Inspire Design competition announces winners

These up and coming designers will be featured in the July/August DEKAT issue and exhibit at the Inspire Trade Expo, being held at Gallagher Convention Centre 11-12 July 2014, to showcase their designs and meet distinguished industry buyers.

"The company is delighted with the response we received from the design community. The quality of the portfolios was outstanding, which is testament to the potential in our country," said Michelle Potgieter, director of corporate marketing and communications at Samsung Electronics SA.

The company's design philosophy is focused on creating harmony by marrying form and function and adapting to consumers' lifestyles. These criteria were used as a guideline in unearthing the new talent and the selected individuals show potential and passion for their craft. 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.

Winners

Jewellery:

• Thato Radebe - jewellery designer and lecturer in jewellery techniques, design and CAD at the University of Johannesburg
• Lesley-Ann van Schalkwyk - 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.