Decorex Joburg, top of the Pops
A punchy rundown of the stands, brands and product launches that caught our eye at this year’s show
Image: Maike McNeill
Image: Supplied
Another high was ceramicist Justin Brett’s new range of sculptural vessels. These caught our eye for their Japanese infused minimalist aesthetic and their limitless possibilities (stack, style and arrange them as you wish).
Cape Town flat-pack furniture brand Popstrukt launched its newest hue — Soda Pop Orange — a high voltage colour that feels like a jolt to the system. We also eyed their brand-new Waffle baskets in characteristically luscious colourways.
The show’s free talks line-up was a win and featured leading lights in the local creative field. A few favourites included Dr Sechaba Maape’s discussion on African indigenous design identity, Steve Smith’s panel on the business of design and Steve Tanchel and Kokona Ribane’s discussion on South Africa’s digital art future.
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Speaking of wallpapers, Clout/SA’s collab with the Keiskamma Art Project was a standout. Guided by creative director Tracy Lynch, the quintessential hand-embroidered designs of this Eastern Cape-based social upliftment project manifested in rich local imagery featured as a wallpaper and textiles. The vivid print quality of both was outstanding.
Also on the Clout/SA stand was David Krynauw’s comeback creation: a four poster bed created from waste and heritage timbers with an organic profile and a new joint invented by the carpenter. Forced to close doors during Covid, the bed is something of a phoenix.
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied