From the Lab Light, which made waves locally and abroad almost two decades ago, to the many wonderful interior projects she’s created with her partner Megan Hesse, Andrea Kleinloog is a stalwart of contemporary South African design. She’s damn funny, very busy and always refreshingly real about the demands of life.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year? And why?
Dune by Frank Herbert. To think this world was visualized in 1965 – before the internet, mobile phones, or women having their own credit cards – is just astounding. The witchy Bene Gesserit running everything is such a rich narrative (and again, not entirely untrue of today). It’s a combination of escapism and a comment on reality, all at once.
How do you keep fit?
With great difficulty and deep suffering! I train with a great friend twice a week at 5.30am. I also run from Parktown North to Emmarentia with our staffie twice a week. And I don’t do any of it for pleasure.
Weekday, low-key restaurant go-to?
Glory is just my favourite – unfussy but full of flavour. With kids, either Coalition Pizza Blairgowrie or Le Parc by tashas (with a stop at Exclusive Books).
What is the one artwork you’ll always love, and why?
This is a hard one. Probably Justin Dingwall’s Albus series – exquisitely beautiful portraits of albinism, contrasted with butterflies and snakes.
Do you have a hobby?
No. I’ve been told to get one, but I am not exactly sure in what hour of the day this hobby could take place.
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
How unusual? And how dead without it are we talking? Probably my iPad Pro, but I can always use a pen and paper …
Who was your high school celeb crush?
I relived this the other day when I heard Bush’s re-release of Glycerine! Gavin Rossdale, circa 1996.
Three songs that you’d take to a desert island?
I Will Follow You Into the Dark, by Death Cab for Cutie; Out of the Woods, by Taylor Swift; and some calm piano classics (no violin!).
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