Cape Town With Tristan Du Plessis

How does Cape Town inspire your work and your creativity?

I draw inspiration from the juxtapositions that the city is full of — from the mountain to the ocean, heritage buildings to glass towers — it constantly reminds me to embrace history and the imperfect because that’s where you find the character in design. As a city full of people pursuing so many passions at once, it also stokes my creativity to go beyond a single form.

What is the best way to experience Cape Town?

I’m new(ish) to living in Cape Town, but a hike with my dogs is my favorite way to explore and enjoy what it actually means to live in a city that has so much to offer.

Best place to experience emerging art and culture?

Contemporary South African art inspires me, and when I visit THK Gallery, it often catalyzes the direction of my collaborative process. It’s also home to some of my favorite artists that I’ve worked with. I’m also always looking at design from a holistic perspective. I enjoy going to WHATIFTHEWORLD gallery to discover new artists and for inspiration. 

Where do you go to see beauty and people?

Norval Foundation in Tokai for its sculpture garden. The drive may be long — by Cape Town standards — but it is so inspiring, and I enjoy the foundation’s head curator Owen Martin’s perspective when it comes to putting together exhibitions, showcasing some of the best but not nearly as celebrated aspects of South African art history. For natural beauty, Clifton Beach is perfectly tucked away. It is where you’ll find me walking my dogs, Nobu and Mischu. Go to TANG for people-watching. Sitting outside, it is quite entertaining to catch the bustle of the waterfront and people from all walks of life going about their day.

Favorite restaurants?

The really laid-back atmosphere, with delicious food, makes Ramenhead an easy win for me. Especially since it’s not too far from my studio on Bree Street. FYN is for a special evening — the food is impeccable, and I enjoy going with some of my friends when I’m looking to celebrate or have a long catch-up. This is your place if you’re keen to impress a date, just saying. Also, not too far from my studio, Hemelhuijs is a very unassuming space where you can catch me grabbing lunch in between meetings. An eclectic space with bold, well-considered design, you feel like a proper Capetonian here.

Favorite bars?

As one of the first truly creatively-driven projects that I did, Gorgeous George has a special place in my heart. The rooftop bar, Gigi, feels like you are experiencing a slice of local life in downtown Cape Town. I love the mix of the old and new world, and at Planet Bar at Mount Nelson Hotel, it’s an understated luxury and makes it so comfortable to hang out.

Best places to shop?

Bastille | Maison Mara has such a well-curated selection of men’s and women’s wear, with a mix of investment pieces and great everyday staples. The shop space itself is also well done, which lends itself to a less traditional shop experience overall. I rarely cook, but when I do, I think sourcing the best ingredients is the best and maybe the most fun part. Lello’s Deli has it all, and if you’re lucky, you can catch them when they’re making Negronis.  

We pinned the all places, and some more favorites, on a super user-friendly map you can save directly to your devices and have the whole city at your fingertips.

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