Celebrate the wonder of over 20 black-owned lifestyle brands at Christmas Noir, a weekend showcase event hosted by Moea Design in partnership with Always Welcome.

“We hope to enable an environment of meaningful engagement, joy, and shared experiences, all presented in a considered and collective way. We hope for audiences to receive this special concept in the way that it is intended,” says Cassandra Twala, co-founder and curator at Moea Design Studio.

It's important to celebrate these achievements, and the shifts and changes in the local design world that have made what South Africa has to offer so much richer. 

The weekend includes a programme of intimate pre-booked micro-events, such as coffee cupping with Tumi Khobane of Monate Coffee, as well as getting tips on how to create a beautiful festive setting with Vika Shipalana of VS Luxury group and a wine tasting with Mphumi of Magna Carta Wines. You can  learn about indoor planting with Joy Phala, of Organic Kitchen Gardens and watch a live podcast recording with former Generations star, Sthandiwe Kgoroge. 

The lifestyle brands are a mix of some of the regulars on the block including MaXhosa Africa, SiSi The Collection and Mmuso Maxwell as well as plenty of new names. You'll be hard-pressed to find just one favourite among all the brands, which include Bambizulu, Daily Store, Dathonga Designs, Éluwa Studio, Naia Decor and Kumusha Wines which offer wines with a unique African story.

On the accessories front, add something unique to your look with shoes by Kkerelé, handcrafted handbags with a purpose by One of Each as well as SEVEN and jewellery with a message by Jewel Scents & Song. If it's skincare and beauty that you're on the hunt for, natural and sustainable beauty and skincare brands Suki Suki and Nokware Skincare could help end the search. Or support women and heritage preservation by looking at what's on offer by The Herd and The Ninevites.