#IndustryCollaboration: Bringing the ideas of young local creatives to life

In an inspiring partnership, Airloom collaborated with Cape Town Creative Academy (CTCA) third-year students in a competition during the second term of 2023. The goal was to bring the imaginative ideas of young local creatives to life through a collection of South African kids’ printed rugs, focusing on imaginative play and authentic storytelling. This initiative may soon expand beyond rugs, potentially including other homeware products, enriching children’s play environments with creativity and innovation.

Meet Zimema Mvula: The Visionary Behind the ‘Disappearing Footprints’ Collection

One of the winners of this competition, Zimema Mvula, offers insight into her ‘Disappearing Footprints’ Collection of rugs:

“Focusing on endangered African animals (black rhino, cheetah, penguin, bat-eared fox, African hare, and blue duiker), these rugs encourage creative play. I imagine children tracing animal footprints on the rug, pretending to be a penguin waddling around or guiding a toy along the paw prints on a journey. The black and white rugs are also great for babies’ tummy time, as infants are naturally drawn to high-contrast patterns and shapes.”

Printed on ultra-fine soft polyester, Airloom’s Printed Collection rugs add a splash of colour and fun design to any space. They also feature a built-in non-slip backing for safety.

Zimema shares the inspiration behind her ‘Disappearing Footprints’ Collection:

“I’ve always been fascinated by animals and their unique footprints. As a child, I had a set of cards to match animals with their footprints, which was so fun and engaging. This design focuses on different endangered African animals (black rhino, cheetah, penguin, bat-eared fox, African hare, and blue duiker). I imagine children playing games, tracing animal footprints on the rug, pretending to be different animals, or even playing hopscotch. The design encourages creative play.

I picture parents sitting on the rug with their children, sharing knowledge about the different animals’ footprints, expanding their minds and understanding while playing games. This could be great for new parents, too, as babies could have tummy time on the black and white rugs, stimulating and capturing their attention.”

About Airloom

Brainchild of a husband and wife team, the idea of Airloom was formed when they went in search of a rug for their own home. They were looking for something that was beautiful, functional, and that didn’t break the bank… a rather tall order, it turns out. And so, out of many a fruitless rug shopping trip, the idea for Airloom was born in 2012. With a background in the flooring industry, Airloom has now grown and evolved to offer a wide range of flooring and other home decor items.

Their collaboration with CTCA exemplifies their commitment to fostering creativity and supporting local talent.