If you’ve been reading this space or just keeping your eyes open to the ever changing world of design, you would know India is back in favour with fashion houses and interior designers alike.
Unlike the 1990s and early 2000s, the India we see presented on catwalks and our homes is refined and understated. The focus has shifted from colours and embellishments to the craftsmanship, techniques, which the modern-age designers are infusing with a new, contemporary design vocabulary.
India seems to be the place fashion and interior design are coming together. Leading the charge is the noted Pakistani interior designer Fameed Kahlique. “The country is rich with heritage and centuries old know-how in embroidery and fine fabrics,” he says of his choice of working with an Indian workshop. “We are directing their skills towards new patterns and designs. The results are quite stunning really!” The critically acclaimed London-based designer is at present working on a hush-hush collaboration with an A-list fashion designer, creating bespoke fabrics for an upcoming couture collection.
Closer to home, Dubai-based entrepreneur Nisha Shetty is collaborating with noted Indian designers such as Krsna Mehta to bring colours of new India to the Middle East. “I founded The Urban Yogi because I felt there was not enough representation of the new Indian design ethos in the UAE,” she says. “I wanted to create a lifestyle brand. Bringing Mehta’s India Circus collection to my pop-up stores was a step in that direction.”
Over two short years, Shetty has introduced a vibrant, sustainable design concept — from Indian patchwork upholstered furniture and repurposed antique cabinets to kitschy cushions, iPad sleeves and tableware. You can explore the new India design scene at Shetty’s pop-up stores at Mercato Mall and Times Square Centre.
Another Dubai-based expat has manifested her love for the country via a venture that is helping local artisans and weavers revive their crafts. Elizabeth Alda Morrison established From Jaipur With Love to provide rural rug weavers with economic consistency. “The landscape and colourful life that are synonymous with Rajasthan are incredibly inspiring,” she says of why designers fall in love with the desert.
Retailing from S*uce Gifts at Wasl Square, the India-inspired rugs are already a favourite among the region’s design enthusiasts.
India is the place you might want to make a financial investment in rare design-art pieces. Delhi based Gunjan Gupta — a regular at Design Days Dubai — is often credited with re-positioning the “Made In India” brand on the global design scene. Her pieces always have a quintessentially Indian twist, but she is best known for her one-off design works that would sit as comfortably in a New York loft or a stunning Hong Kong hotel. The strong lines and minimal shapes might not be India as we know it, but it certainly is the direction we can expect the country to shock us with.
When two bonafide Londoners, Charlotte Johnstone and Catherine Trotman, found themselves immersed in India, they decided to revive the art that is the royal tent. At Titania, their bespoke tents marry the glamour of the Raj era with contemporary colours and patterns to create the most sublime outdoor living spaces.
“Having both lived in India for over 10 years, we’re spellbound and inspired by the rich history, depth of design particularly in textiles and the kaleidoscopic colours all around,” says Trotman. “Our tents are inspired by it all but we knew we had to appeal to an international audience if we were to succeed.” From small picnic tents to marquees that have hosted art festivals and A-list weddings, Titania Tents are also providing livelihood to a community forgotten by the industrial revolution. The social-economic revival that is coming about as a result is undoubtedly the best part of the Great Indian Design Revolution.
Captions:
THE URBAN YOGI
The Urban Yogi is introducing a new India-Inspired design aesthetic to the Middle East.
GUNJAN GUPTA
Sleek lines and minimal designs might not be instantly associated with India but Gunjan Gupta is changing out-dated perceptions.
TITIANA TENTS
To order your own Raj inspired marquee connect with TITIANA Tents at anouk@titaniatents.com
FAMEED KHALIQUE
From interiors to high fashion, Fameed Khalique is giving new voice to the Indian arts & Crafts vocabulary.
