Expect a stunning visual experience that will explore sustainability at this year’s Decorex, Africa’s premier decor, design and lifestyle show in the Cape Town CBD. Here are the top attractions.
Decorex Cape Town, organised by Decorex Africa, is set to captivate décor enthusiasts with cutting-edge designs, exhibitions, product launches and installations incorporating the latest technology, sustainable materials and emerging design trends. It will be held at the International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 22 to 25 June 2023 and will bring together over 200 brands.
Last year, over 21 000 visitors streamed through the Decorex doors and organisers are expecting an even bigger crowd this year. The showcase has become a trendsetting platform, and a space for building connections, exchanging ideas and finding inspiration as well as enjoying delightful experiences that engage all senses.
Central City-based store Always Welcome, a South African design collective for owner-run design studios that create furniture, homeware and lifestyle objects, will be part of Design Week. Other participating brands in the City Bowl are Lim, The Craft + Design Institute, Club Kloof, Tiny Empire, Robin Sprong and Lemon which is making its debut with its highly experienced team of luxury furniture designers.
Bielle Bellingham, creative director of Decorex Africa, says: “The role of Design Week is to create a space where designers and other creatives can come together, share their work and ideas and connect with others in their field. In this way, Design Weeks can help to promote innovation, creativity and collaboration within the design community and beyond. It also provides a platform to celebrate and promote design and creativity as a vital part of culture and society.”
In Cape Town, the show significantly contributes to the Central City and the greater metropole’s economy in terms of suppliers used. The tourism sector also benefits as Sandra Barrow, Decorex Africa’s portfolio director, says Decorex Cape Town attracts local Capetonians and the greater Cape metropole and winelands as well as visitors from the rest of the country. “We also have many international attendees who never miss Decorex Cape Town and have it on their calendars each year,” she says.
Bellingham, who was appointed creative director last year, says the event has consistently adapted and evolved, remaining at the forefront of trends, showcasing innovative designs and fostering a vibrant community of industry professionals.
She notes: “By providing a platform for businesses, designers and creatives, Decorex Africa has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry landscape and promoting its growth. From its modest beginnings to its current status as a premier exhibition, Decorex Africa continues to set new standards, inspire creativity and offer invaluable opportunities for exhibitors and visitors alike.”
Sumien Brink, respected authority in the design space, was involved with Decorex from 1994 to 2019 as editor of House and Leisure and VISI. She continues to visit the Cape Town show every year to see what is new on the decor front in the country. She says what makes it special is that it was the first international decor show that came to this country.
Brink recalls: “I was there when Decorex launched in August 1994. It was the perfect platform for us to promote the launch of House and Leisure, which was published a few months prior. I remember the excitement of taking part in South Africa’s first international décor show. We had a tiny stand with the current cover on an easel and sold many, many subscriptions. That was long before social media and everyone having access to everything by clicking a button. It is much harder to put on a fabulous show now, but all other big international décor and design shows are back with a vengeance and we should be, too.”
Her tips for getting the most value out of Decorex? “Get a quick overview of what’s on show and then leave enough time to go back to the stands you liked.” Here is our pick of the crop.
1. CAPE TOWN DÉCOR & DESIGN WEEK
Cape Town Decor & Design Week, a multi-destination programme of open showrooms, workshops, talks and networking events, will set the tone for the main event. It will give décor lovers a chance to “go behind the scenes” with some of Cape Town’s most talented designers who will be presenting their latest collections and lines at Decorex. It will run from 19 to 25 June 2023.
2. SUPERBALIST CREATIVE STORE
For the first time, popular online retailer Superbalist.com will have a physical presence in an exhibit, “One Room, Four Looks” that blurs the lines between e-commerce and brick-and-mortar. This installation of an apartment showcases one room in four different looks. It will have a dedicated QR code for each room, directing shoppers to a basket of everything displayed in the room. This way, they can purchase their favourite items with one click.
3. MR PRICE HOME SHOPPABLE APARTMENT
In another unique experience, décor lovers will have an opportunity to shop for items straight off the show floor at the Mr Price Home Shoppable Apartment. The space will highlight the latest interior design trends and if attendees find something they love, they will be able to purchase the products, collect them or have them delivered.
4. GROUP EXHIBITION
The CDI, a craft and design sector development agency that supports over 6 000 businesses and individual craft artisans in South Africa, will present export-ready contemporary craft in an exhibition called NEXT2023. The show features 24 participants, including Thabo Makhetha, A Love Supreme, Champel, Head On Design, Minima, Unique Driftwood Creations, Modern Gesture, Woza Moya, Knot Again and Lulasclan.
5. SUSTAINABLE DESIGNS
Given the increasing emphasis on sustainability, Decorex Cape Town put out a call for designers to submit sustainably designed chairs to be displayed in the show’s central restaurant area. Attendees can expect spectacular creations from notable local designers such as Andrea Kleinloog of Hesse Kleinloog, Jon Case of ARRCC, Matthew Dasneves, Sanri Pienaar, Rupert Green, Hannerie Visser, Joe Paine and Bofred. There will also be other exhibitors, talks and workshops focusing on environmentally conscious materials and sustainable design principles.
6. SAMSUNG BESPOKE COOKING THEATRE
Aside from inspired interiors, attendees will be treated to local chefs who will be cooking their favourite dishes and doing live demonstrations at the Samsung Bespoke Cooking Theatre. This space is also the perfect platform to ignite one’s love for cooking, get valuable culinary tips and recipes and taste some of the dishes being created.
7. BLUM FURNITURE FITTINGS
Those interested in quality furniture that also looks good will find plenty of inspiration at the Blum stall. The international brand specialises in producing functional furniture fittings and will also showcase motion technology for the kitchen. The Blum stand was unveiled at the recent EuroCucina (international kitchen furniture exhibition) in Milan before travelling to Decorex Cape Town.
IMAGES: Decorex Africa