Hyde Park Corner officially launched its Made for Living exhibition on July 15, transforming the centre court into a vibrant showcase of African design, décor and craftsmanship while highlighting the power of creativity to make a difference.

The limited-run exhibition brings together celebrated designers, striking décor installations and a meaningful community initiative centred around the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day campaign.

At the heart of the exhibition is a dramatic knitted and crocheted scarf chandelier, created through Yarn by Design’s Secret Scarves Shh… initiative in collaboration with 67 Blankets.

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Once the exhibition concludes, the scarves will be transformed into blankets to provide warmth to people in need during winter.

Addressing guests at the launch, 67 Blankets founder Carolyn Steyn reflected on how the initiative has grown far beyond what she first imagined.

“Twelve and a half years ago, I never imagined that when 67 Blankets started, we would be standing here in Hyde Park Corner beneath this amazing masterpiece,” she said, describing the colourful chandelier as a design of love.

Steyn paid tribute to the campaign’s volunteers, affectionately known as the KnitWits, along with its ambassadors who have helped transform a simple idea into an international movement.

“What started with a ball of wool and a crochet hook has become what many people call a movement. A movement for good. A movement for change in our world.”

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She thanked the hundreds of volunteers who have dedicated their time and skills to knitting and crocheting blankets for vulnerable communities.

“So thank you for making my life worthwhile,” she told supporters. Steyn also highlighted the campaign’s impact this winter, saying that more than 3 000 blankets had already been distributed by hand to communities in need before Mandela Day.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.”

The exhibition also showcases the work of leading South African designers, including Nisha van der Hoven of Hoven Design and renowned fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo, founder of MaXhosa Africa, alongside a curated collection of contemporary African décor and furnishings.

Made for Living invites visitors to experience how thoughtful design, bold colour and collaboration can transform spaces while demonstrating that creativity can also be a powerful force for social good.

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