Design Dialogue

On Tuesday the 8th August 2012, I had the pleasure of attending Design Dialogue Durban, a morning event created by Decorex and sponsored by Plascon.  The venue was the Docklands Hotel at The Point Waterfront, and the host for the morning was none other than my good friend Grant Webster from Fahrenheit Design.

Anne Roselt from Plascon got the ball rolling by introducing Leatrice Eiseman from the Pantone Colour Institute.  Leatrice inspired us all with her understanding and insight into the use and applications of colour, colour trends from the past and where colour trends are heading.  The combination of colours to create different moods and emotional responses was of great interest to the various designers (or "Creatives" as Leatrice calls those in the design field) present. For more information on Leatrice visit her blog http://eisemancolorblog.com/  and you can also visit the Pantone website www.pantone.com for information on the fashion report and various other articles relevant to the field of design.

Following straight on was Kirtsen Goss, an internationally acclaimed jewellery designer based here in Durban.  Kirsten was a true inspiration to me, her passion for her work and the challenges faced with the various mediums she works with and her links to the European market were all a true eye-opener.  I also didn't realise that her Durban showroom is located just down the road from Jossi Design, Kirsten Goss Durban can be found at 45 Eighth Avenue, and the Jossi Design office's are no. 65 Eighth Avenue.  I will now have to pop in for a visit.   http://www.kirstengoss.com 

Richard Stretton of Koop Design and Angela Shaw of Shaw Sisters spoke about the various projects that they have worked on and the products they design.  I enjoyed getting to know about other fabrics and furniture items that are available to us Designers.  As I get quite bored seeing the same things over and over again so it was a a delight for me to see something unique, and products that have been designed with such care and integrity.  I will be checking in on Koop and Shaw Sisters from now on.

Ruth Duke gave a presentation on images and interiors that inspire her.  I loved her use of colour, it is bold and striking.  I would love for my clients to let me get away with these sorts of looks for their interiors... they would need to be brave but the outcome would be amazing.

And finally there was Neville Trickett.  A true inspiration in terms of design, he invited us to "take a walk through his mind" and this presentation did force me to take a new look at design.  There were images that I did not think would normally appeal to me, but when Neville showed these items I was forced to question why I did not like the idea in the first place.  Neville also mentioned a quote which I thoroughly enjoyed and will probably be using from now on: "Good taste is whatever tastes good to you".