MANINI RAMPOLA

INTERIOR DESIGNER

I’d like to consider myself a product and interior designer. I design furniture that we make locally. I believe in craftsmanship, so in essence I’m a crafter of bespoke furniture pieces.

The earrings I designed were an exciting challenge and it took me a while to figure out what design to go with. They were inspired by a need for something different in SA. Handmade craft is becoming an important part of our being. It’s important for me because it means I get to express my creativity and ideas through craft.

We got involved in this year’s fair because I felt this was the right time to expose our talents. I met Cassandra Twala at last year’s 100% Design and we talked about curating the space. She believed in me and the rest, as they say, is history.

The fair is an integral part of one’s career. I launched my furniture range there in 2014 and it’s crazy that a couple of years later I am curating a space. It gives creatives an opportunity to express themselves and meet with potential clients.

The fair this year is about going back to making. I am looking forward to seeing what the vendors offer in interpretation of the theme. All the vendors were carefully selected to offer something different and unique.

I go back to the fair every year because of the creativity, the energy and the vibe. NOTHEMBA MKHONDO