From hand-beaded lights to chairs dressed in fashion, the 100% Design Local Pavilion, titled New Reflections, at Decorex Cape Town is shaping up to be a must-see.
New Reflections brings together a dream list of South African designers, artists and makers who are all pushing the limits of craft and creativity.
Running from 5 to 8 June at the CTICC, the curated pavilion will feature limited-edition pieces, exciting collaborations and some brand-new launches.
Jozi’s Mash.T Design Studio is bringing their much-loved Smiley Pendant to town. Made with beads and bold shapes, the pendant has already been turning heads since it launched in April. Founder Thabisa Mjo is known for turning everyday forms into high-end pieces, and this one’s no different.
Greg Marshall will also be showing off his new lighting design. The Node Pendant combines brass and ceramics in a sculptural way that feels both engineered and artistic. It’s the kind of piece you want to see in person.
On the textile side, there is plenty to explore. Stuart Graham Fabrics will be there with their latest ranges, including affordable local options and new prints from their UK partner.
African Jacquard will introduce their Kelp Forest Collection, made from SeaCell and linen, as well as their new outdoor Kuba Collection inspired by traditional cloth from the Congo.
Fashion meets furniture in a fun collab between Curación Collection and UNI FORM. Think sculptural chairs dressed in feathered gowns and jackets. Designed exclusively for the pavilion, this two-piece collection called Silhouettes in Dialogue will be shown to the public for the first time.
House of Harhaz, founded by fashion-turned-interior designer Zahrah Moosa, will be showing new furniture and fabrics that blend luxury, nostalgia and storytelling.
The Mood Collectives will bring their take on relaxed luxury with a new Scandi chair, a bold Electric Blue coat stand and a set of organic ceramics. Their display is styled to look like a liveable space, complete with tweed cushions. Snap a pic and tag them on Instagram for the chance to win a one-off designer handbag.
Clout/SA is using the pavilion to mark ten years of the Nando’s Hot Young Designer talent search. They’ll be showing a new fabric collection made with patterns from four past HYD winners. These have been used to upholster the well-known school chair from Naturalis – one of the top-selling designs on the Nando’s Portal to Africa. Every time one of these chairs is sold, the designer behind the pattern earns a fee.
Also showing work at the pavilion is Ananta Design Studio, run by sisters Viveka and Rucita Vassen. Their playful designs mix bright colours and traditional craft. Look out for their Klopse Blomme chair and brand-new beaded vases, launching at their main booth.
TheUrbanative and Vitalli are both making their way down from Joburg too. Mpho Vackier of TheUrbanative will show her signature furniture inspired by African stories. Ryan Olivier of Vitalli. will present new pieces that explore raw beauty and balance, like the AKKA Side Table and KARA Bench.
To top it all off, local planter brand Indigenus is launching a new collection called Petra. Created by New York artist Fernando Mastrangelo, these sculptural pieces bring an international edge to the show.
Creative director Garreth van Niekerk says the theme of New Reflections is all about looking back at where we have come from and forward to what’s next. “It is about democracy in design, material innovation and collaboration,” he says. “We want to show a future of South African design that is bold, inclusive and rooted in craft.”
Show details: Decorex Cape Town 2025
Happening: 5 to 8 June
Where: CTICC, Cape Town
Tickets: from R150 onlineMore info: decorex.co.za
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