Khanyi Mlaba
Dutch design brand Moooi is available in South Africa exclusively at Weylandts stores. We sat down with Chris Weylandt and Kim Smith, owners of Weylandts, as well as Robin Bevers, CEO of Moooi, to find out what we can expect from this partnership.
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How did this relationship come about?
Chris: Looking at what Moooi has to offer, it was a very easy decision.
Kim: It just made sense. They provide a luxury product that fits well with Weylandts. To be the platform that carries Moooi is special, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.
Robin: We’ve wanted to enter the South African market for a long time now, and when it came to it, Weylandts was the right fit.
What does this exclusive relationship have to offer Weylandts consumers?
Kim: Moooi is a brand that pushes the boundaries, while still providing incredible design. You don’t just see their pieces, you feel them, and that’s an element that we’d love to bring to our stores.
Chris: We already have customers who appreciate good art and design, so the addition of Moooi will just be an extension of this. It’s something we know they’ll love.
Describe the Moooi design style in three words
Robin: A life extraordinary. That’s our company motto, and it’s truly the best way to describe who we are. We don’t want to be the brand that makes the same kind of product, because nobody in the world is the same kind of person.
How does Moooi stay on trend as a brand?
Robin: We don’t stick to trends, some people may say that we start the trends, but that’s not something that we aim to do. Our floral carpets are an example of that, where people think that we created a trend, but I just say we created something we liked. We don’t look at forecasts or follow colour schemes, our furniture is about what the heart wants.
Can we expect a South African influence in future designs or campaigns?
Kim: We’re a platform for Moooi, which means we’ll showcase what they already have to offer, that’s not to say that we won’t listen to what the customer loves. We’ll have to see how they react.
Robin: Now that we have Weylandts, I think it will be easier to get in touch with South African designers. Our brand is metropolitan, the designs and branding are city focused, but I find that cities are the same all over the word, so I’m open to that idea.
When you’re not working, what are you doing?
Chris: I like to go on a good run, it’s a good chance to put down the phone and get away from all distractions.
Kim: I’m a huge reader, but I also love attending events like Design Indaba, experiencing things that feed the mind.
Robin: Not a lot of people know this about me, but I really enjoy science fiction. I’m actually a big “Trekkie” (Star Trek enthusiast), I just love that stuff.
In your opinion, what is one thing that ties a home together?
Kim: Whatever that homeowner loves. Each person is different, and should have a different answer to that question.
Chris: I don’t think we can tell you what your home needs, we can only provide it.
Robin: If you walk in to a store and there’s that one product that holds your heart, one you can’t let go of. That is what will bring your home together.
What tips do you have for people looking to update their homes?
Robin: Don’t get rid of everything. The Americans have this saying, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” although it is for weddings, I think you can apply it in your home. Balance the old with the new, and buy one piece at a time.
Kim: I think it depends on what you need at the time. As things change and families change, so does the need for certain things in your home. For example, when the kids move out, you don’t need as much space. Know what you need and plan around that.
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How do you want customers to feel after seeing the Moooi display?
Kim: Moved. Moooi has a lot of emotion in its pieces and that’s something we hope will come across.
Chris: Inspired to try something different, something out of the box in their homes.
Robin: People often come up to me all over the world to tell me what their favourite piece is, the one piece that they’ll always remember even if they don’t buy it straight away. That’s the impact I hope the display will have here.
