Paris is set for an injection of vibrant South African design and artisan craft. As of June 14th, Parisians will get to experience some of South Africa's very best artisan design products with 40 exciting brands being hosted by the iconic Le BHV Marais department store in the heart of 'the City of Lights'. Featured brands include the likes of Yswara, Henriette Botha, Crystal Birch, Ardmore, Thalia Strates, Maxhosa, Ashanti Design and Vogel, to name but a few.
The project was brought to life by Artlogic and This is Cape Town, in collaboration with Le BHV/ Marais, and will run from 14 June to 31 July 2017. Situated within the 4th arrondissement, a historical and cultural hub, the store attracts over 60,000 visitors daily and has enormous potential to expose some of South Africa's top designers to new, international audiences. For the duration of the exhibition, the BHV’s exterior will be adorned with a characteristically South African design.
"Taking our brands into a large international retailing environment moves us closer to our audacious goal of ultimately securing permanent international supply contracts between the brands and the store, as well as other buyers in Paris. We see this trade and export opportunity as just one step in the pursuit of getting our high-quality South African products, which we so love, into homes and stores all across the globe. This project will craft a progressive narrative around the South African artisanal design market, which is growing and thriving with a new audacity and vigour," says Artlogic director Mandla Sibeko.
The blend, the richness of South African culture, history and art have transformed LE BHV MARAIS into a place of discovery and new experiences. According to LE BHV MARAIS, their store is beating in time with the rhythm of South Africa's creative impulses. It's planned for shoppers to be whisked away to the Rainbow Nation on a colourful, celebratory journey. Home decor, fashion, culture, art, tourism… their department store covers every sector. LE BHV MARAIS is celebrating the South Africa of today as a worthy player on the international fashion and design stage.
