South Africa is known for its bold prints, bright colours, and innovative designs when it comes to furniture design and décor. This all came together at the recent Decorex Johannesburg exhibition, a four-day celebration of creativity and innovation in interior design. The event drew industry professionals and attendees from across the city. Emerging and established designers alike had the opportunity to showcase cutting-edge trends and design excellence at the showcase. Proudly South African, the nation’s Buy Local Campaign, provided four of its members in the furniture, design, and security sectors with the opportunity to exhibit.
The Buy Local Campaign’s participation in the showcase aimed to support local talent and promote local craftsmanship, by providing local artisans and designers with a valuable market access opportunity. This allowed them to gain exposure and connect with a broader audience. The selected members, each known for their distinctive styles and artistry, presented an array of designs and decor solutions that captivated attendees and industry experts. The members included Mustard Seed Designs, who specialise in ceramic lighting and home decor accessories, and Opulent Interior D-zines, an interior design company that specialises in interior design and decorating. Ambesha African, a premium patio furniture manufacturer, and Trellidor, which manufactures and distributes custom security gates and window burglar-proofing solutions.
“The Design and Decor Showcase has been an incredible platform for highlighting the creativity, quality, and skill of our local manufacturers,” said Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi, Chief Marketing Officer for Proudly SA. “By featuring our members at this prestigious event, we’ve not only showcased their talents but also demonstrated the rich potential of local craftsmanship in the broader market.”
The Buy Local Campaign’s involvement in the showcase underscored its commitment to fostering local talent and supporting small businesses. The exposure gained from the event is expected to open new avenues for collaboration, sales, and growth for the participating members. The event concluded with enthusiastic feedback from visitors and participants, with many praising the exclusivity, quality, and originality of the local designs on display. As the industry looks forward to future events, the success of the Buy Local Campaign’s exhibition marks a significant step in elevating local talent and reinforcing the value of supporting homegrown talent.
