A surprise discovery on Monday on Loop Street, next door to art gallery Ebony, was stable, a collective of the work of 40 top South African designers and artisans.

From outside the shop intrigues, with its European style classy display of merchandise, with only a few items displayed of each designer .  There is a wide range of items including chairs, tables, lighting, and accessories all curated under one roof. One can see more design items on the Mezzanine level, and the first floor mainly has furniture by Mark Bain Designs, the Sofa Studio owner, and by Origo.  I fell in love and indulged in a pair of snapp perspex salad servers, beautifully designed and available in a range of colours, at only R149.

Some of the leading designers whose work is sold at stable include:

*   Porky Hefer (PhD), who has designed the Babylonstoren birds’ nests and nest seats. Creates public sculptures, and is a product and furniture designer.

*   dark horse:   accessories crafted for international design tastes

*   SMITH:  jewellery range

*   Hout Couture:   glasses frames made from bamboo

*   Research Unit:   leather handbags, iPad covers, etc

*   minima:   bespoke and digitally crafted timber interiors, including a series of  timber light shades.

*   snapp:   a distinctive lifestyle brand which creates unique products that add enjoyment to everyday life.

*   SPAAS:   Make tables and chairs, only using FSC-certified wood (coming from a sustainable source) in the manufacture of its collection and all products arrive flat packed and ready to assemble without glue or screws

*   hertexfabrics:   leading supplier of fabric and related products

*   LeatherLab:    quality, custom‐made leather accessories and furniture

*   Maiden Name:   decorative and functional ceramic accessories

*   INDIGI DESIGNS:   handprinted fabrics, furniture, lighting, and accessories.

*   THE LETTERPRESS COMPANY:   high quality artisan printing offered to the creative industries and discerning private clients.

*   Touchee Feelee:   a homeware & pamper label, taking pride in creating tactile pieces.

*   Robin Sprong Wallpapers:  custom designed and photographic wallpapers, printed canvases, bespoke lamps shades, fabric prints, and other surface design concepts.

*   Calavera:   drawing with thread in embroidery.

*   Andrew Dominic: freestanding and fitted furniture, in sustainably sourced solid timber, using non–toxic natural finishes

*   Klomp Ceramics:  unique porcelain or stoneware pieces, made and glazed by hand.

*   Durtyspoon:   customisable furniture, shelving, and bespoke lamp designs made from galvanized plumbing and gas pipes, with cable colours and vintage bulbs.

Given Cape Town’s status as World Design Capital 2014 it is a pleasure to see such a beautifully curated platform for South African design generically and Cape Town design specifically at stable.

stable, 65 Loop Street, Cape Town.  Tel (021) 426-5094 www.stable.org.za   Twitter: @StableOnline

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com  Twitter: @WhaleCottage