Weylandts has unveiled Journey of Design | India Chapter, a new collection inspired by the brand’s long-standing relationship with India and the artisans whose craftsmanship has helped shape its design philosophy over the past two decades.
Launched during an exclusive preview event at the historic 82 Adderley Street space in Cape Town, the collection draws inspiration from the textures, traditions and materials encountered throughout the brand’s travels across India.
Designed by Weylandts and crafted in India, the collection explores the relationship between contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship, highlighting the people and processes behind the finished pieces.
A Longstanding Creative Relationship
For more than twenty years, India has served as an important source of inspiration for Weylandts.
According to the brand, its connection to the country extends beyond aesthetics. The relationship has been shaped through ongoing collaborations with artisans, suppliers and makers whose expertise has become embedded within Weylandts’ approach to design.
Many of these partnerships have lasted for more than a decade, allowing for a meaningful exchange of knowledge, techniques and creative ideas.
“For us, travel has always been about discovering beauty in unexpected places,” said Weylandts CEO Chris Weylandt. “India continually reminds us that craftsmanship is not just about the final object, but about the journey, the process, and the people behind it.”
The collection reflects those experiences, drawing from the materials, techniques and traditions encountered throughout the brand’s travels across the country.
Craftsmanship at the Centre
Throughout Journey of Design | India Chapter, traditional methods of making remain central to the collection.
In Moradabad, a city internationally recognised for its metalworking heritage, artisans continue to use hand-built sand-casting techniques that have been practised for generations. Moulds are shaped manually using clay, sand and water before being broken apart and rebuilt for the next piece, resulting in subtle variations that make every object unique.
Stone also features prominently throughout the collection. Several pieces incorporate marble sourced from Rajasthan, a region renowned for its centuries-old stone industry. Rather than concealing natural imperfections, the collection embraces the veining, texture and individuality of each material.
Across the range, sculptural silhouettes, carved timber, hand-finished metals and richly textured stone demonstrate the influence of traditional craftsmanship while reflecting Weylandts’ contemporary design language.
Design Influenced by Process
For Weylandts, the collection represents more than a series of furniture and décor pieces.
The experiences gained through working alongside artisans have influenced the company’s broader understanding of design and creativity. According to the brand, the collection reinforces the importance of patience, craftsmanship and material honesty at a time when production processes are increasingly driven by speed and standardisation.
“The journey of the product and the amount of effort that goes into making these pieces sets us apart,” said Chris Weylandt. “We are passionate about finishes, obsessed with detail, and dedicated to craft.”
That philosophy is reflected throughout the collection, where traditional techniques are preserved while being reinterpreted through a distinctly Weylandts lens.
An Immersive Launch Experience
To celebrate the launch, Weylandts hosted an immersive exhibition in Cape Town that offered guests insight into the stories behind the collection.
Rather than focusing exclusively on the finished products, the exhibition explored the people, places and processes that informed the project. Through film, photography, sound and storytelling, visitors were invited to experience the creative journey behind the collection.
The event highlighted the makers, materials and relationships that contributed to the development of Journey of Design | India Chapter, providing context for the pieces beyond their visual appeal.
The exhibition also featured contributions from a number of South African creatives and collaborators, including filmmaker PJ Kotzé, editor and soundscape creator Dirk van Niekerk, musician Bizhan Govindji, event partner Scape Events and Sanri Pienaar, and communications agency Avenue.
A New Chapter for Weylandts
As a third-generation family business, Weylandts has long positioned travel and cultural exchange as central influences on its creative process.
With Journey of Design | India Chapter, the brand continues that journey, presenting a collection shaped by years of collaboration with artisans across India and a shared commitment to preserving traditional methods of making.
The collection is now available through Weylandts stores and online, offering customers an opportunity to engage with a body of work informed by craftsmanship, cultural exchange and decades of creative partnership.
