“Decorex Cape Town has launched Ten x Ten, a bold exhibition featuring 100 design objects across 10 categories, from furniture and textiles to ceramics and lighting. The showcase emphasizes Africa’s growing influence on global design, blending heritage craft with contemporary innovation.”
South Africa’s design scene has taken center stage this week with the unveiling of Ten x Ten, a groundbreaking exhibition at Decorex Cape Town 2026. The event, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from June 25–28, presents 100 carefully curated design objects that reflect the evolving landscape of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation across Africa and beyond. More than just a showcase of beautiful pieces, Ten x Ten captures a cultural moment, offering insight into how design is shaping the way we live, work, and connect in 2026.
The Concept Behind Ten x Ten
Curated by Decorex co-creative directors Alan Hayward and Garreth van Niekerk, alongside a panel of design experts, the exhibition is structured around 10 categories, each featuring 10 standout objects. These categories span lighting, textiles, ceramics, furniture, glassware, basketry, and heritage craft, creating a holistic journey through contemporary design. The concept emphasizes that design is best understood not as isolated objects but as part of a broader narrative—one where materials, ideas, and cultural influences intersect.
Viewed from above, the exhibition layout forms the symbol “100%,” reinforcing the idea that design is a collective story rather than a series of disconnected trends. This immersive approach transforms the exhibition into more than a trade show; it becomes an experience that blurs the boundaries between art, design, and storytelling.
Highlights of the Exhibition
At the heart of Ten x Ten are large-scale fabric sculptures inspired by Tshwane-based AI artist Imagine_That, the featured artist of 100% Design Africa 2026. These dramatic installations set the tone for an exhibition that values experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Visitors encounter objects sourced not only from South Africa but also from design destinations such as Morocco, Nigeria, and Italy, underscoring the global dialogue that African design is increasingly part of.
Among the standout contributors are Thabisa Mjo, known for her innovative furniture pieces, Kartell, Willowlamp, Wiid Design, Romo Fabrics, Glo Lighting, and Robin Sprong Wallpapers. Independent makers and studios also feature prominently, ensuring that the exhibition balances established names with emerging voices.
The Soft Life Theme
This year’s Decorex theme, Soft Life, resonates strongly throughout the exhibition. Rather than focusing on excess or fleeting trends, the theme emphasizes comfort, wellbeing, and intentional living. The showcased objects reflect this ethos, with designs that prioritize tactile materials, organic forms, and spaces that nurture rather than overwhelm. In this way, Ten x Ten aligns with broader global conversations about sustainability, mindfulness, and the role of design in supporting healthier lifestyles.
African Influence on Global Design
One of the most significant aspects of Ten x Ten is its celebration of African craftsmanship. Designers are increasingly drawing on local materials, indigenous knowledge systems, and contemporary manufacturing techniques to create work that feels authentically African without relying on clichés. This confidence in African design language signals a shift: Africa is no longer just participating in global design conversations—it is actively shaping them.
The exhibition highlights how ideas and materials move across borders, while still grounding creativity in local heritage. This duality—global influence and local authenticity—positions African design as a powerful force in the international arena.
Conclusion
Ten x Ten is more than an exhibition; it is a statement about where design is heading in 2026. By bringing together 100 objects that embody craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural resonance, Decorex has created a platform that celebrates both the diversity and unity of design. For South Africa, the exhibition underscores the country’s role as a hub of creativity, while for the global design community, it offers a glimpse into the future shaped by African voices. As visitors walk through the interconnected pavilions, they are not just witnessing design trends—they are experiencing a narrative of how design can enrich life in meaningful ways.
