The competition tests the designers ability to follow instructions of a brief with creative license, to work collaboratively with other designers and ultimately elevate the design industry by encouraging healthy competiveness.

The awards ceremony was held at the Skinny Legs Luxury Café where the top three winners were announced:

  • First place: Loop Light by Larita Engelbrecht and Maria Uys; 
  • Second place: The Whippet Table by Janes Botha and Stefan Hefer; and 
  • Third place: Umuzi Pendent Light by Lara Hooper and Wellington Moyo.  

Congratulations to Larita Engelbrecht and Maria Uys, who together designed The Loop Light which is a lightweight, portable and safe battery powered mood light made from felt. The malleability of the medium allows the shape of the light to be manipulated; it can be wall-mounted or hung, and is ideal for creating an imaginative atmosphere in a garden or indoor space.

The judges, (Atang Tshikare, Lianne Burton, Henry Abosi, Mariëtte du Plessis and Bielle Bellingham) were unanimous in the decision that the Loop Light deserved to win on the strength of the collaboration between Engelbrecht and Uys based on the exciting integration of craft and technology the product depicts.

“The Loop Light speaks a universal language, where design and science combine to make beautiful, functional objects. We are inspired to create pieces that are influenced by both of our cultural roots, as well as Westernised disciplines.’’

The top three finalists will all receive an IP consultation from Adams & Adams to the value of R5000 and a cash prize to help launch their prototypes commercially.

Lianne Burton, says, “I think that competitions like this offer an incredible opportunity for emerging designers to platform their work to design-savvy audiences that they would otherwise not have access to. Working to a competition brief can also stretch designers because it often presents a challenge outside of their comfort zone, which is essential for growth.”

Henri Abosi says, “It was a tough call, the finalists were impressive. It was a duel between refined final products and great creative conception.”

Meanwhile, Mariëtte du Plessis says, “The winning design encompasses the craft/design collaboration brief well. Both designers brought their unique design language to the collaboration. It is a versatile design that can be applied in homes and lodges; a number of the lights can be combined or hung as a chandelier. It has a fun and distinct African flavour and great commercial potential.”

Bielle Bellingham, says, “The difference between design and craft has always been somewhat complicated, with an underlying inference to the professional and the artisan binary. The SOLVE entries this year grappled with this relationship, and prove that collaboration, while complicated in its own right, is the way of the future.”

For more information on the SOLVE Search for New Talent 2015, visit elledecoration.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter using the #DecoSolve2015 hashtag.