After spending the morning walking around Design:Made:Trade, I’m pleased to announce that the title “small local designer” does not have to be exclusively associated with flat shoes and laser cut jewellery.

Although there’s still a bit of that stuff around, for the most part Design:Made:Trade, a showcase of small designers and manufacturers, is a testament to how well Australian design holds its own.

As with any trade show, some products shone brighter than others, but on the whole the standard of products on offer was, in my opinion, world class.  If you make the trek down to the Exhibition Building in Carlton this weekend, be warned.  You’re going to spend some money.  I defy anyone to walk out of that place empty handed.

Here are a few things that caught my eye:  

Makedo
It’s really exciting to see a product with so much potential in its infancy.  Makedo is a modular construction system which enables you to create just about anything from, well, just about anything (check out the photos in the image gallery ... it's the sort of thing you need to see for yourself).  The possibilities for these little plastic doodads are absolutely huge.  Give your imagination a workout.

Able and Game
Anna from Able & Game has a unique illustration style that blends really well with what is obviously a great sense of humour.  The cards and small prints on offer are really nifty little observations of everyday life, and are themed for all occasions.  I found myself closely inspecting every single one with a smile on my dial the whole time. 

Milk Crate Stools by Ancher Design
What’s in a name, eh?  The idea seems simple enough; it’s a little seat that fits on top of a milk crate (which is included).  But the execution of these things is stunning.  Each stool is handmade (the timber part, at least) and they come in a range colours and finishes.  When you see them in person, you’ll know what I mean. I think I’m going back to get one tomorrow.  

Keep Cup
Good design solves problems.  That’s exactly what the Keep Cup does.  Apparently up to 20% of office waste is made up of disposable cups. The Keep Cup is a re-usable, industry standard sized coffee cup.  It come in about a zillion different colours and has heaps of different customisation options. An incredibly well resolved piece of design.  And guess what?  It’s locally designed and produced.  

Studio Oat
Simple line drawings with a spectacular design sensibility.  That’s what’s on offer from Studio Oat.  I think the simplicity of these illustrations is what makes them so great. The minimal sketchy hand drawings seem to effortlessly covey the theme.  They may look simple, but these drawings are the product some really good design.

To view these products click through our image gallery above.

- Review by Sam Allan