Inspire Design, Announcing South Africa's Next Top Talent
June 17, 2014
Creating real opportunities, through the power of technology
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – June 17, 2014 – Samsung Electronics South Africa is proud to announce the eight winners of the much contested Inspire Design competition. The campaign, aimed at finding South Africa’s most talented and innovative designers, attracted thousands of submissions, across the creative spectrum.
After extensive deliberation, the judging panel - which included Jewellery designer Kirsten Goss, premium artist in Homeware and Décor, Susan Slee of Maneki, internationally celebrated Fashion designer, Shaldon Kopman of Naked Ape, and CEO of premium Furniture store Bakos Brothers, Ryan Bakos – chose the final eight winners.
These up and coming designers will have the opportunity to showcase their designs and meet distinguished industry buyers, all for the chance of that big break. “Samsung is absolutely delighted with the response we received from the design community. The quality of the portfolios was outstanding which is testament to the amazing potential in our country,” said Michelle Potgieter, Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Samsung Electronics SA.
Samsung’s design philosophy is focused on creating harmony by marrying form and function and adapting to consumers’ lifestyles. This criteria was also used as a guideline in unearthing the new talent and the selected individuals show amazing potential and passion for their craft. The finalists and their designs will be featured in the July / August DEKAT issue and will also be exhibited at the Inspire Trade Expo being held at Gallagher Convention Centre on Friday, 11 July - 12 July, from 10am - 6pm.
The entries received for technical and concept evaluation ranged from futuristic to classic - capturing the essence of the campaign and highlighting the creative flair and diversity of talent that exist in South Africa. The final eight winners were chosen based on their innovative creative spirit, uniqueness of concept and the commercial viability of their products.
Meet the winners:
Jewellery:
Thato Radebe Jewellery designer and lecturer in jewellery techniques, design and CAD at the University of Johannesburg.
Lesley-Ann van Schalkwyk Born and bred in Cape Town. Art director and senior designer whose creative abilities span the spectrum from art and culture to design.
Fashion:
Lesiba Mabitsela Cape Town-based artist / designer and Gavin Rajah protégé. His Studio Fall / Winter 2014 Capsule Collection came about through the juxtaposition of all influences: Africa, Drape, Modernism, Gender, Modesty and Poverty.
Navarre Ebersohn Self-employed Industrial Designer based in Pretoria, with a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the Tshwane University of Technology. He and his team launched their Five Past Five Design brand at the Design Indaba in February 2014.
Furniture Design:
Neil Grantham Industrial Designer and entrepreneur and owner of the Neil G Studio.
Rodney Band Cape Town-based creative wood turner and trainer.
Homeware and Décor:
Graeme Bettles Ex-award-winning art director in advertising and the owner of Graeme Bettles design.
Ingrid Frauenstein Graphic Designer, illustrator and the creator of the colourful world of Popsiebelle. Graduated in the UK and has lived in the UK and Canada.
“Samsung’s culture of innovation is about reaching beyond product to help people everywhere realise their potential and dreams. With pioneering design at the heart of our philosophy, we are proud to lead this initiative to unearth and showcase the next generation of South Africa’s creative talent,” concluded Potgieter.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US$216.7 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.