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The ranges of two outstanding South African furniture design brands, Haldane and Tonic, are now available in Australia, exclusively through Capensis.
Justine Holmner and Candice Shakenovsky, founders of Capensis, are united in their vision: to bring distinctive, high-quality, original and timeless design to Australia. The work of two South African designer brands, Haldane and Tonic, fit beautifully into that remit (and to the brand’s name: Capensis means ‘from the cape’ in Latin). “After noticing a gap in the market between the predictable, go-to furniture brands and the ultra-expensive ones, we decided to hunt for ranges that were well priced, beautifully made and unique,” says Candice. “We felt that Haldane’s retro, nostalgic outdoor pieces and Tonic’s classic, contemporary interior collections offer uncompromising craftsmanship, uniqueness and quality.”
Haldane is the eponymous brand of Cape Town-based Haldane Martin, considered one of South Africa’s foremost designers. He describes his vibrant, playful outdoor furniture as “meaningful for the spirit, beautiful for the soul and nurturing for the body”. The pieces reflect his two great loves: design and the outdoors, and they not only look good but are practical and made to withstand the elements – which are equally as harsh in South Africa as they are in Australia.
One of the most outstanding designs is the sinuous Songololo sofa, its form inspired by a millipede. Haldane created the sofa originally as an interior piece, crafted from leather, almost two decades ago but recently reinvented it for the outdoors. The segmented lounge contorts into curving shapes, its cushioned seats and powder-coated aluminium legs taking on different winding forms. Haldane’s Lucky dining chair brings a level of luxury to alfresco eating, its curvaceous arms and seat crafted from a robust textured fabric that’s completely waterproof. The Papa Sun range is equally alluring, an updated take on the classic Japanese papasan chair, but in powder-coated stainless steel. Dombolo tables, ranging in capacity from four- to 10-seater, feature tops that are imperfect circles or bean-shaped, supported by sturdy tubular legs.
While Haldane’s focus is on the outdoors, fellow South African brand Tonic turns its beautifully attuned eye to interiors, crafting furniture that is both deeply functional but also aesthetically meaningful. Founded more than 20 years ago by Greg Gamble and Philippe van der Merwe, the Johannesburg-based brand describes its designs as “provocative and progressive”, working in the space between tradition and invention.
That ethos is perfectly encapsulated in Tonic’s striking range of drinks cabinets, including the Cannes, in high-gloss duco (and in four shades, including dramatic Cobalt) with oxidised brass handles, and the HG, in three subdued tones with subtle brass detailing. The Dane sofa, in linen with a base in American walnut, is a contemporary classic, while the streamlined Elgon two-seater sofa, with its dropped edge and Warwick plush velvet upholstery, adds a swathe of drama to any living space. The low-line form of the white Carrara marble C.M. Coffee Table is equally statement-making.
Another aspect of the appeal for Capensis was that the designers from both brands oversee the production of the furniture from creation and inception through to material sourcing and manufacturing, ensuring both quality and integrity. “The pieces are not focused on being high on trend and low on lifespan,” says Capensis’s Justine. “They are timeless, well made, contemporary and classic. They are pieces to be treasured in your home for many years to come.”
