Weylandts has unveiled The Journey of Design | India Chapter, an immersive new collection inspired by the textures, traditions, and the artisanal mastery encountered throughout the brand’s long-standing journey through India.
Presented during an exclusive preview event hosted at the historic 82 Adderley Street space in Cape Town, the collection marks the culmination of years of collaboration between Weylandts and Indian artisans, suppliers, and makers whose craftsmanship has become deeply embedded in the brand’s design language.
Designed by Weylandts and crafted in India, the collection explores the beauty found in process and preservation. From hand-cast metals in Moradabad to richly veined marble sourced from Rajasthan, each piece reflects a commitment to traditional methods and tactile finishes.
“For us, travel has always been about discovering beauty in unexpected places,” says Chris Weylandt. The collection is informed not only by visual inspiration, but by decades-long relationships with craftspeople across India. Many of Weylandts’ suppliers have partnered with the brand for over ten years, contributing techniques and knowledge passed down through generations.
In Moradabad, ancient sand-casting methods remain central to production. Each mould is formed by hand using clay, sand, and water before being broken apart and rebuilt again — ensuring no two forms are ever exactly alike. These marks of process and imperfection are intentionally preserved within the final designs.
“The journey of the product and the amount of effort that goes into making these pieces sets us apart,” says Chris Weylandt. “We are passionate about finishes, obsessed with detail, and dedicated to craft.” Across the collection, natural stone, aged textures, sculptural silhouettes, and layered materials reflect a dialogue between bold design and traditional artistry.
The exclusive preview event invited guests into an immersive exhibition experience designed by Scape, alongside Sanri Pienaar, to reveal the inspiration behind the collection. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with a cup of chai — a favourite ritual of Chris and Anna Weylandt during their travels through India. The space was curated to awaken the senses and capture both the beauty and chaos of the journey. Marigolds strung throughout the building brought vibrancy to the historic halls of 82 Adderley, while layered soundscapes from the product-making process reverberated through the space. Film photography by PJ Kotzé documented the experience and the people behind the collection.
Guests gathered in anticipation as a 14-minute film began screening — shot by PJ Kotzé and edited by Dirk van Niekerk — transporting viewers into the visceral world of product making in India. From bustling foundries to stone yards and roadside chai stops, the film offered an intimate glimpse into the craftsmanship and human stories behind the collection.
Following the screening, guests were guided by candlelight and memorabilia collected during their travels into the final exhibition space. The derelict interior, an ode to the ancient architecture of India, housed the collection itself. After months of research and development, guests encountered marble veneers, silver foiling, intricate wood carvings, and monumental marble slabs, each piece reflecting both the heritage of the brand and its evolving design direction.
A masala sour accompanied guests as they moved through the collection, immersed in the scent of incense and the rhythmic sound journey curated by Bizhan Govindji. The evening became an expression of curiosity, craftsmanship, and the transformative nature of travel, leaving guests with the feeling that, as Chris Weylandt reflects, “Everything is possible. Nothing is impossible. The endless possibility is inspiring. And obviously the curry.”
Explore the full collection in-stores and online at https://www.weylandts.co.za/.
