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A Design Café with Real Clout

Experience The Clout Café, 100% Design South Africa?s pulsating meeting, greeting and eating spot

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By House & Garden | August 10, 2019 | Design

As ever, members of the trade and the public alike can expect an extensive variety of displays encompassing the world of interiors, textiles, architecture, furniture, office and product design at 100% Design South Africa 2019.

In addition to an exciting line-up of exhibitors the annual 100% Café, the pulsating meeting, greeting and eating spot will again be located at the heart of the exhibition floor.

Acclaimed Creative Director Tracy Lynch of Studio Leelynch, who heads up the creative component of the Nando’s Design Programme, is the force behind this year’s 100% Café. Fired up by Nando’s, and known as The Clout Café, the interior design of this bustling zone - which will be the place to network and chew over South Africa’s finest design - will be conceptualised, directed, project-managed and installed by the team at Studio Leelynch.

Nineveties Odumili Rug

Speaking of her approach, Lynch explains that “powerful brand experiences which reflect the vision and values of the project's initiators are at the heart of my creative direction. The intended outcome is the realisation of a product, event, experience or interior that has the ability to be more than the sum of its parts.”

To bring The Clout Café to life in line with this philosophy, Lynch will draw on the work of a number of well-known South African design brands but will also use the opportunity to debut rising local talents. Mash T Design Studio, Wolkberg Casting Studios, Pedersen + Lennard, Wiid Design, Naturalis and a score of others will be showcased.

Corkabitation Dark cork pendant light

It is Lynch’s intention “to introduce the new work of established and emerging designers in an interior setting that inspires and delights and amplifies a positive story of where we are now… I am constantly astounded by the creativity and innovative design originating from Southern Africa. Local designer-makers are telling our stories, their pieces are sharing our collective culture with the world.”

Lynch herself is an active and widely respected proponent of the local design community. In collaboration with Nando’s, she is committed to showcasing South African design as a world-class, notable category. This started with her interior design and curation of Central Kitchen, the Nando’s head office in Jo’burg. Her role then progressed to encompass creative direction for the Nando's Design Programme. Together with Michael Spinks and the greater Nando's design team, she has nurtured a focus on creative strategies to develop young talent.

Designers Thabisa Mjo and Sakhile Cebekhulu

This focus will not only be reflected in the pieces that will furnish the café but will also be a major thrust of the Clout Designers’ Days, taking place on 9 and 10 August 2019 in the 100% Workspace arena at the show. Here, emerging designers will be invited to pitch their work to a panel of industry professionals that includes Lynch, Spinks and 100% Design South Africa Creative Director, Laurence Brick. The best pieces will be supported with a showcase at 100% Design South Africa 2020 and included on the Nando’s Portal to Africa, which enables exposure and commerce for the designers it lists.

Designer Agrippa Mncedisi Hlophe

100% Design South Africa 2019 is taking place in Hall 1, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand between 7 and 11 August and the opening times of the exhibitions are between 10 am and 6 pm.

For trade and exhibitor enquiries please contact Reed Exhibitions on +27 (0) 11 549 8300 and for more information visit www.100percentdesign.co.za.

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