Spotlight on SA Designers at Scape x Belgotex Installation

Hoi P’loy was one of nine creators invited to take part in The Thread That Binds Us – a collaboration between Scape and Belgotex that took centre stage at the 2025 Scape Design Emporium. The initiative celebrated South Africa’s vibrant community of makers, designers, and craftspeople, weaving together nine unique narratives through a common thread. Alongside Hoi P’loy, the showcase featured KLûK CGDT, Studio Ananta, Studio Lloyd, Crystal Birch, Pichulik, Daisie Jo, Wunders, and Jan Ernst.

The brief provided an opportunity to explore new materials, and Hoi P’loy, best known for its brass lighting and hardware, had to step outside its usual medium and integrate yarn into their existing design language. The fibres were used to emphasise points where light overlaps and interacts with different surfaces, drawing attention to the subtleties of illumination. The piece evolved organically, allowing play and experimentation to guide the process.

For Hoi P’loy, the project was more than an exercise in design experimentation; it was a chance to connect with fellow creators and contribute to a collective celebration of South African craftsmanship. The exchange of ideas and approaches within this collaboration underscored the strength of local design.

Hoi P’loy values the chance to reveal a more conceptual side of their practice, one that extends beyond functional lighting into the realm of storytelling. They hope that visitors to the showcase were inspired and felt a sense of pride in South Africa’s design community.

By weaving together tradition, innovation, and collaboration, The Thread That Binds Us highlighted not only the individual strengths of each participant but also the collective brilliance that defines South African design.