Fab fashion fusing with decor
Exciting overlapping of the two industries set to be showcased at annual design expo
FASHION isn’t just about what you wear. Fashion sends a message. Fashion reflects our personalities. And fashion unites us.
“Fashion has always played an important role historically, from the opulent clothing of the Victorian era to the roaring ’20s, and beyond,” says Sian Cullingworth, the portfolio director at Reed Exhibitions. “The material, colours and textures tell about the time period as well as the people wearing the outfits.
“The elements that influence fashion trends are often related to those that influence the trends in decor. The two creative worlds are intertwined – and we are excited to showcase this at the 2019 Decorex exhibitions.”
Decorex SA has introduced an unconventional, funky feature to the programme.
Students from fashion and design institution Inscape have formulated a fashion show that will show you how fashion and design merge when it comes to trends. Inscape will also share its fashion insights, alongside top design influencers, at the innovative Instudio Trend Theatre by Absa.
Inscape global brand manager Thulare Matlaba says fashion and decor have grown closer over the years: “In the past 20 to 30 years, fashion has largely influenced decor. But with retro being trendy, fashion has borrowed some of its styling cues from decor. They influence each other and are both influenced by external factors such as culture, technology and politics.”
He says artistic movements also influence design from pop art, to modernism, minimalism, post-modernism and beyond.
“Fashion trends for 2019 include tie dye and neon; colour schemes we’ve seen before which are likely to find their way into décor and decorating. Collaborations between fashion and décor are common.
Last year, fashion designer, Nkuli Mlangeni, of The Ninevites Gang, partnered with Trenery Guild to produce a handwoven rug in salmon, sage and slate hues.
Overlapping influences
Borders, angles, framing, features, simplicity, complexity, over-engineering, layering, structure, design… words associated with fashion and decor. “They feed off each other,” Matlaba says.
The biggest drivers of the two industries are passion, resources and influences: “All the elements matter. Where you live, how much money you have, your political and religious beliefs, all of it. In every home, you will find at least one element reflective of the occupant.”
Fashion and décor define us
Often, one’s taste in clothing reflects one’s environment and vice versa. “The services of a good designer can also aid in unearthing your style and help to create a home or office reflective of your personality. Money should not act as a deterrent to creativity.”
■ Decorex SA is on in Durban from March 21 to 24, Cape Town from May 1 to 5 and Johannesburg from August 7 to 11.
For more, visit www.decorex. co.za for more information.