Evolution’s Heritage: Amanda’s Personal Note on Where It All Began

Fifteen years ago, Evolution was born from a desire to slow the pace of creation, to make design something meaningful, locally relevant, and hopefully inspirational.

The spark came from a deeply personal place. After the loss of my father, I discovered files of letters he had kept, correspondence between his grandfather, SJ du Toit, and Paul Kruger. Among them were family crests, roughly sketched, and some of the first Huguenot signatures recorded upon arriving in South Africa. The documents opened with lines that still echo in me today:

“Liewe broer, ek groet jou in die naam van ons Here Jesus Christus.”

The beauty of the Afrikaans language, and the fight to establish it as a written and spoken tongue, inspired me to dive deeper into my family’s heritage. That search led me into archives, museums, and libraries, places that held the roots of stories waiting to be told.

Our very first range was also inspired by my oldest son, Wian, as he set off to his first day of Grade 1. Watching him walk away with his backpack reminded me of the generations before us, my family starting the first Afrikaans school in the country, four generations of “first days.” That narrative became the foundation of a collection celebrating heritage, family, and new beginnings.

At the same time, I was working with a tie weaver. As ties became less worn, we explored how his weaving could evolve into textiles for larger items. That shift, reimagining what a manufacturer’s skill could become, was exhilarating for both of us. Together, we launched the range at Rooms on View, and the response was beyond what I had hoped for.

From there, each collection took its own path, often 12–18 months in the making, each rooted in a narrative found in our archives, our landscapes, or our collective memory. Evolution became a journey of discovery, of history, craft, and the spaces and places that feed the soul.

A Season of Reflection

Recently, I attended my 40-year high school reunion. Seeing familiar faces from a slower time,  when the phone in the lounge was the filter of all communication, and cycling to a friend’s house was the only way to connect,  filled me with joy.

I remembered the slow walks home, planned so you might cross paths with the boy you liked on his bicycle. The afternoons exploring koppies and bridges. The neighbourhood was filled with children, including one home with nine; the youngest, Ben, was one of my closest friends. Meeting him again after all these years, with his same infectious smile, reminded me of the gift of memory, of friendship, of still being here to create, to reflect, and to carry stories forward.

Carrying Memory into Design

These memories are the threads that weave through Evolution. They connect my personal history to the broader narratives of this country, stories of language, land, heritage, and family. They remind me why I create, and why I believe every piece should hold meaning beyond function.

As spring begins, I hope your days are filled with growth, colour, and moments of reflection. May you cherish the memories that make you smile, and continue creating new ones with those you love.

— Amanda Du Plessis