'Live more beautifully' at Design Indaba Expo

Visitors are given unique access to the designers themselves, many of whom will be launching their new ranges and products at the Expo.

New talent

A wider spectrum of the new generation of talented BEE and PDI designers will also participate, thanks to the Department of Trade and Industry's continued support. The dti will also be bringing 20 international buyers out to the Expo to encourage the export of South African product. In turn, the Department of Arts and Culture have enabled the next generation of local designers to participate in the Emerging Creatives initiative.

The new dedicated fashion hall sponsored by the SABC will host all-day fashion shows and a South African short film and music video festival. Building on the fashion concept introduced in 2007, the fashion arena will again reject the traditional runway for a more performance-orientated approach. A fashion boutique will also be housed in the space.

On the main floor, linger longer at the Brandhouse/LiquidChefs designer bar and watch as Roland Wrapped to the Max wrap a series of motor vehicles with prize-winning graphic designs. The graphics will be printed out and applied to the cars right on the Expo floor. A host of design competitions, awards and interactive projects will also invite participation from visitors.

Most beautiful object

Nominees for the coveted Most Beautiful Object in South Africa Award will also be on display. For the first time, this award will be chosen by the public via SMS vote – so come and make your aesthetic ruling and stand in line to win an award yourself!

For learners, the Woolworths My School campaign will provide a hands-on, educational opportunity for learners. Making the Difference Through Design (MTDTD), presented by Woolworths in partnership with Sappi and Design Indaba, will also be bringing up to 300 learners to the Expo, to expose them to cutting-edge SA design. MTDTD, launched in 2006, introduced the first design curriculum for South African schools.

For more: www.designindabaexpo.com.