Historically, South Africa has often looked abroad for design inspiration. Today, a transformative shift is underway: South African creators and artisanal designers are not merely following global trends but have been actively shaping them. Events like Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Design Week South Africa, and Cape Town Furniture Week which all concluded on Sunday, 23 February, are pivotal in this evolution, serving as platforms that highlight local talent and redefine the essence of artisanal craftsmanship.
“Experiencing South Africa Furniture and Design Week in Cape Town was truly inspiring. The creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation on display highlighted the country’s dynamic design scene. It was exciting to see such a strong fusion of heritage and contemporary design making a global impact,” said Sophia Marks, Owner of Ruby Watts Lighting, who visited Cape Town from London.
Artisanal design in South Africa transcends the creation of handmade products; it embodies a profound connection to heritage, sustainability, and innovation. Okracandle, established in 2019, is dedicated to producing handcrafted, eco-friendly candles that blend sustainability with striking design. Their collaborations with other local designers further underscore the cohesive and innovative spirit of South Africa’s creative community. “The narrative is evolving,” says Michelle Rust, Co-Founder of Okracandle., “While we continue to draw design inspiration from the world, it is now looking to us as well.”
Designers such as Gabrielle Kruger exemplify this movement. Kruger, who featured at the Investec Cape Town Art fair has developed an artistic practice that pushes the conventions of traditional painting. She experiments with acrylic paint as a dynamic medium, blurring the boundaries between painting and sculpture. “I think Cape Town, in particular, is a playground that cultivates exceptional talent, fostering a real drive and appreciation for opportunities,” says Kruger.
The NURU showroom, which debuted at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair in February 2025, hosted within Lezanne Viviers’ showroom at the historic Mutual Heights building. Curated by Didi Mogashoa alongside Lezanne Viviers, Kestin Engler, and Nubia Moussa, NURU brought together a vibrant selection of luxury African designers known for their craftsmanship and authenticity. As an African Collective Showroom, NURU dedicated itself to amplifying the continent’s creative voices and fostering a space where design transcends aesthetics to embody shared values and innovation.
Standing proudly alongside esteemed South African designers such as Viviers Studio, Kat van Duinen, Shellegance, FRANCES V.H Mohair, DAISIE JO, Ananta Design Studio, and Wiid Design, Okracandle captivated visitors with a striking candle installation (view the design here). This showcase not only highlighted the brand’s artistry but also reinforced NURU’s mission of fostering collaboration and celebrating Africa’s rich design heritage.
Pedersen + Lennard, a design brand specialising in contemporary furniture and homeware, emphasises sustainability and local craftsmanship. Their designs are characterised by clean lines and functionality, contributing to the global appeal of South African design aesthetics. “Over the 17 years we’ve been designing and making furniture in Cape Town, we’ve seen the attention from the global design world increasingly honing in on South Africa. One of the reasons we’ve got to where we are is because of Nando’s, whose global teams who have paid visits to our factory over the years. The response is always extremely positive and you can tell people are blown away and surprised by the unexpected quality found in design and craftsmanship in South Africa. The industry here is in such a healthy and beautiful space and it’s no wonder eyes are on us.” Luke Pedersen, Co-Founder.
Supporting this perspective, a 2023 UNESCO report on Africa’s fashion sector predicted that demand for African haute couture will increase by 42% by 2033, driven partly by the global recognition of the continent’s unique design aesthetics.
As South African design continues to gain international acclaim, it is imperative to educate ourselves on the true meaning of ‘artisanal’ – a term that signifies authenticity, craftsmanship, and sustainability. By championing homegrown talent, we ensure that South Africa remains a key player in the global creative economy.