#DesignIndaba2018: Thabiso Mjo's Tutu 2.0 light voted Most Beautiful Object in SA

Congratulations to @MashTDesign's Thabiso Mjo on winning the title for Most Beautiful Object in South Africa for the Tutu 2.0 lamp! #designindaba pic.twitter.com/kOTc2oBB6Z

— Design Indaba (@designindaba) February 23, 2018

Nominated by entrepreneur Thato Kgatlhanye for the competition, now in its 11th year, Mjo’s functional lamp is a reimagining of the ballerina tutu, says Mjo, who drew inspiration from both Western and African fashion styles to make this unique chandelier.

It’s called the Tutu 2.0 Pendant Light because according to the designer, it is an evolution of the iconic ballet outfit mingled with hallmarks of an African counterpart, the Xibelani skirt. Often worn by Tsonga women, the Xibelani skirt is known for its structural, tiered layers and colourful vertical pleats. These disparate sources of inspiration come together to form something truly unique – a bold chandelier that is sure to be the centrepiece of any room.

Mjo’s team created the Tutu 2.0 Pendant Light using thin steel rods as a frame, reinforced with tightly woven strands of wool and hundreds of red and black beads.

Thabisa Mjo

The designer is no stranger to cross-pollinating over a number of creative industries. With experience in production design from AFDA and architectural drawing from Inscape Design School, Mjo sees herself as a storyteller rather than a designer. She is interested in evoking meaningful responses from the people whose traditions and fashions are reflected in the interior design products she creates.

"My primary target market is always those whose cultures are represented in my designs. It’s always so incredible when someone recognises themselves in one of my objects.”

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1 Mar 2017