South African designers featured at Maison&Objet Rising Talent Awards

The 2026 Rising Talent Awards at Maison&Objet in Paris focused on the emerging South African design scene. Seven designers and studios were selected to present their work, highlighting a connection between cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary design approaches.

Selected creators demonstrated diverse regional influences rather than a single unified style. Ashleigh Lloyd of the Cape Town-based studio Lloyd presented large-scale lighting objects made from woven and crocheted ropes, interpreting traditional crafts through a modern lens. Meanwhile, Johannesburg-based Meetlo Studio, represented by Oageng Manana and Tshegofatso Ramothibe, utilized wood and natural influences to create designs that reflect the local landscape and climate.