Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair wrap-up

Showcasing the best in hand-crafted design combined with the finest artisanal food and wine, a highlight of the the seventh annual Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair’s Well made in Africa theme was the addition of designers from Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Ghana.

Chu Suwannapha brought the theme to life, infusing bold layered patterns with contemporary African design, transforming the 2000m2 rooftop into an expression of African art. ‘I feel honoured and humbled to be the featured designer of the 2016 Fair – it is definitely one of the highlights of my career.

Fair owners and curators, Artlogic, considered hundreds of food, wine and design exhibitor applications before hand picking 120 top calibre brands. “Over the past seven years, we have set a high standard that visitors have come to expect in terms of the experiential wine, cuisine, and contemporary design. This year our Well made in Africa theme shone through with artisanal design incorporating the authentically woven fabrics and vibrant hues from the African continent. For the first time in the Fair’s history, we introduced five pan-African exhibitors that brought a fresh flavour and perspective to one of the most sought after lifestyle events of the year,” says Artlogic director, Mandla Sibeko.

Pan-African exhibitors – A A K S, mille collines, Laurenceairline, Johanna Bramble Créations and Sammy Ethiopia – gave visitors the chance to shop handbags produced using the traditional weaving technique of Ghanian women, authentically produced clothing from the Ivory Coast, fashion and accessories infused with international and Rwandan undertones, and high-quality textiles from Senegal and Ethiopia.

Returning favourites included the likes of Chef James Diack, Oohlala Artisan Confectionery and Oneiric Wines whilst new additions to the line-up included Time Anchor Distillery, Sugarlicious, Hamethop, Maxhosa by Laduma, Douglas & Co, The Ninevites and Flaunt Concepts.

For more on the Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair visit Sanlamhmc.co.za.

Photography by Mike Turner