The countdown is on for the industry’s most exciting exhibition – a dynamic showcase of gift, fashion, decor and design trends. This is your chance to uncover the latest products, upcoming trends and connect directly with leading suppliers all under one roof.

From products launches to inspiring displays, the exhibition floor will be packed with exciting discoveries around every corner. Whether you are sourcing new products, searching for the latest trends, or looking to grow your supplier network, this is where business happens.

Trade buyers attending the exhibition gain access to hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their products. It’s the ideal exhibition to compare products, build relationships and stay ahead of what’s next in the industry.

Register as a trade buyer and join us this August for an exciting opportunity to connect, source, gain industry insights and grow your business.

SARCDA 2026 takes place between 12 -14 August 2026 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. For more information, visit sarcda.co.za or contact SARCDA at information@sarcda.co.za and 011 728 6668.

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Celebrated for its distinctive fusion of art and function, beloved South African design house Carrol Boyes brings the brand’s unmistakable figurative design language to one of life’s most personal rituals: writing.

Designed for collectors who value the written word, these instruments transcend utility, inviting meaningful engagement with writing.

Comprising a fountain pen, rollerball pen and ballpoint pen, each pen in the Legacy Pen Collection is more than a functional instrument; it is a true expression of art. Crafted from stainless steel and brass, and finished in 14-carat gold and 925 silver plating, each pen offers a considered weight and flawless performance.

Carrol Boyes’ signature ‘woman’ motif is shaped seamlessly into the clip and rendered in luminous gold and silver finishes. She is, as she has always been in Carrol Boyes’ work, an embodiment of strength, elegance and enduring femininity.

Each piece is presented in a vegan-leather case embossed with the Carrol Boyes insignia, designed not simply as packaging but as a keepsake, as considered as the object it holds.

“This collection is more than a writing instrument, it is a legacy you can hold in your hand,” says Charles Boyes, CEO of Carrol Boyes. “We set out to honour the art of writing while creating a piece that reflects enduring craftsmanship and the emotional connection people have with the written word.”

There is a particular detail in Carrol Boyes’ own story that feels, in retrospect, like the beginning of everything. When Carrol was born, her father misspelt her name. An extra ‘r’, added by accident, became permanent. Her name was written into existence by a pen. It is an intimate human moment: the kind that shapes a life without announcing itself. With that sentiment, the arrival of the iconic Signature Collection ‘Write Your Legacy’ feels more like a homecoming.

Rooted in a legacy of storytelling through design, this collection speaks to the special intimacy between object and owner, thought and expression, past and present. These are not merely writing instruments. They are companions to life’s defining moments – created to sign, to write, to remember.

The collection will be available from June 2026 exclusively online and at selected Carrol Boyes stores nationwide. | carrolboyes.com

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Get ready for an exciting showcase of gift, fashion, decor and design trends this August as one of the year’s most anticipated trade exhibitions opens its doors. Coming just in time to stock shelves for the festive season, SARCDA 2026 brings together leading brands, entrepreneurs and serious buyers all under one roof.

For exhibitors, this is your opportunity to showcase your products directly Infront of verified trade buyers searching for new products, fresh suppliers and business partnerships.  Whether you are launching new products, growing your brand, or are looking to connect with high-quality leads, the exhibition floor will be buzzing with decision-makers ready to connect.

For buyers, expect an inspiring experience packed with brand new products, networking opportunities, and exclusive industry insights. Discover what’s next, meet the faces behind the brands, and gain access to thousands of products.

This is where business happens, relationships are built and future opportunities are discovered.

Now is the time to apply to exhibit or register as a trade buyer. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of SARCDA 2026!

SARCDA 2026 takes place between 12 -14 August 2026 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. For more information, visit sarcda.co.za or contact SARCDA at information@sarcda.co.za and 011 728 6668.

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It started with a wooden sun lounger and a tin of oil. Mobelli founder Alon Sachs had bought what seemed like a reasonable piece of outdoor furniture, only to spend more time maintaining it than enjoying it. “There was nothing relaxing about it,” he recalls. “It felt like I was working for the furniture, instead of the furniture working for me.”

That frustration became a business idea. Together with his brother Aviv, Alon set out to build furniture that was beautiful, durable, and genuinely hassle-free. Outdoor furniture that could handle the elements without demanding anything back.

From Outdoor to the Whole Home

As Mobelli’s outdoor reputation grew, so did the conversation with clients. The same desire for quality without compromise, for furniture that genuinely fits into daily life, extended naturally indoors.

Today, Mobelli’s indoor collections are built around the same philosophy: pieces that are considered, comfortable, and designed to adapt. Modular sofas that reconfigure as a household’s needs change. Deep, generous seating that makes comfort the priority. Flexible arrangements that work for how a home is actually lived in, not just how it photographs.

Beyond the Home

That reputation hasn’t stayed residential. Mobelli works with hotels, boutique lodges, and hospitality spaces across South Africa and beyond – from carefully considered outdoor terraces to fully furnished interiors. It’s a natural extension of the same brief: spaces that need to look exceptional and perform reliably, day after day.

Twenty Years On

Mobelli now has showrooms in Cape Town (Sea Point and Paarden Eiland) and Johannesburg (Illovo Square and Fourways Mall), and a client base that spans residential homes, interior designers, architects, and hospitality operators across Africa.

The collections keep evolving. But the founding idea has stayed exactly the same: furniture should work for the life you want to live.

Explore the full range at mobelli.co.za.

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WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS Supplied

When the original Volkswagen Golf launched in 1976, it quietly rewrote the rules of performance design. There were faster cars, and more luxurious ones, but none blended everyday usability with sharp-edged intent so convincingly. Over five decades, the GTI has evolved from a stripped-back experiment into a design icon, its visual language continually refined without losing the DNA that made it instantly recognisable. Red pinstripes, tartan cloth, subtle aggression – these cues have been reinterpreted across eight generations, each reflecting its era’s tastes and technologies. This is the story of how the Golf GTI grew up without ever losing its youthful edge. 

THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT: Mark I (1976–1983)

The first GTI was never meant to be a design revolution, yet it became one through restraint. Based on the clean, geometric lines of the standard Golf, its designers introduced a new visual vocabulary for performance: minimal but deliberate. The (now legendary) thin red grille surround offered just enough flair to signal intent without excess. Black plastic wheel-arch extensions gave it a grounded, purposeful stance, while the absence of chrome hinted at modernity.

Inside, the tartan upholstery added personality to an otherwise functional cabin – an early example of performance design extending beyond mechanicals into lifestyle. The Mk1 GTI’s genius lay in its clarity: it didn’t shout; it sharpened.

REFINEMENT AND MATURITY: Mark II (1984–1992)

Reflecting a broader 1980s shift towards rounded forms, the Mk2 GTI softened the original’s starkness. It grew in size, too: a more substantial silhouette, with larger glass areas and smoother transitions between surfaces. Yet, crucially, the GTI identity remained intact.

VW’s designers retained the red grille accent and black arch trims, but integrated them more cohesively into the body. The proportions grew, lending the car a more mature presence without sacrificing its sporty stance. Inside, the tartan continued, reinforcing continuity. This generation marked the GTI’s transition from rebellious upstart to established icon, its design less raw and more resolved.

SUBTLETY TAKES OVER: Mark III (1993–1999)

By the early 1990s, the GTI’s design language became more conservative, mirroring a broader industry trend towards safety and aerodynamics. The Mk3’s rounded, almost softened face reduced the visual aggression of its predecessors. The red detailing remained but felt less pronounced, while the body lost some of the crispness that had defined earlier models.

This was a GTI that blended in more than it stood out. The restraint signalled an important shift: the GTI was becoming less about visual rebellion and more about everyday integration. Design became quieter, almost understated – a theme that would echo in later generations.

PRECISION AND QUALITY: Mark IV (1998–2004)

The Mk4 GTI marked a turning point in perceived quality and design precision. Its surfaces were cleaner, tighter and more sophisticated, reflecting VW’s push into premium territory. The design language became minimalist, with subtle creases replacing overt detailing. This generation was modest in terms of styling, and was the first and only GTI to do away with the iconic red strip in the radiator grille. Nevertheless, the vehicle still became an icon, celebrated today as the starting point of a new, cleaner era of vehicle design.

Aluminium accents and improved materials inside elevated the cabin, moving the GTI into a more upscale space. This generation prioritised cohesion over character, losing some of the earlier models’ playful edge, but gaining a sense of solidity and craftsmanship that would define Volkswagen design for years.

THE RETURN OF ENERGY: Mark V (2004–2009)

The Mk5 GTI reintroduced visual excitement after the restraint of the Mk4. Its design embraced contrast and texture: a bold honeycomb grille, the red pinstripe was back, and sculpted bumpers gave the car renewed vitality. The proportions felt more athletic, with a wider stance and stronger shoulder line. The circular fog lights embedded in the grille became a defining feature, adding a playful yet aggressive touch. For the interior, tartan upholstery returned with confidence, reconnecting the GTI to its roots. This generation struck a balance between heritage and modernity, reminding the world that the GTI could still have fun.

EVOLUTION, NOT REVOLUTION: Mark VI (2009–2013)

Visually, the Mk6 GTI refined the Mk5 rather than reinventing it. The lines became sharper, the detailing more precise, the overall aesthetic more polished. Slimmer headlamps that introduced LED lighting, a narrower front grille with the iconic red pinstripe and simplified taillights all made for a more angular and aggressive design compared to its predecessor.

This was design as iteration: careful, considered and controlled. It was a more “premium” look that avoided over-styling while still maintaining the “hot hatch” identity. The Mk6 didn’t seek to surprise; it aimed to perfect what already worked.

SHARPENED IDENTITY: Mark VII (2013–2020)

The Mk7 GTI embraced angularity, reflecting a shift towards sharper, more technical design language in the 2010s. Built on a new platform, its proportions improved dramatically – it became lower, longer and wider.

Crisp character lines ran along the body, giving it a taut, almost architectural quality. The front end became more assertive, with a wider grille and more integrated lighting elements. Inside, a digital interface began to reshape the cabin experience, although traditional GTI cues remained. This generation successfully modernised the GTI’s design without diluting its identity, achieving a balance between heritage and innovation.

DIGITAL MINIMALISM MEETS TRADITION: Mark VIII (2020–2026)

The latest Mk8 GTI represents the most radical shift in interior design while maintaining a familiar exterior identity. The exterior evolves the Mk7’s sharpness with slimmer headlights, a lower grille and more intricate lighting signatures, including illuminated elements that redefine how the GTI is recognised at night. The red stripe persists, now integrated into a broader lighting narrative. Body surfaces are cleaner, almost minimalist, reflecting contemporary design trends.

In the new interior, physical controls have given way to digital interfaces, creating a futuristic environment that contrasts the tactile charm of earlier generations. Yet touches like tartan seats remain, anchoring the car in its history.

The latest version of this storied performance hatchback launched in South Africa towards the end of last year. Dubbed the GTI 8.5, it features new LED Plus headlights and standard 19-inch “Queenstown” alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin has ergonomically designed supportive seats, a new 12.9-inch infotainment system and a fully digital cockpit.

We’ve purposefully kept performance out of this design-focused feature. But to underline the Golf GTI’s evolution, the Mark 1 boasted 81kW and 140Nm from its fuel-injected 1.6 litre engine, while the Mark 8.5 offers 195kW and 370Nm from its turbocharged 2.0-litre power plant.

There’s more to this latest GTI than mere performance figures. It’s a car that demonstrates how a design icon can adapt to a digital age without losing its soul – proof that evolution, when handled carefully, can be just as powerful as revolution.

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This year, Mobelli celebrates 20 years of designing spaces where life actually happens – and the Tatu Sofa is one of the clearest expressions of that philosophy yet. Fully modular and endlessly customisable, it’s built around the way you live, not the other way around.

Start with a single seat and build outward, or configure a full lounge suite from scratch. The Tatu grows with your space, your family, and your life – and as winter settles in, it becomes the kind of comfort worth gathering around.

Three cushion styles let you tailor exactly how it feels: the traditional Square for classic, everyday comfort; the Box for a more upright, supported seat; and the Shlomphie for those evenings when relaxing fully is the only agenda. The backrest and armrest are interchangeable, and each seat doubles as an ottoman – so the sofa shifts as your evening does.

Fabric choices are just as personal. Ready-to-order in linen beige, white corduroy, or vegan leather that wears beautifully over time. Or choose your own fabric and colour entirely – because this is your sofa, after all.

The Tatu isn’t just a place to sit. It’s where your people land, linger, and always seem to end up staying longer than planned.

Available in Linen Beige, Vegan Leather, and White Corduroy, or a custom fabric of your choice. Visit mobelli.co.za or explore in-store in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

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No two homes tell the same story.

One family rises at dawn for school runs. Another works night shifts. Some households cook sumptuous weekend feasts. Others rely on quick weekday meals between activities. Yet for years, appliances were built with a one-size-fits-all mind-set.

Samsung is changing that narrative by building appliances that can learn your family’s habits.

Through its Bespoke AI ecosystem, Samsung is pioneering personalisation at scale, where technology adapts continuously to the rhythms, preferences and energy patterns of each household. This is the evolution of the AI Home Companion.

Built-in Intelligence

Personalisation is not an add-on feature. It is embedded within the appliance itself.

AI Wash¹ refines performance over time, learning how frequently laundry is done, what fabrics dominate and how much detergent is needed. It improves efficiency without requiring reprogramming. AI EcoBubble² uses intelligent fabric sensing and bubble technology to deliver up to 70% energy savings³ while removing 24% more soil⁴, even in cold water. They use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyse fabric types and load weight, optimising detergent, water and bubble usage for high quality care and efficiency.

In climate control, AI Fast and Comfort Cooling⁵ ensures rapid temperature adjustments without an unexpected draft. The system learns occupancy patterns, adjusting cooling performance to deliver comfort only when and where it is needed.

This is personalisation that evolves. The more you live, the more your appliances understand.

An Ecosystem with a Bird’s Eye View

True personalisation happens when devices communicate. Through SmartThings⁶, Samsung connects refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, air conditioners, TVs and mobile devices into a unified ecosystem with contextual awareness.

SmartThings⁶ Energy provides visibility into household consumption patterns, helping families make informed decisions and encouraging more sustainable living. Over time, the system learns preferences and automatically optimises operations to reduce unnecessary consumption without sacrificing comfort.⁷

Secure, Reliable and Built for the Long Term

As homes become more intelligent, security becomes foundational. Samsung Knox⁸ safeguards connected appliances at both hardware and software levels, protecting data, access controls, and personal information. Personalisation should never mean a compromise on privacy.

Reliability also defines the AI Home Companion. Samsung appliances undergo rigorous durability testing and receive long-term software updates to remain secure and capable. With extended warranties, families invest in intelligence that lasts.

Why Personalisation Matters

Personalisation is not about novelty but about relevance. In a country as diverse as South Africa, homes vary widely in size, energy access and needs, climate conditions and lifestyle patterns. An adaptive AI ecosystem takes these differences into account and balances across apartments, suburban homes and all other household types in between.

When appliances respond to real-life behaviour, families spend less time configuring technology and more time benefiting from it. The technology fades into the background, allowing life to take centre stage.

The Future of the AI Living Companion

Samsung’s vision extends beyond smart appliances. It is about shaping a home that grows with you. Work patterns shift. Energy demands fluctuate. Through continuous learning and software updates, the Samsung AI ecosystem evolves with these transitions. More than connected, the home becomes attentive.

In this future, your refrigerator anticipates your weekly habits. Your washing machine aligns with your schedule. Your air conditioning understands seasonal nuances. Your energy consumption adapts automatically. And it’s all coordinated through one secure ecosystem. With this kind of personalisation happening at scale, it is not technology that demands attention, but technology that pays attention.

Samsung is not simply building appliances. It is building AI Living Companions designed to enrich life, strengthen families, and transform houses into responsive, intelligent homes that truly understand⁹ the people inside them.

Samsung is your companion in this new era, making the “home of the future” the reality of your today. For more details, visit samsung.com/za/

¹ Based on an AI-created algorithm. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.

² AI Ecobubble is only activated when specific courses are selected, including Cotton, Synthetics and AI Wash with loads less than 2kg.

³ Compared to washing in warm water. Tested in accordance with IEC 60456-2010 / 4kg Wash Load / Super Eco Wash cold (WF80F5E5U4W) vs. Cotton 40°C without Ecobubble (WF0702WKU). Individual results may vary.

⁴ Based on the Performance Lab Test report by Springboard Engineering on EMPA strips, comparing a normal detergent solution and bubble technology without mechanical action. Individual results may vary.

⁵ To use AI Fast & Comfort Cooling a Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account SmartThings are required. SmartThings server stores user data, preferences and usage patterns to suggest the most useful options

⁶ To use SmartThings, download the App from the Galaxy Store, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store. The supported OS specification, required storage space, and other usage environment for the SmartThings app can be found on the app download page in each app store. SmartThings has compatibility constraints, and the compatible environment may be updated periodically.  Supported OS specifications and app screen configuration may change with app updates.

⁷ Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions and patterns.

⁸ Applied to all appliances that have an Internet connection.

⁹ AI-based features are available on certain appliances, and based on our deep learning model, which is trained using a predefined set of data and may yield incomplete or incorrect information. New data sets maybe introduced to our learning model from time to time to enhance its accuracy.

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Behind every Weylandts piece is a journey, not only of materials and making, but of instinct, observation, and an enduring search for spaces and objects with soul.

For founder Chris Weylandt and his daughter, Anna Weylandt, travel has always been more than movement. It is research. A way of seeing. A practice of collecting ideas across continents, from the reimagined restraint of modern European interiors to the raw tactility of handcrafted pieces sourced from remote workshops and artisan communities in Indonesia, Vietnam, and India.

This is where the design process begins at Weylandts. In places where textiles tell stories, where streets are shaped by time and architecture, and where craftsmanship is still guided by hand. Each destination offers something distinct, a silhouette, a surface, a method, a mood. These ideas are not replicated, but reinterpreted through the Weylandts lens: refined, grounded, and deeply connected to the way we live.

From there, design becomes a deliberate process. Months of research and development shape each piece, working closely with artisans and suppliers to create an expression that feels both authentic and considered. Every design is developed in-house, carefully brought to life through collaboration and craft.

While travel informs the vision, it is realised through both international partnerships and a commitment to local craft. At Weylandts each piece is designed with consideration by skilled artisans using time-honoured techniques, bringing honesty and depth that can only come from hand and material.

Visit your nearest Weylandts showroom or shop online today.

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At its best, material does more than complete a space. It defines how it feels, how it functions, and how it lasts.

This is where WOMAG has built its reputation. As a long-standing supplier of natural stone, porcelain and engineered surfaces, the brand has become a trusted partner to architects, designers and homeowners seeking materials that carry both presence and performance.

From marble, granite and quartzite to travertine and large-format porcelain, each surface is selected with intention. Not just for how it looks, but for how it lives within a space over time.

Backed by in-house fabrication and installation, WOMAG offers a level of control that ensures every detail, from slab to final fit, aligns with the original vision.

Making Space for What’s Next

Each year, as new materials arrive and collections evolve, WOMAG releases a selection of existing stock to make room for what’s ahead.

This is where the Annual Clearance Sale comes in.

Alongside limited stock and discontinued ranges, the sale includes standout materials that remain as relevant and striking as ever, now available at significantly reduced prices.

Think of it less as a clearance, and more as an opportunity to access a broader material palette at a different price point.

With discounts of up to 75% across porcelain tiles, natural stone tiles, slabs, ready made kitchen tops and basins, the sale opens up possibilities for both designers and homeowners to work more expansively without compromising on quality.

Design More. Spend Less.

For those willing to look closely, this is where some of the best finds live.

WOMAG Annual Clearance Sale
17–19 April
N1 Showroom, Paarden Eiland

A rare chance to source well, and design without restraint.

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Cape Town’s most desirable addresses are often defined by their relationship to the mountain – and few are as intimately connected as Tafelhaus No.17.

With just twelve apartments, Tafelhaus No.17 is quietly confident in its scale. The architecture is composed and deliberate, shaped by gentle curves, depth and proportion – a contemporary interpretation that sits comfortably within Oranjezicht’s established character.

Designed by Bruce Wilson Architects with interiors by Maison & Marble and developed by Chapter, the project reflects a considered approach to contemporary living. Gentle curves, balanced proportions and a restrained material palette give the building a calm architectural presence that sits comfortably within Oranjezicht’s established character, with sustainability quietly integrated through responsibly sourced materials and energy-efficient water-cooling systems.

Inside, open-plan living spaces are shaped by arched thresholds and softened transitions that guide movement through the home. Walnut veneer cabinetry with fluted glass, satin brass detailing and carefully selected stone surfaces introduce warmth and tactility, creating interiors that feel both refined and enduring.

Each residence opens toward the surrounding landscape, with expansive private balconies extending living spaces outward. Here, panoramic mountain views are not a feature, but a constant presence – grounding daily life in something enduring and distinctly Cape Town.

Oranjezicht remains one of Cape Town’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, balancing residential calm with proximity to the city’s cultural energy. De Waal Park, neighbourhood cafés and landmarks like the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel sit moments away, while Kloof and Bree Street bring the city’s restaurants, galleries and boutiques within easy reach.

Brought to market by Revo Digital and sold exclusively by Revo Property, Tafelhaus No.17 presents a rare opportunity to secure a refined foothold at the base of Table Mountain. Sales open Thursday, 30 April at 12PM via Connect, Revo Digital’s interactive price list, with launch-day pricing available for a limited time. Explore Tafelhaus No.17 at tafelhaus17-oranjezicht.co.za

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