It's that time of year again, when Johannesburg, South Africa, is abuzz with talk about contemporary design and all things handmade. On a gorgeous summer's day, crowds flocked to the rooftop of the Hyde Park Shopping Mall to experience the uniqueness of the Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair, taking place from 14 to 16 October. This event is all about meeting passionate and highly talented craftspeople who are showcasing their world-class products, shopping (and lots of it!), and of course sampling the wonderful handcrafted beers, wines and foods.
For Lionesses of Africa, this is always a great event to meet women entrepreneurs from across South Africa and the continent who are part of the LoA community and who are presenting their businesses, brands and latest products to enthusiastic audiences. Founder and CEO, Melanie Hawken, spent a relaxing weekend at the event chatting to various Lionesses of Africa who were busy exhibiting.
Yswara founder and ceo, Swaady Martin, with Lionesses of Africa founder and ceo, Melanie Hawken, chat about the launch of the group's wonderful new Akrafo luxury tea and time-time accessories brand.
Celebrating a love of beautiful handmade, luxury woven handbags and accessories from Ghana, AAKS founder and ceo Akosua Afriyie-Kumi chats to Melanie Hawken about her first time exhibiting at the fair and her wonderful new range.
A longstanding favourite of Lionesses of Africa, Victoria Verbaan's wonderful new collection of handprinted silk scarves, umbrellas and unique artworks all created by artist and entrepreneur Victoria was winning new fans at the event. Visit Victoria Verbaan & The Smoking Daxi.
For lovers of high quality and beautifully designed leather goods, proudly made in South Africa, Colony was the place to be at the fair. Founder Lisa Ackroyd was on hand to showcase her latest and highly desirable range of handbags, laptop bags and luggage.
For those in search of a truly unique laptop sleeve, handbag or IPad sleeve, ingeniously created from recycled cement bags and other recycled paper products, then Wren Design is the place to visit. Founder and Creative Director, Wendren Setzer, was on hand to showcase her truly unique products and to share the backstory of her company and brand.
Luxury cashmere scarf brand, Trebene, is always a favourite destination for Lionesses of Africa at the fair, and the latest collection from founder Bushera Bashir was certainly drawing attention at this year's event. Each scarf has its own unique backstory to tell, inspiring those who wear them.
Gin lovers made a bee-line for the fabulous Hope on Hopkins Distillery exhibit, the brainchild of entrepreneurs Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh. This fabulous brand is creating some of the most memorable and delicious gins, all using South Africa's unique botanicals.
Jewellery lovers in search of unique pieces celebrating South Africa's wonderful beading and weaving heritage, but with a contemporary twist, headed to Henriette Botha's display where they were treated to some of the most exquisite designs on offer.
For those in search of natural haircare products, Suki Suki Naturals founder Linda Gieskes, has the answer and her brand is certainly winning new fans every day. Her African natural hair care line is passionate about the healing and restorative powers of natural and essential oils.