Korver’s Korner

I was wondering when it would happen as I am sure so too were many of you. There has been every other kind of reality show, from out in the “wild” (Survivor) to locked in the “wild” (Big Brother) - this moved to the modeling world, then the design world, the business world, practically every kind of world and finally to our world - that of product design!

BBC2 now have a reality show with the prolific Philippe Starck the judge. I suppose if there was going to be a judge it makes sense, it would be expected that Philippe would be your man. Afterall, this is he who has designed pretty much every product that there is; from furniture, to a computer mouse, to a bin, to a toothbrush and the list goes on…

There are some who will be pro and others negative. It does, however you look at it, shine a light on a skill that many do not understand the complexity to. A product is a product, but the reasoning behind said item, the research, the ensuring it has a function is all the major part of the end result! It is a great chance for some to view furniture, for example, as design - it is design, we know this, but not all do.

Back to the show, The School of Design! There are (as with most if not all realities) a certain amount of contestants, in this case 12 British want-to-be’s, who are placed together in a, no doubt about it, lavish apartment or house in the French capital and rest assured they will be surrounded by every Philippe Starck design that there is (and there are many)! They will, of course, be given projects and there will of course be a winner whose prize is that of a six month placement at Starck’s design agency in Paris.

I myself am rather intrigued…

Both Twiice showrooms hosted a limited seating whisky tasting last night (Thursday 12th March) - and what a perfect way to end a busy day…sit down, learn about the drink at hand and catch up with clients and colleagues!

The evening was hosted by the College of Whisky - who did a fantastic job organising the set up, snacks and clearing - and of coure, not to forget presenting a drink that began and ended with the master, that being Johnny Walker Black Label.

It was a great success and a very enjoyable evening, perhaps the kind one wants every Thursday night to wind down after the weeks, and prepare for the weekend ahead?

“I don’t think I can have another drink,” I heard many a person say last week - and then as they grabbed for another glass of the bubble, the mumble would be, “maybe just one.”

This should be the quote of the week!

It was - as I am sure many of you know - the Visi Designer of the Year Awards last Wednesday the 25th February. Twiice sponsored the winner with the magnificent and decadent Daybed; yearned for by many. Our blofields and Lazy Jacks were part of the ‘furniture’ seeming rather comfortable out in the convivial mood on the Sky bar’s desk (located at the top of the Cape Royale Hotel). The venue was exquisite, arrival was just in time for Cape Town’s beautiful sunset creating a warm blanket on this fantastic city, the guests were a mixiture of glamorous and casually cool, a great fusion of design from all walks - sipping on sparkling wine, knocking back tasty oysters, speaking to the people who share your walk of life it’s a great escape and life is good! Amazing in a week of design, design, design, to me everything just seems so more prominent, so much more beautiful - this city I realise is indeed the best of the best!

The amazing Li Edelkoort (the famed trend forecastor for those of you who do not know) announced Boyd Ferguson of Cecile and Boyd as the winner. Boyd won for the Hout Bay Manor where Twiice supplied Verpan lights for the rooms - the project is a definite and inspirational must see for all; and it is undoubtedly a deserved win. But, as Li Edelkoort quite rightly said, it’s an extremely difficult choice one has to make in choosing a winner, I do know this from past awards, especially when the caliber is one so high and the designs so different and hard to compare - but there must be one, for then why have an awards ceremony and Boyd did a magnificent job; go to the Hout Bay Manor and it’s a great escape but yet still a celebration of Africa - and then simply it is a must see!

Congratulations Boyd!

Design Madness is here with the Indaba starting in Cape Town next week. It is a crazy and exciting time of the year, as the passion of our industry is realised and talent emerges. I can feel that the minds are changing, slowly people are realising the importance of design and the longevity it holds for our time. There are events to attend: to honour the design talents of 2008 both established and those in training (students) - I always enjoy attending such dos, catching up with people from the past, something one seldom has to do these days is enjoy a drink with a like minded person due to the frenetic lifestyles we find ourselves leading.

There are some great talents that will be on these shores - Li Edelkoort, Marcel Wanders and Patricia Urquiola to name a few - some big names in a country of great emerging talent.

I am excited, these are exciting times  - yes there is a credit crunch but what does come out of it are more creative ways of thinking and interesting partnerships made!

It’s year end, I can feel the energy in the air - Summer has finally arrived in Cape Town, days are longer, yet heads are perhaps more fuzzy the next morning; until afternoon when the sun beckons you to join it and partake on more bubbly in its radiance.

Of course, it’s all manic times at work; getting in last minute deals, tying up last minute matters and ensuring that when we close all is done so that minds on holiday are at peace and not panicking about what was forgotten, a little too late if such be the case.

There are containers coming in, installations taking place, and ’til the end orders coming through - it has been quite a year for us at Twiice, the best year yet - something I am dearly grateful for during this time of ‘depression’ worldwide. Design is timeless, and slowly I can feel that the consumer is waking up; learning and understanding the value of what they buy - it’s not always about how many notes are relieved from ones wallet! I thank our clients that have stood by design, that have supported us in 2008, that of course have been the cause of it being a successful twelve months.

I am excited about the new year that waits, there are some truly wonderful products out there that shall be revealed - fun and most certainly not seen before! There are some great events lined up that should excite design aficionados - we shall thrill as at Twiice we do enjoy keeping you guessing - but what I can say, is that we have the best of the best, however I do not forget the value and importance of local design and the promotion and investment that should be put into it!

I have no doubt 2009 will be a year like no other, just as 2008 has been a year that has stood out as our best yet!