Decorex International 2025: QEST Alumni Spotlight
11th September 2025
Decorex International returns to Olympia London this October, bringing together the finest in luxury interiors and design. For 46 years, Decorex has been the premier event for high-end interior design, connecting over 12,500 of the most distinguished designers, architects, and specifiers with the finest brands in luxury interiors. QEST is delighted to once again be a partner of the show, celebrating and showcasing the talents of our Alumni.
Show Creative by Natasha Mann
The 2025 Show Creative has been designed by QEST Scholar and decorative artist Natasha Mann. Natasha trained in Fes, Morocco, before completing an MA at the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts. Working with natural pigments, egg tempera and 24 carat gold leaf, all of her geometric designs are hand-drawn using only a compass and ruler. Natasha, a 2012 QEST Radcliffe Trust Scholar, has previously featured at Decorex’s Making Spaces and captivated audiences with her approach to decorative design.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have had Natasha Mann design our creative for Decorex this year. Her bold, expressive style and deep understanding of decorative arts feel perfectly aligned with the spirit of the show. Natasha’s design will transform our creative journey for 2025 whilst honouring the craftsmanship and elegance at the heart of Decorex.” – Sam Fisher, Event Director
Making Spaces Feature Returns
Following the success of previous years, Making Spaces returns with a new lineup of exceptional makers. Developed in partnership with Fromental, Cockpit, The Black Artisans, Future Icons, Rycotewood and QEST, the feature gives visitors the chance to see the intricate processes behind handmade pieces through live demonstrations and workshops. QEST Alumni taking part this year include Carl Fox, Kendall Clarke and Willow Bloomfield.
- Carl Fox works with the ancient techniques of marquetry and parquetry, combining wood veneer and leather to explore human emotion through form, texture and colour. Working in collaboration with Mundy Veneer.
- Kendall Clarke creates textile works using natural dyes, paper and metal yarns, inspired by her background in languages and the survival of ancient texts.
- Willow Bloomfield produces organically forged metalwork, blending endangered techniques like hammer forming and repoussé with experimental research-driven processes. Their sculptural works balance artistic curiosity with craftsmanship.
Decorex also welcomes back talented artisans from the 2024 Making Spaces feature in The Next Chapter. In this exciting continuation, returning makers will once again demonstrate the craft behind their creations, offering hands-on experience the interior design community. The Next Chapter includes QEST Alumni, embroiderer Hanny Newton, rush-seating furniture makers The Marchmont Workshop, and wet felt textile artist Valérie Wartelle.
Panel Talk: Crafting the Journey
QEST is also pleased to be part of the talks programme. On Monday 13 October, 3–4pm, join the discussion Crafting the Journey: Pathways, Practice & the Business of Making in the Design Circles – National Studio. The panel will explore the realities of building a career in craft, covering pathways into the sector, business advice, funding opportunities, and the importance of community. Speakers include Carl Fox, marquetry artist and QEST Scholar, Deborah Pocock, CEO of QEST, Jonathan Burton, CEO of Cockpit, and Louisa Pacifico, founder of Future Icons.
The Interior Design Business Podcast: Decorex And The Power Of The Pop-Up
In this episode, Jeff and Susie dive into the dynamic world of pop-up installations while exploring the enduring appeal of Decorex International. Recorded at the Sofas and Stuff showroom on the Kings Road, they’re joined by designers Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́ (Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co) and Lucy Mayers (Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler), both creators of standout temporary spaces for Decorex 2025. Together, they explore what makes a pop-up truly successful, the creative and logistical challenges behind these here-today-gone-tomorrow marvels, and how temporary design can deliver lasting value. The conversation continues with insights from Decorex’s Sam Fisher, QEST’s Deborah Pocock, and Ricky Partner from Sofas & Stuff. They look at the secrets behind Decorex’s ongoing relevance, the importance of curation, and the role of live craftsmanship in engaging audiences.
