NEWS & VIEWS
in natural shell hues
Internationally recognised for its distinctive handcrafted ceramics and dinnerware, Mervyn Gers Ceramics has launched an online store, making its collections more accessible to customers nationwide( www. mervyngers. com).
Mervyn Gers Ceramics
The collection of functional pieces combines utility with a distinctly artistic aesthetic.
“ Quality is assured, with every item passing through 22 pairs of hands before completion. This meticulous process gives each piece its own unique character,” says founder and Creative Director Mervyn Gers.
The new online store showcases a curated selection of the brand’ s most sought-after glazes and forms. Signature colours include Churchhaven, Fynbos, Ostrich Egg, Rockpool, and Satin Matte White, available across a wide range of dinnerware, serveware, and decorative pieces.
“ We’ re excited to make our collection more accessible while staying true to our commitment to craftsmanship and individuality,” says Gers.“ Every single piece tells a story of process, material, and human touch.”
A striking example of this is the latest Mother of Pearl glaze, paired with sculptural, shell-inspired forms.
“ Drawn from the beauty of natural shells, their shifting tones, subtle depth, and soft iridescence, this collection translates the ocean’ s luminosity into ceramic form, offering pieces that feel tactile, serene, and timeless,” he adds.
Simply beautiful, the collection is To Build’ s Editor’ s Choice for spring.
New designer generation
Kgomotso Monnakgotla is the first finalist in the Nando’ s Hot Young Designer Linear Lights-themed business accelerator opportunity( www. instagram. com / nandos _ hyd). She is the designer of the stunning bar counter lighting piece featured, one of the top entries.
Kgomotso Monnakgotla( Photo-rendering)
From nearly 200 entries, programme sponsor Nando’ s has announced the top 10 finalists in the latest chapter in a decadelong search for the country ' s next great design talent. They are Kgomotso Monnakgotla, Kulani Keagile, Chelsea Makin, Rethabile Motaung, Bianca van Vuuren, Reneilwe Molala, Bradley van Graan, Anele Mkhize, Ashleigh Witney, and Tshegofatso Mako. The event is curated by Tracy Lynch, Executive Creative Director of Clout / SA.
There’ s no chickening out at this stage. The shortlisted designers go head-to-head at Nando ' s Central Kitchen in Johannesburg, where they’ ll be live-pitching their linear light concepts for a place in the final five.
A concept-to-prototype phase will then take place through a focused series of workshops and a business bootcamp. One lucky winner walks away with an additional business accelerator programme custom-built to contribute to the growth of their design-focused enterprise.
In addition, should their product and the associated production process be aligned, the piece will be included on the Nando’ s Portal to Africa, a global marketplace accessed by the interior designers who design Nando’ s Casas in markets around the world.
10 spring 2026 | www. tobuild. co. za