The Sanlam Decorex Young Designers 'Thinking Ahead' Competition rings in the new with an inventive talent search for Cape Town's next generation of style shapers. Themed 'Home to the New', Sanlam and Visi have tracked down dynamic interior decorators making their mark on the décor industry.

The new theme sees the focus moving away from design students to those who are already active in the industry. "We see the new angle as a springboard for fresh talent into the interior and design industry," says Cairey Slater, Decorex general manager of exhibitions.

A creative platform

"The competition and exhibition will also act as a platform for creative talent and the décor industry to exchange ideas."

'Home to the New' will provide visitors with a tangible view of what is possible when putting together their home using the wide range of products available in the decorating world, as well as showcasing a collection of Cape Town's creative talent.

Each room within the Sanlam House will be judged and the winning decorator will receive exclusive fashion wear sponsored by Sanlam and will be featured in Visi Magazine.

The brief given to the partipating designers is to think ahead, to think workable designs, think future and rethink classic shapes.

"We urged them to think of the unexpected and a modern mix of new materials," says Slater. The empty space is their blank canvas where they can shake up the norms and make their unique mark.

The Sanlam Next generation style shapers will be showing at Decorex in Cape Town, before moving on to see what the Joburg talent has to offer.

Decorex Cape Town

Celebrating 10 years in the city of design chic with a never-seen-before line-up of interactive projects. Record-breaking five-time winner of EXSA Award as the country's best exhibition of its kind.

When: 25-28 April 2008.
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town.

Decorex Joburg

Southern Africa's foremost showcase of sheer excellence. Decorex Johannesburg debuts the exciting, challenging — sometimes contradictory trends — shaping the future.

When: 30 July-3 August 2008.
Where: Gallagher Estate, Midrand.

Contact Decorex SA at Thebe Exhibitions & Events on +27 11 549 8300 or visit www.decorex.co.za