Weylandts Celebrates Indian Craftsmanship with New Collection
Weylandts has officially unveiled The Journey of Design | India Chapter, an inspiring new collection that pays tribute to the rich craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and enduring artistry of India. Designed by Weylandts and expertly crafted by skilled Indian artisans, the collection reflects decades of collaboration and a shared passion for authentic craftsmanship.
The collection was introduced during an exclusive preview event at the historic 82 Adderley Street in Cape Town, where guests experienced an immersive showcase celebrating the people, processes, and traditions that have shaped the latest designs.
For Weylandts, India has long been more than a sourcing destination—it has been a place of inspiration. Over many years, the brand has built lasting relationships with artisans, suppliers, and makers whose techniques have become an integral part of its signature aesthetic.
“Our travels have always been about discovering beauty in unexpected places,”.
says Chris Weylandt
The collection reflects not only visual inspiration gathered through travel but also the invaluable knowledge shared by craftspeople whose skills have been passed down through generations.
Each piece showcases traditional techniques that celebrate the imperfections and individuality of handcrafted design. In Moradabad, artisans continue to use centuries-old sand-casting methods, creating hand-formed moulds from clay, sand, and water before breaking them apart and rebuilding them for every new piece. This meticulous process ensures that no two creations are exactly alike.
The collection also highlights richly veined marble sourced from Rajasthan, alongside sculptural forms, aged finishes, natural stone, and layered materials that balance contemporary design with timeless artistry.
According to Chris Weylandt, the journey behind every product is what truly defines the collection.
“The journey of the product and the amount of effort that goes into making these pieces sets us apart. We are passionate about finishes, obsessed with detail, and dedicated to craft.”
The launch event itself was designed as an immersive experience by Scape in collaboration with Sanri Pienaar, transporting guests into the vibrant world that inspired the collection.
Visitors were welcomed with traditional chai, a ritual enjoyed by Chris and Anna Weylandt during their travels through India. The venue came alive with colourful marigold installations, layered soundscapes inspired by artisan workshops, and captivating film photography by PJ Kotzé, documenting both the journey and the makers behind the collection.
A 14-minute documentary, filmed by PJ Kotzé and edited by Dirk van Niekerk, offered guests an intimate look into the bustling foundries, marble yards, roadside chai stops, and skilled workshops where the collection came to life.
Following the screening, guests entered a candlelit exhibition space inspired by India’s ancient architecture. The setting showcased intricate wood carvings, marble veneers, silver foiling, and monumental stone pieces, highlighting months of research, development, and collaboration.
The sensory journey continued with masala-inspired cocktails, fragrant incense, and a specially curated sound experience by Bizhan Govindji, creating an atmosphere that reflected curiosity, creativity, and the transformative power of travel.
As Chris Weylandt reflected during the evening, the experience reinforced one enduring lesson from India:
“Everything is possible. Nothing is impossible. The endless possibility is inspiring. And obviously the curry.”
The Journey of Design | India Chapter is now available to explore in Weylandts stores nationwide and online, offering customers an opportunity to experience a collection where craftsmanship, culture, and contemporary design come together in every piece.
