At the recent Decorex Cape Town showcase, held from 16 to 19 June 2022, Clout/SA chose to curate an exhibition of past and current designs by the various finalists and winners of the Nando’s Hot Young Designer (HYD) competition which is now in its 8th year. The result was a bold and eclectic exhibition that featured a variety of furniture, lighting, and pattern designs. Many of these pieces were brought to life through various collaborations between emerging designers, established designers, and makers, all initiated by Clout/SA.
The showstopper display became the most photographed Decorex Cape Town stand on social media. And it wasn’t just the audience that was wowed, the Decorex Cape Town Awards judging panel also took note. Clout/SA was awarded the 2022 Collaboration Award, in recognition of the exhibition as the most successful example of co-creation on show. According to Decorex Cape Town: “This is awarded to the team that has best realized the creation of space for the ideas of others. This is about working together, sharing the same vision, collaborative values and execution, and their co-achievement in transdisciplinary exploration.”
Two of the designers on show also received a nod from the judging panel. The very first co-winner of the HYD competition back in 2016, Thabisa Mjo, was awarded Designer Of The Year. Decorex Cape Town issued this award “to the designer who has produced consistently outstanding, original, and impactful work. This designer understands the demands and culture of our time and is designing for now, next, and when we are gone.”
In search of the future voices of local design, the judges awarded HYD 2020 finalist, Siviwe Jali the New Talent award, which is given in recognition of “the most prominent new voice in the design world. It recognizes an emerging designer’s vision, tenacity, and potential to contribute to the industry in a positive way.”
Clout/SA creative director, Tracy Lynch enthuses: “Having Clout/SA and The Nando’s Design Programme recognized for the work and commitment we have made over the last 8 years, on this platform, is an incredible affirmation. Thank you to the Decorex Africa portfolio and the industry for acknowledging the power of collaboration within our sector. This showcase represents the future of the design industry, the power of the positive language of design, and the exciting future that lies ahead for young creatives. This is what we look like when we all work together, collaborating as creatives, as businesses, as established designers, and emerging designers; it’s a powerful shout-out to what can be realized if we all commit to being part of more!”
Keep up with Clout/SA on Instagram @clout_sadesign, and read up on the latest projects and collaborations on clout-sadesign.co.za.
