As our understanding of sustainability and social responsibility grows, so do we increasingly recognise that design needs to adapt and innovate to meet these challenges. Fashion is not exempt from this.
During its three decades of existence, Decorex has become the most anticipated design, decor, and lifestyle show in South Africa, offering a platform for businesses to sell to, and connect with, the general public. By visiting and exploring the Future of Design at Decorex Cape Town (22-25 June, Cape Town International Convention Centre), visitors will gain a better understanding of exciting possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead.
‘We believe that design is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape the future,’ says Sandra Barrow, Decorex Africa’s Portfolio Director.
For the first time, Twyg will have a stand at Decorex Cape Town as part of the Future of Design area in the main exhibit hall. Including a talks theatre and an exhibition area, the Future of Design is a captivating blend of physical and digital displays, collaborative workshops, live demonstrations, and presentations by thought leaders.
The Twyg team has conceptualised a slow fashion pop-up filled with information, local designers, and textile activations that will encourage people to centre creativity over consumption and shift the relationship we have with our clothing. It is designed to be an engaging, interactive space that showcases the many forms that slow fashion takes.
Sustainable fashion is a key element of the future of design as textiles have woven their way into all of our lives – from the clothes we wear to the decor items in our homes. In line with the theme, the Twyg stand hopes to ignite a joyful cultural shift towards sustainability through the act of slow fashioning.
Three local designers – Fashion Student’s Archive, Sinchui, and Rethread – will have a rail of locally made, sustainable clothing on sale at the Twyg stand, giving visitors a chance to engage with the designer. On the fourth and final day of Decorex Cape Town, we will have a rail of pre-loved garments from the Slow Fashion Collective for sale to draw attention to the need for circular economy initiatives that extend the lifespan of clothing that already exists.
In addition to the designer rail, each day we’ll be joined by different textile artists, slow makers, and menders, who will be sharing their textile practices with us. The textile activations will take place during two time slots, 11:00-14:00 and 14:00-17:00. They will include the Cape Guild of Weavers demonstrating weaving, knitting, and spinning techniques; weaving from textile waste with artist, textile designer, and researcher, Sibabalwe Ndlwana; Michelle Jones-Phillipson will share basic knitting techniques and knitting squares for care; and textile designer Lucie Panis-Jones will share mending skills to help you repair before you replace.
In The State of the Industry Report released by Decorex at the end of 2022, for which it interviewed various players in the local decor, design, and interiors industry, the message was clear: creative professionals are increasingly being influenced by sustainability. Key focus areas are recycled materials, and local production and sourcing to reduce their carbon footprint.
Design companies are recognising their role in positively shaping people’s choices by educating them about conscious consumption. “This is us saying, as an industry, that we’re no longer going to let change happen to us,” says Bielle Bellingham, creative director of Decorex Africa. “We’re going to choose the change that we’d like to happen.”
The four-day show will have over 200 premium brands, ensuring an all-encompassing experience that showcases curated exhibitions, cutting-edge designs, and product launches.
To learn more about Decorex Cape Town 2023 and how to buy tickets to attend, click here. Here’s what to expect at the Twyg stand:
Thursday, 22 June
Designer rail:
- Rethread (10:00-18:00)
Textile activations:
- Visible mending with Lucie Panis-Jones (09:00-11:00)
- Spinning and crocheting with Lee-Anne Hyslop from the Cape Guild of Weavers (11:00-14:00)
- Weaving from textile waste with Sibabalwe Ndlwana (14:00-17:00)
Friday, 23 June
Designer rail:
- Sinchui (10:00-18:00)
Textile activations:
- Knitting squares of care with Michelle Jones-Phillipson (11:00-14:00)
- Backstrap or inkle loom weaving with Zola Ndimande from the Cape Guild of Weavers (14:00-17:00)
Saturday, 24 June
Designer rail:
- Fashion Student’s Archive (10:00-18:00)
Textile activations:
- Visible mending with Lucie Panis-Jones (11:00-14:00)
- Weaving from textile waste with Sibabalwe Ndlwana (14:00-17:00)
Sunday, 25 June
Designer rail:
- A curation of timeless thrifted garments from the Slow Fashion Collective (10:00-18:00)
Textile activations:
- Rigid heddle weaving with Beverley Keyser from the Cape Guild of Weavers (11:00-14:00)
- Knitting with handspun yarn with Monica Pike from the Cape Guild of Weavers (14:00-17:00)
- Cover image: Lulasclan supplied by Decorex
