochet and therefore I also incorporated it a lot, which linked to the transparency theme."

Oxydised Sterling Silver & Brass drop Earrings and Brass Studs by Anna Raimondo

From a pair of small stud earrings to the most complicated avant garde necklace, Anna has a signature style. There is playfulness in the delicate balance between the clean lines of contemporary minimalism and the elegance of organic form. Each design speaks of an usual hand-picked history while maintaining a light classical elegance.

Leandra's fashion drawings for her Remake Challenge submission

Brass Organic Oval drop Earrings & Necklace by Anna Raimondo

Oxidised Sterling Silver Hollow Oval Ring and Necklace by Anna Raimondo

For the Remake Challenge pieces, Anna used gleaming polished brass and matte oxydised sterling silver which compliments and heightens Leandra's neutral palette. We love how, when put together, Anna's pieces add hints of richness and shimmer to the soft textures and layers of Leandra's outfits.

Brass Organic Oval Necklace & Ring by Anna Raimondo

 

Anna Raimondo (left), Leandra's lovely model (centre), Leandra du Bruyn (right) at the Remake Challenge Photography Shoot

More pictures on Anna & Leandra's collaboration coming soon!

But for now :

Read more about the Remake Challenge here!

Follow Smith Jewellery on Facebook here!

The #RemakeChallenge : Eon Hoon teams up with finalist Kelly Ricardo

Brass & Sliced Pencil Crayon Necklace by Eon Hoon

We paired KIN jewellery designer Eon Hoon with Remake Challenge fashion finalist Kelly Ricardo
as the work of both designers is edgy and definitely at least a little dark. Eon was one of the very first KIN designers and has contributed to many of the exhibitions and projects that we have embarked on, but, even knowing him and his work as well as we do, we are constantly drawn to the sense of mystery his designs effortlessly embody.

Kelly Ricardo's Inspiration Board for the Remake Challenge

In Kelly's words:
"My Transparency collection, titled ”Now You See Me”, was inspired by hypnosis. I’m intrigued by the fact that as you are hypnotized, your mind is heightened and open to an altered mental state you’ve always had yet haven’t made use of. The colors often used in the process of hypnotising are black and white, hence my choice of monochrome as part of my collection. Smoke as well plays a part in my inspiration; it has the capability to hide things that aren’t heavily covered. Which is why I chose sheer fabric. If a cloud of smoke is thick enough, it can cover up a lot. So, only those who wish to find out what it is hovering over will get to know. Just like in hypnosis, only the curious and daring will uncover the secrets."

Brass & Sliced Pencil Crayon Ring by Eon Hoon

Eon is always pushing the boundaries of jewellery design through combining unusual, overlooked objects with fine metals and lifting them into the sphere of the precious object. We love his choice of reclaimed pencil crayons as a medium to compliment Kelly's submission. The thin slices of wood and coloured crayon create interesting geometric patterns and fit perfectly into the Remake Challenge's goal of showcasing sustainable fashion and investigating alternate materials.

Two of Kelly Ricardo's Fashion Drawings for the Remake Challenge

Although Eon is constantly exploring new materials and methods, each piece maintains his original high standards for quality and fluent wear-ability. As always, we can't wait to see more of what Eon dreams up into beautiful, captivating jewellery.

Eon Hoon and Kelly Ricardo at the Remake Challenge Photoshoot

More pictures of Eon & Kelly's collaboration coming soon!

But for now :

Read more about the Remake Challenge here!

Follow Eon on Facebook here!

Tripping through the CDB

We recently braved the wind & the rain to do a tour of some of our favourite fellow design spots in the CDB. One of the most wonderful things about having been a platform for local design for almost five years, is seeing first-hand just how much the South African design industry has grown and blossomed over the last few years. It's a treat to stroll down the streets of Cape Town and pop in and see such an impressively diverse offering of illustrations, jewellery, textiles, stationery, homeware and so much more.

Topping up on excellent coffee at Yours Truly on Long Street

Here are a few of our snaps from Sam (South African Market) on Bree Street and Imagenious on Long Street:

We love the industrial feel of the open space at Sam

More loveliness at SAM

The eclectic treasure trove that is Imagenious

E and a happy army of 'bots at Imagenious

The #RemakeChallenge : Schwarzie teams up with finalist Anke Nel

Dinah Petal Earrings by Schwarzie

It was natural for us to pair KIN jewellery designer Karen Emma Schwarzie with Remake Challenge fashion finalist Anke Nel as both designers share a love for bold line work and rhythmically repeated shapes. The angles and thickness of line in Karen's Deco Dance range complement Anke's clean-cut patterning and appliqued detail beautifully.

Karen is one half of Schwarzie, a sister-made business that is determined to portray life with enthusiasm and colour. Together Astrid & Karen have built their business to uplift and inspire through the stories that their designs inherently weave. Every piece that they make - from a card to a show-stopping necklace follows this ethos and is made with a deep love for what they do.

One of Anke Nel's designs

The bright brass and beautiful design of Karen's pieces conjure up the wealth, elaborate parties, open extravagance and glamour that was at the height of the Art Deco and jazz era in the 1920's. When paired with Anke' chosen materials, the fashion and jewellery pieces open an interesting play and contrast as they echo each other in elegance, but tease our notion of luxury.

Dinah Framed Double Finger Ring by Schwarzie

Dinah Framed Necklace by Schwarzie

Each piece in Karen's Deco Dance collection is carefully cut by hand from brass and polished to a glitzy shine. The pendants & earrings feature sterling silver chains and links. Although inspired by a glamorous past, there is a clean lightness to the designs, making them contemporary translations of the era.

One of Anke Nel's designs

Baltimore Cuff by Schwarzie

Karen says:

" When I was invited to join this project I was thrilled to have a reason to go all out and make over-sized fashion pieces. Working with Anke Nel was an easy process, we seemed to 'click' and it was a smooth process to design pieces for her outfits. Her designs are modern, and structural with geometric details which worked perfectly with the Deco Dance aesthetic. "

Baltimore Mosaic Earrings by Schwarzie

One of Anke Nel's designs

All the pieces in the Deco Dance collection are named after dances and the jazz songs that accompanied them - such as the ‘Charleston’, ‘Lindy Hop’ ‘Margie’ and ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz.’ 

A charming example is the song that goes with Karen's ‘Dinah-Rose’ designs:

“...Dinah, 

Is there anyone finer 

In the state of Carolina? 

If there is and you know her, 

Show her!..." 

Dinah Framed Earrings by Schwarzie

Dinah Framed Cuff by Schwarzie

Anke (left), her lovely model for the photoshoot (middle) and Karen (right)

 More pictures of Karen's jewellery pieces coming soon!

But for now :

Read more about the Remake Challenge here!

Follow the lovely Schwarzie sisters on Facebook here!

The #remakechallenge : Inge Marais teams up with finalist Nicole Smith

Sterling Silver Drop Earrings with Oxidised Links by Inge Marais Jewellery

We paired KIN jewellery designer Inge Marais with Remake Challenge fashion finalist Nicole Smith because we saw a similar love for pattern, texture and playfulness in their design work. For Inge, jewellery is not only the elegant finishing touch that completes your outfit: it is the fun, cute, quirky or clever little conversation starter. She makes jewellery to express her identity, and so they can be fun, humorous or ironic - but each piece is clearly recognisable by it’s delicate beauty and, of course, her signature catch ends. In re-discovering her own country and culture, Inge is inspired by the people she meets every day, things that make her smile or think, texture, movement, colour. She is a constant, light-hearted explorer and that is beautifully reflected in pieces that are personal, whimsical and honest, sentimental and romantic.


Nicole : "I was inspired by retro prints specifically the seventies. I don’t think that my clothing belongs to a particular style it takes a little bit of everything; grunge, chic, preppy etc."

Sterling Silver Marigold Ring by Inge Marais Jewellery

Sterling Silver Marigold Earrings by Inge Marais Jewellery

Design Drawings by Nicole Smith

Sterling Silver, Copper & Resin Forgotten Age Rings by Inge Marais Jewellery

Inge's Forgotten Age pieces are made using beautiful images taken from old illustrated encyclopedias. We love how she's found such beauty in these magnificent volumes that are so seldom used in our digital era. Each Forgotten Age piece is unique and features an image on either side, preserved in slightly misty resin making them both nostalgic and a little mysterious.

Sterling Silver, Copper & Resin Forgotten Age Pendant by Inge Marais Jewellery

Sterling Silver & Copper Layered Fox Pendant by Inge Marais Jewellery

Inge has incredible versatility as a designer and often creates custom masterpieces for clients. Her craftsmanship is always elegant and she is conscious of a piece's strength & wearability even in the most fragile-looking designs.

Tigerseye Beaded Necklace by Inge Marais Jewellery

Fluorite Beaded Necklace by Inge Marais Jewellery

Inge (left) with Nicole (right) at the Remake Challenge photoshoot

More pictures of Nicole's final outfits with Inge's jewellery coming soon!

But for now:


Buy or browse more of Inge's work by clicking here!


Follow Inge on Facebook by clicking here :)