Big News for Decorex Africa and 100% Design 2025
We’re thrilled to welcome @alan_hayward_za and @garrethdavid as our new Executive Creative Directors. This visionary duo brings an unparalleled passion for design, sustainability, and innovation, setting the stage for a transformative journey in African design.
From their trailblazing work sourcing ethical and sustainable products for @capitec_handmadeafrica , to their deep commitment to celebrating African craftsmanship, Alan and Garreth are redefining what it means to curate bold, creative spaces.
Get ready for a groundbreaking Decorex Africa 2025 – a showcase of design, collaboration, and innovation like never before. The future of design starts here.
Discover more about Alan and Garreth’s journey and vision: Link in bio.
Photographs: Thato Mabaso and supplied
Wearing: @shop__travel by @patou_k
#DecorexAfrica #FutureOfLiving #AfricanDesign #InnovationInDesign
It's been the project of a lifetime to work on, and now Veld - the Gardens and Landscapes of Patrick Watson is almost on the shelves! I'll be sharing more about the five year journey of creating the book, and the extraordinary team of people who helped me realise the dream of celebrating Patrick Watson's work, in the coming weeks. But for now, thank you to my new publishing family at @penguinbookssouthafrica@struiknature for bringing Veld to life 🎉 Follow them for more information about launches, to pre-order your book and more information about a very, very special Collectors Edition that is numbered, signed, and even has your name in calligraphy on the title page. There's also a link in my bio where you can learn more about the book, so check it out. I can't wait to hold it in my hands, ahhhhh!
A global gathering for the future of intentional design is happening this May!
Be part of the Pan-African Interior & Intentional Design Summit 2026.
At PAID Summit 2026, we are joined by @garrethdavid and @alan_hayward_za , two of the most influential voices in South African creative direction and curation.
As the joint Executive Creative Directors of @decorexafrica and 100% Design Africa, Garreth and Alan are at the forefront of showcasing African creative practice on a global scale.
Their work with the Inside Out Foundation—including the Inside Out Centre for the Arts and the Roger Ballen Centre for Photography—focuses on developing exhibitions and storytelling that challenge perspectives and celebrate heritage.
Use code PAIDDECOREX26 for exclusive discounted access to Days 2 - 3.
Join us to learn how intentional curation can elevate contemporary culture and provide a powerful platform for African voices in the global design discourse.
🗓 May 7–9, 2026
🎟 Experience the narrative. Register via the link in bio.
#PAID2026 #GarrethVanNiekerk #AlanHayward #DecorexAfrica #curatorialexcellence
Home after what ended up becoming a sort of design Camino (in total some 160km of walking, god help me) and I couldn’t be more grateful or inspired.
@alan_hayward_za you are gods bravest soldier, thank you for making work always a lot more magical than it actually is and the greatest cameraman alive. We even managed to squeeze in a day trip to Como, which was everything I thought it would be - sans George and Amal (but they are ever-present). And we spotted the famous swans.
I’ll put all the rest of my post-Milan Design Week thoughts together soon, but for now it’s all dog-love, Joburg in all its Autumn wonder, family, and my perfect, perfect bed.
Salone, SAOTA’s fabulous 40th, Slices of South Africa at “Maestria Artigiana + Innovazione / Skilled Craftsmanship + Innovation” - let’s just say it’s been a whirlwind since the doors opened. But slowly we are working through the halls. Tomorrow Eurocucina and International Bathrooms. What a week it’s been 🎉
The opening of @gucci Memoria last night was pure magic. Set within the cloisters of the Chiostri di San Simpliciano, the show tells the story of the house’s evolution over the last 105 years through contemporary tapestries - commissioned by new artistic director @demna - and it was just so very Gucci, and so very him, in every way. The garden installation itself features specially cultivated Cosmos and other flowers inspired by the House’s iconic Flora motif, and felt like a little bit of home here in this magical, marvelous city. What a moment, thanks for having us Gucci!
Thank you @rowgworld for the suits, we’ve never felt like such fantastic men!
Day Three of Milan Design Week was nothing short of iconic. From the fabulous @kellywearstler to @alcova.milano at Villa Pestarini (which opened to the public for the first time yesterday) then on to @rossana_orlandi for an incredible mix of new and established things across disciplines; @baccarat Crystal Crypt by @bethanlaurawood ; new ceramics @fondazionesozzani and then finished with @fornasetti x @cc_tapis - it was a feast for the eye, and another 20k step day. Feeling thin, footsore, and inspired for Day 4.
South African craft will take the spotlight at Salone del Mobile.Milano 2026, as part of a special exhibition at SaloneSatellite.
Curated by Decorex African Executive Creative Directors Garreth van Niekerk and Alan Hayward, the South African presentation forms part of Skilled Craftsmanship + Innovation / Maestria artigiana + Innovazione, a global photography exhibition bringing together contemporary craft works from countries across five continents.
The selection presents a compelling view of South African making today, spanning ceramic, beadwork, weaving, textile practice and studio-based object making. Featured works include pieces by Zizipho Poswa, Andile Dyalvane, Thabisa Mjo for Mash.T Design Studio, Frances v.H Mohair, The Keiskamma Art Project with Clout/SA, Ardmore Ceramic Art, Phumla Mramba for Monkeybiz, Jade Paton and DEFT Studios.
At the heart of the presentation is a belief that craft is not peripheral to contemporary design, but one of its most vital forms: shaped by memory, material intelligence, cultural knowledge and authorship.
The exhibition also celebrates the photographers who help shape how craft is seen and remembered, with image-makers including Inge Prins and Frances Marais, among others, bringing these works into view with remarkable sensitivity.
SaloneSatellite takes place from 21–26 April 2026. Follow our socials for live coverage from Milan Design Week 2026.
Milan, next.
Over the coming week, Decorex Africa will be on the ground at Salone del Mobile.Milano 2026 and across the city, following the exhibitions, installations, launches and conversations shaping this year’s design season.
We’ll be moving between the fair and the wider Milan Design Week programme, from major houses and gallery presentations to smaller, sharper interventions that speak to where design is going now. On our route: Gucci Memoria, Buccellati, Rossana Orlandi, Alcova, Salvatori, Tacchini, Poliform, Dedar, Secolo, Movimento, Micheluzzi Glass, WonderGlass, Marimekko, Prada Frames, and a number of private previews, openings and interviews along the way.
Of course we’ll also be keeping a close eye on the ideas emerging around craft, material innovation, atmosphere, domestic ritual, exhibition-making and the future of contemporary living; and, as ever, on the work and presence of African designers within the global conversation.
Follow along this week for our live dispatches from Milan through the eyes on the ground Garreth van Niekerk and Alan Hayward, Executive Creative Directors of Decorex Africa and 100% Design Africa.
#SalonedelMobile #MilanDesignWeek #DecorexAfrica #100DesignAfrica
