10. Featuring homegrown design and crafts, Makers KAMERS/ is happening in Stellenbosch and Irene
Featuring homegrown design and crafts, KAMERS/Makers is the country’s most-anticipated artisan ‘‘up-market’’ and it’s back for two more instalments in 2019.
With five shows a year KAMERS/Makers has become a highlight on the calendar of those who appreciate local handmade design. Known for its wide selection of fashion, accessories and jewellery, this pop-up retail market showcases the best of South African talent. Nicky Myburgh of KAMERS/Makers explains that out of over 550 hopefuls, 170 talented makers have been handpicked for each of the two upcoming shows in Stellenbosch and Pretoria. “We are seeing a definite increase in sustainable and ethical fashion production. Handmade
African craft, such as beading, is moving into the design realm and we are looking forward to seeing these skills continue to be reinvented. Another trend is a return to DIY. Various artisans have created knitting, weaving and even leather product kits.”
In a concerted effort to reduce the environmental footprint of each market, KAMERS/Makers has also partnered with Consol Glass to minimise the need for single-use plastic bottles: every visitor receives a free Consol Glass water bottle that they can fill with filtered water at the Consol Glass pop-ups at the shows.
KAMERS/Makers 2019 Stellenbosch takes place at the Blaauwklippen Wine Estate from 29 October to 3 November 2019, and from 3 to 8 December 2019 at Cornwall Hill College in Irene, Pretoria. Tickets, which include a limited-edition KAMERS/Makers shopping bag, Consol Glass water bottle and magazine, cost R70 online and R100 at the entrance. A multi-entry ticket costs R130. Students and pensioners pay R70, and under-18s enter for free.