Just as spring started making its appearance a KAMERS/Makers Space opened in Hyde Park Corner. This unique pop-up store has provided a platform for proudly local artisans to showcase thousands of products, from hand-crafted fashion, décor, jewellery, leather and ceramics to deli goods, quality artisanal coffee and more all in an unforgettable space. True to the KAMERS/Makers mantra, much of these products are ‘the coolest stuff you’ve never seen’… not in Jozi anyway!
The result of a pioneering new approach to retail, this remarkable artisan collective has received enthusiastic support in its first few weeks in Jozi and will continue to feature a variety of ‘Makers’ on rotation until December.
KAMERS/Makers CEO, Wanda Du Toit, says the Makers have been overwhelmed with Jozi’s support: “These small entrepreneurs have been hard-hit by the lockdown and are so very grateful for the way Jozi has come out to embrace the SPACE concept.” Many of Makers are just as fascinating as their wares…
Monica Rowe from Wynnya arrived in South Africa from Switzerland 28 years ago and now considers herself more South African than Swiss. She started her business producing natural products five years ago when she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer and could not find aluminium-free deodorant. Influenced by nature and drawing on her laboratory background, she developed products that combine pure science with natural remedies. From roll-on deodorant, essential oils, scent-diffuser stones, inhaler sticks to mosquito repellent, hand sanitisers, soaps, room sprays and body oils, Wynnya’s ingredients are locally sourced, organic, cruelty- and plastic-free and ‘zero-waste’ recyclable. In response to COVID-19, Monica developed a range of products targeted at treating respiratory illnesses. It doesn’t get more Proudly South African than this!
With a friendship spanning more than three decades, Kirsten Lloyd and Carmen Smyth are each one half of SMYTH by Lo-Ki. These two friends who were feeling uninspired by life, decided to open a home décor business which only sold items they would have in their own homes – a task made easier by the fact that they are based on opposite ends of the country with Kirsten in Jozi and Carmen in the Mother City. SMYTH by Lo-Ki’s products include utility baskets, scatter cushions, napkins, tea towels, tablecloths and aprons available in various fabric designs, as well as scented candles, woven wastepaper baskets and wooden oil spoons. This duo will be launching a new fabric design at KAMERS/Makers, but Kirsten admitted her favourite is still their quirky bug range! You decide which one is your favourite by visiting their pop-up in Hyde Park Corner.
Adhiambo Mula-Lauwers is not only a prize-winning graduate of the Goldman Sachs GIBS 10,000 Women Programme and a multilingual creative who holds a BBA degree, she is also the founder of Galago signature shoes. Adhiambo, who became Maker about eight years ago, is inspired by her love of African crafts and their bright colours as well as a passion for making things in Africa which reflect our vibrant culture. Galago’s range trademarked by the bold use of colour, is mostly manufactured in downtown Joburg but elements are also sourced in Cape Town and around Africa. A favourite product of hers is the slippers... and what better way to brighten any day than by wearing a comfortable, brightly coloured pair of slippers. In celebration of Heritage Month treat yourself to a pair of Galago bow espadrilles which come in a variety of beautiful African prints from across the continent. There truly is nothing more fabulous than an easy-to-wear pair of shoes to make you stand out!
About two years ago Pretoria-based Ananja Theunissen and her Mom started Nanas Baby Wear – a brand which has its roots in uplifting older women, particularly the very special retired woman lovingly knows as Grannies! Nanas Baby Wear not only strives to uplift these ladies by making them feel needed and useful, but to equips them with everything they need to make beautiful, hand-crafted knitwear, Summer wear and wooden toys for the trendy baba. Their ‘community’ of Grannies all over South Africa are provided with design guidelines along with all they need to make the designs. The Grannies then add that nostalgic touch to the product… old school items made with a modern spin and more than a dash of love from ‘Granny’!
These are just a few of the Makers stories, for a full list of Makers visit http://kamersvol.com/kamers-makers-space-hyde-park/. Expect a constantly changing selection of over 7 000 products from 70+ artisans, handpicked for their exceptional craftsmanship to make your KAMERS/Makers experience unforgettable. KAMERS/Makers SPACE is open Monday to Saturday from 9am until 6pm and on Sunday from 10am until 3pm. For more information on all the sophisticated shopping and sociability at Hyde Park Corner, visit https://www.hydeparkcorner.co.za/
Cashless For your safety and convenience, KAMERS/Makers operates on a completely cashless basis. All credit and debit cards as well as Snapscan are accepted.
Hyde Park Corner Operating Hours: Hyde Park Corner is currently operating under Level 2 restrictions. Monday – Saturday: 9am – 6pm. Sundays and Public Holidays: 10am – 3pm. Please contact stores directly to enquire about their specific trading hours.
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