Beheld co-founder Alan Hayward speaks to Wanted about creative life, personal style and the things that keep him inspired. In the latest edition of Wanted’s Gifted series, Alan shares a more personal look at the influences behind his creative practice, from espresso and Salone del Mobile to bold clothing, unexpected colour and objects that make you pause. He also reflects on his work across African design, his love of novelty and the importance of building a creative life with his best friend and Beheld co-founder, Garreth van Niekerk. Read the full interview on Wanted: https://www.wantedonline.co.za/culture/2025-06-23-gifted-alan-hayward/

Beheld co-founder Garreth van Niekerk joined SABC News to discuss LRNCE, Moroccan craft and the future of design in Africa. Following LRNCE being named Decorex Africa’s 2026 Designer of the Year, Garreth spoke about the Marrakech-based studio’s ability to bring Morocco’s craft traditions into a distinctive contemporary design language. He also reflected on what LRNCE’s success tells us about sustainability and the future of African design, where local materials, artisan knowledge and cultural specificity are becoming sources of global strength. Watch the full interview on SABC News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce6BMaT3cdo

The Soft Life is Decorex Africa’s 2026 theme: a design-led response to burnout, speed and overproduction, placing wellbeing, ease, joy and human connection at the centre of how we live. Conceived by Beheld, the theme invites designers, brands and audiences to imagine interiors not just as beautiful spaces, but as softer systems of care, comfort and everyday restoration.

In April 2026, Beheld founders Alan Hayward and Garreth van Niekerk curated a South African craft presentation for SaloneSatellite in Milan, forming part of the international Skilled Craftsmanship + Innovation exhibition. The presentation brought together leading South African makers across ceramics, beadwork, weaving, textiles and object design, positioning local craft as a contemporary, intelligent and globally relevant design language.