Decorex adds Italian flair to Jo'burg

Decorex Cape Town launch party 2007

An architecture conference will also run concurrently with the exhibition, according to the city's official website.

Now in its 15th year, the theme of Decorex 2008 is 'Imagine. Innovate. Realise.'

The Johannesburg leg of the national event runs from 31 July - 3 August 2008 at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.

Putting the spotlight on global trends

According to the general manager of Decorex, Cairey Slater, more than 600 domestic and international exhibitors are expected to take part, displaying the latest trends in the decor and design industry.

"We are expecting over 50,000 visitors to the event. A highlight will be the international pavilion in hall three.

"The new international pavilion will put the spotlight on global trends and give visitors the opportunity to network with international suppliers and share valuable industry information," Slater said.

Inaugrual Italian pavilion

The inaugural Italian pavilion, organised by Consorzio Nuovi Mercati, a consortium of Federlegno-Arredo, the Italian federation of wood furniture and furnishing manufacturers, will represent a selection of Italian companies showcasing finest Italian furniture and furnishings for corporate, office and residential spaces.

Antonella Lanari, the consortium's spokesperson, said the pavilion presented an excellent opportunity for Italian designers to introduce themselves to and develop new customer relationships with clients in Africa.

"This initiative has been developed to promote Italian furniture and the Made in Italy brand name throughout South Africa."

Going Indo

Another feature is the Indonesian pavilion, which will exhibit furniture and design inspired by South East Asia.

Plascon, the paint company, will focus on the 2009 Plascon Colour Forecast and will advise traders and consumers on the latest colour trends.

The South African Handmade Collection will comprise local handmade products, focusing particularly on environmentally friendly items.

A theatre of ideas

Property experts, garden gurus and decor professionals will provide stimulating ideas under the Theatre of Ideas programme.

Topics to be discussed will range from home staging to growing a kitchen garden, and from tranquil water features to floral trends.

Bedroom boutique

At the showroom of Seven, the home furnisher, deejays from radio station Jacaranda FM will team up with design experts to create heavenly bedrooms.

Visitors can vote for their favourite bedroom and a chance to win furniture worth R25,000.

Elegance of architecture

Alongside the exhibition, there will be a conference on architecture.

Leading international and local experts will share their insight on topics ranging from green issues to urban architecture, globalism and the resurgence of opulence.

Tickets are R60 each and are available at the door or at Computicket outlets. Doors will be open from 10am to 6pm daily.

For more information, visit: http://www.decorex.co.za/

Article published courtesy of BuaNews