The Tenth Annual Design Indaba kicks off tomorrow for five days of inspiration under one roof from 27 February to 3 March 2013.

And as with every installment of the Design Indaba, South Africa’s most beautiful object will be crowned. Check out the finalists, below.

Zanzan umbrella – Gareth Cowden, Babatunde

The Babatunde brand stands for strong African values and maintains a focus on quality details. The Zanzan umbrella is handmade, proved shade that UV resistent and has been waterproofed with a fabric sealer. Editor of Elle Magazine SA siad this about the Zanzan umbrella:

A very simple object inherent to our cultural landscape, done in an array of innovative prints! Finally, the humble umbrella steps up as a modern, colloquial and pop-culture accessory serving the dual purpose of functional fashion.

Necklace – Katherine-Mary Pichulik

One of a kind neckpieces and jewelry simply made from rope. Pichulik is a graduate of the Michealis School of Fine Arts at UCT. Her jewelry began while on a trip through India, where she used materials such as bone and beads to create unique pieces.

Editor of the Sunday Times Home Weekly, Sarah Buitendach, nominated the jewelry for these reasons:

Katherine-Mary Pichulik’s pieces are bold and eye-catching, fun and sexy. I especially like the fact that her jewelry is made from humble, everyday materials such as coloured rope and string, which she transforms into embellishments that are very sophisticated.

The Soweto Theatre – Laurence Chibwe, Afritects Architects

Situated in the World’s most well known township, Soweto, this beautiful red, yellow and blue box building represents the vibrancy, personality and excitement associated with performance in Soweto.

This landmark building was nominated by Laureen Rossouw, Editor of ELLE Decoration:

I love the confident, bold, colourful architecture of this iconic theatre in SA’s most famous township and the immediate impact it has on its surroundings. It has three indoor venues and an undercover outside venue for productions. It is also built close to the railway station, taxi rank and Rea bus stop in Jabulani, which gives commuters a chance to interact with and enjoy this inspiring and aspirational landmark. A great example of urban regeneration and a symbol of progress for all South Africans.

Mechanical Bureau – Joe Paine

This desk was inspired by the late 19th century and early 20th century farm machinery often found on Highveld farms. It is also part of the 2012 Southern Guild Collection.

Content Director of VISI, Sumien Brink nominated the bureau because:

 In total sync with the new steam punk movement, Joe Paine has designed a mechanical space-saving desk that the trendiest urbanite will covet. Joe was inspired by discarded 19th century farm machinery. The desk is made from Cape teak, medium density fibreboard (MDF) and mild steel, and uses a system of gears and cranks to open and close. Small workspaces will never look the same again.

Pebble Dress – Gavin Rajah

This dress is from Gavin Rajah’s 2013 Spring/Summer couture collection. The dress was created out of leather pieces that have been moulded to look like pebbles and then embroidered onto mesh by hand

Nominated by Malibongwe Tyilo, Blogger, Skattie What Are You Wearing? because:

The Pebble Dress combines to great effect some of the most relevant design influences at the moment: leather, ombre, texture and craft. Their unity creates a completely resolved design piece. At first glance, your eye is attracted by the complete garment and it’s almost scale-like appearance. A closer look reveals the incredible amount of work and precision that has gone into creating not only the garment but also an entirely new fabric.

 

CLICK HERE for the rest of the finalists of the ”Most Beautiful Objects in South Africa.”

[Source: Design Indaba]