The second half of 2024 saw the CDI take South African design to a global audience of trade buyers and consumers through participation at two of the world’s most prestigious trade shows.

Coordinated by the CDI’s Market Development programme team, each trade event was an incredible and significant opportunity for highly talented local designers, enabling them explore international collaboration and trends, and source valuable new market opportunities. These trade events are also exceptional platforms to showcase the diversity and rich cultural heritage of the products of South Africa and its people.

In August, 12 of our incredibly talented designers journeyed to New York City as exhibitors at the bi-annual premier event, Shoppe Object, the world’s top curated home and gift trade show. Known as the pride of New York’s Market Week, Shoppe Object expanded its footprint with additional space in 2024, providing an even larger platform for exhibitors and attendees.

The response to the group’s products was enthusiastic, with the total show sales valued at approximately R105 000, more than 300 trade contacts made and the total value of orders 3-months post the event, exceeding R1.5 million.

Jessika Balzer, fashion designer and owner of Project Dyad, the opportunity to participate in the Shoppe Object trade show in New York was incredible and has had a big impact on her business. “We connected with buyers and shops owners from all over the United States and now have our products in a few museum shops and smaller boutiques across the country,” she said.

The following month, in September, 10 businesses were selected to represent the country, this time at the prestigious  Maison & Objet show in Paris, France. Hosted in the largest exhibition facility in France, the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte, this year’s Maison & Objet continued its tradition of highlighting current and future trends from around the world in interior design while promoting new contacts and emerging talents.

This opportunity also resulted in very positive results for our group of businesses, with direct sales of an estimated R200 000 at the show and trade orders of more than R880 000 within the first three months after the event. 

“It was a great eye-opener for our business owners, especially those who hadn’t travelled before and for whom, interaction with the global trade market at this level, was a first,” said Fran Stewart, Market Development Programme Manager at the CDI.

For Lulasclan’s founder and designer, Bonolo Chepape, the tradeshow helped prove the viability of their products in the European market and offered invaluable insights into a new market and the type of product specifications and materials best suited to it.

“The show served as a great source of inspiration in terms of the products and designs that global retailers look for in a brand such as its quality, materiality and technique. This insight has allowed me to investigate other methods of printing and making my products, and in so doing strengthen my offering for future leads and opportunities,” said Chepape.

Anthony Shapiro, one of the country’s leading and multiple award-winner ceramicists, took full advantage of the opportunity to explore and learn more.

“A huge highlight for me was exploring Paris and concept stores such as Merci and of course, being able to walk the Maison & Object show floor and witness first-hand the current global design and ceramic trends, which was hugely beneficial to me both personally and professionally,” he said.

Stewart expressed the group’s gratitude for the funders support this year. “These incredible opportunities would not have been possible without funding from the DTIC, support of the SEDA, the South African Consulate in New York and the South African Embassy in Paris; for which we are most grateful. We look forward to supporting the participating businesses to continue their growth and broaden their international footprints,” she said.