Inspire Design Winners Add Glitz to the Trade Expo

The inaugural Samsung Inspire Design winners were unveiled at the Inspire Trade Expo, hosted at Gallagher Convention Centre (GCC) in Midrand recently. This annual premium fair, with more than 300 exhibitors and an influx of international buyers, provided the perfect platform to showcase the eight Samsung Inspire Design winners and their products.

Samsung’s Inspire Design competition was launched to unleash the potential of individuals in various creative categories while encouraging individualism, originality and true self-expression. Up-and-coming designers were asked to enter their designs in one of four categories including jewellery, fashion, furniture home and décor, for an opportunity to take their careers to the next level. It was Samsung’s first ever design talent search programme in South Africa and was based on the company’s global strategy to strengthen its commitment to unleash the dreams, passions and potential of individuals with brilliant ideas through innovative technology.

“We launched this initiative to support and nurture talent across the creative spectrum and offer a platform for the winners to be discovered. We are extremely pleased to have collaborated with the Inspire Trade Expo team, who share our passion to recognise the potential of these designers. The eight winners had an amazing time and received valuable exposure, from industry buyers and influencers, which we believe will open doors for them in the future,” said Michelle Potgieter, Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Samsung Electronics SA.

The Expo attracted thousands of visitors and provided an opportunity for both buyers and sellers to conduct business, network and discover the latest and most innovative trends in the design industry. Delegates and corporate procurement experts from across the continent are known to come to South Africa as a favourite sourcing destination for locally produced goods.

“The Inspire Expo was a huge success displaying the most up-to-date trends in the industry. The Samsung Inspire Design stand attracted an array of buyers and provided the winners and their products with a considerable amount of exposure,” said Rita Fortmann, Managing Director of Inspire Trade Expo.

Thato Radebe, one of Samsung’ Inspire Design competition winners commented: “I am delighted to have been able to be part of this initiative. It has been an amazing journey and thanks to Samsung I am able to showcase my designs to a wider audience. I realise that with hard work and determination, I can develop my talent and one day, return to this beautiful exhibition in my own right.”

The entries were judged by a panel of renowned names in the design sphere that included Ryan Bakos, Kirsten Goss, Shaldon Kopman and Susan Slee. Submissions, which ranged from futuristic to classic, captured the essence of the campaign and highlighted the creative flair and diversity of the talent that exists in South Africa.

“It is important for me to assist aspiring designers to establish a name for themselves and start their careers. As a fashion designer, I am keen on diversifying the economy and promoting this sector among the younger generation. I believe that Samsung’s initiative has helped us to achieve that,” said fashion icon and Inspire Design judge, Shaldon Kopman, of NakedApe.

Samsung’s Inspire Design exhibition stand was also honoured with the Gold Award from the event organisers. The prize criterion was based on a number of factors including visual appeal, design and originality.

“Our innovation philosophy truly came to life at the Inspire Trade Expo. Samsung is also delighted to have been recognised with the much sought-after Gold Award for the exhibition stand created to display the products of the Samsung Inspire Design competition winners. The local design industry has gained increased momentum in recent years and we are thrilled to have been in a position to offer these promising designers this opportunity and we look forward to see them achieve great success in the future,” concludes Potgieter.

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.