5 Questions with Angelique Dhama and Nikhil Kapoor on OBEETEE Carpets and Tissage launching Chroma

Design is about evolution. It is also about being rooted. Yet it also about stories. The idea of art and artisanship permeate the boundaries of design, hence, lending a language of unparalleled vigour and vivacity to the canvas of one’s creation. On similar lines treads the collaboration between OBEETEE Carpets and Tissage — a rather joyous yet mystifying collection of carpets dubbed Chroma, inspired by the Chroma tribe, channelling the traditional history, its modern resurgence and curiosity for the vibrance of colours.

In a conversation with ELLE DECOR India, Angelique Dhama, CEO, OBEETEE Carpets-Retail, along with Nikhil Kapoor, Creative Director, Tissage, narrate the tale of Chroma and how it took shape in the world of design…

1. What led to the collaboration between Obeetee Carpets and Tissage?

Angelique: The collaboration between Obeetee Carpets and Tissage was a harmonious union of two distinct design sensibilities. Obeetee, with its rich heritage and craftsmanship, brought a timeless elegance to the table, while Tissage contributed its innovative and contemporary design approach. The intersection of these two design philosophies was the catalyst for the Chroma Collection, where traditional craftsmanship seamlessly merged with modern creativity to create a collection that transcends boundaries.

2. Do you have any favourites from the Chroma Collection?

Nikhil: Each rug in the Chroma Collection holds a unique significance, but the blue rug resonates with me personally. It encapsulates a journey of cleansing and purity, washing away negativity to reveal a vibrant canvas of endless possibilities. The symbolism and the visual narrative of the blue rug exemplify the transformative potential of colour in our lives.

Angelique: Each rug in the Chroma Collection holds a unique significance, but if I were to choose, the red rug resonates with me personally as red to me is a colour of love, prosperity, and happiness. This is exactly what chroma aims at, making people feel different things through different colours.

3. How was this collaboration different from others with, say, a fashion designer or an architect?

Angelique: Unlike collaborations with fashion designers or architects, the Chroma Collection delved into the spiritual and cultural dimensions of colour. It wasn’t merely about aesthetics; it was a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and contemporary design. Working with Tissage Rugs allowed us to explore the intersection of heritage and modernity, creating a collection that tells a rich story of the human experience through the lens of colour.

4. Any specific learnings or moments you’d like to share from this collaboration?

Nikhil: This collaboration offered us a unique opportunity to shift the narrative of color, drawing inspiration from the fictional Chroma concept. The journey from adhering to sober, monochrome tones to embracing the entire spectrum of colors was a significant turning point. It taught us that color is not just a visual element but a storyteller, capable of transforming perceptions and weaving a new cultural narrative. The Chroma Collection became a testament to the power of color in shaping our understanding of space and spirituality.

5. How do you fathom a world without colour?

Angelique: Imagining a world without colour is akin to envisioning a life without emotions and vibrancy. Colour is an integral part of our existence—it represents our emotions, cultures, and the very essence of life. A colourless world would lack the richness and depth that make our human experience truly beautiful.

Nikhil: Imagining a world without colour is akin to envisioning a life without expression and emotion. colour is the language of our surroundings, and a world devoid of it would lack the richness that defines the human experience. It would be a monochromatic existence, devoid of the vibrancy that colours bring to our emotions, cultures, and the very fabric of life itself.

Scroll to see the glimpses of the OBEETEE Carpets X Tissage Chroma collection: