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  • Article Category: News

    Sabyasachi’s latest store in New York is an unapologetic celebration of maximalism in Indian craftsmanship, culture and heritage

    Sabyasachi’s latest store in New York is an unapologetic celebration of maximalism in  Indian craftsmanship, culture and heritage

    Bringing the undiluted Sabyasachi experience and South Asian diaspora to New York, the celebrated Indian couturier, Sabyasachi Mukherjee has made quite a splash in the States with the opening of his first international flagship store. The hallmarks of Sabyasachi’s legacy drips in decadence in the 5,800 sq ft expansive store located in the Archive Building on 160, Christopher Street in downtown, New York.

    Sabyasachi captures what was and what is today with a single-minded vision to create modern heirlooms; Photography by Björn Wallander

    Talking about his experience to launch internationally, Sabyasachi shares, “I have spent the last two decades creating a brand rooted in heritage, craftsmanship and a point of view that is authentically Indian. It’s time for me to share this with the world.”

    Even the lampshades are covered with the designer’s signature block-printed silks; Photography by Björn Wallander

    Every corner of this ornate store is filled to the brim with an array of antiques, art pieces, and chandeliers, which in itself looks regal but the icing on the cake is the alluring collection of womenswear, menswear, accessories and fine jewellery. The ace designer has created his signature retail experience in the Big Apple which maps his journey from the picturesque streets of Calcutta to the city that never sleeps, New York. Even the Bengal Tiger insignia was deconstructed across prints to map out the designer’s journey till today. What’s more, the new space is an extension of the brand’s ethos—an apt representation of Indian magnificence coupled with the spirit of a new renaissance.

    Known for a marriage of regal and bohemian styles, the same can be seen in the interiors of Sabyasachi’s eloquent boutique; Photography by Björn Wallander

     

    From Rajasthan to Bengal, vintage handwoven and crafted textiles from across India can be found all across the store, showcasing a sliver of India’s grand crafts legacy; Photography by Björn Wallander

    The Archive Building looks like Sabyasachi’s world now—with hallways covered from floor to ceiling in framed paintings inspired by Qajar Art from the Persian Dynasty, 16th-century Mughal miniatures, to the juxtaposition of modernist interpretations with old Indian Pichhwais, vintage photographs to rare lithographs and an unrestricted number of artworks; each one made by the Sabyasachi Art Foundation. The awe-inspiring space is filled with Dutch pottery, hand-fired tiles from Utah, handmade brass structures, chandeliers, block-printed lampshades and leather-bound books all decked up against Sabyasachi for Nilaya wallpaper.

    This new store spans 5,800 square feet with 16’ ceiling heights and a multi-level configuration; Photography by Björn Wallander

     

    An industry darling in India, Sabyasachi’s New York is a must-visit for not just its covetable collection of clothes and jewellery but also for its magnificent interiors; Photography by Björn Wallander

    The new collection titled ‘The New York Edit’ is Sabyasachi’s debut international collection and is described as timeless and fluid—a celebration of beauty, heritage and value cutting across geographies, generations and time. ‘The New York Edit’ marks the first collection he has showcased his Spring/Summer collection at the New York Fashion Week in 2007. Famed for his bridal work, and a pioneer when it comes to working with Indian textiles, his new collection is like a fresh breath of air and includes breezy dresses, shirts, kaftans and trenches while maintaining his signature design.

    Using indigenous crafts of dying and weaving fabric, incorporated with modern silhouettes, he has spearheaded a push by Indian designers into the broader international fashion market and this flagship store is just the beginning; Photography by Björn Wallander

     

    Sabyasachi’s vision for the retail experience remains consistent across various cities and stores; Photography by Björn Wallander

    “I was always upset by the fact that while India has such a deep history of luxury, we weren’t seeing Indian luxury brands proliferate the markets. I knew early on that I wanted to change that narrative. It was on my flight back to India from my New York Fashion Week showing that I realised that I was doing this all wrong. I got a great response there. But it didn’t feel right. I realised that I had to first own my space in my own country and create a brand that was authentically Indian before I took it to the world. Now the time has come,” he divulges.

    The jaw-dropping interiors of the store make it an escape and a reminder to step away and into a timeless sense of being and the complete abandon and decadence of the joy of age-old heritage and slow luxury; Photography by Björn Wallander

    A once-in-a-lifetime experience, Sabyasachi weaves a narrative that delves deep into the rich Indian history and heritage and takes you along for the ride. The store launch saw flocks of designers, celebrities and people within the industry being plied with the ultimate experience of Indian luxury by the man of the hour himself. With the thoughtful incorporation of East and West, Sabyasachi neatly curated a gem when it comes to interiors. Even the busts, lampshades and vitrines are all lined with Sabyasachi’s signature block-printed silk velvet. This beautiful baroque boutique is a magnificent amalgam of art, culture, heritage and commerce; with its blurring geographical and cultural boundaries, the brand is a luxurious one through and through.

    Experience de première classe shopping at Qbik’s new, modern-aesthetic Dhan Mill store in New Delhi

    Experience de première classe shopping at Qbik’s new, modern-aesthetic Dhan Mill store in New Delhi

    Completing 10 years in the fashion industry, Qbik has launched a new store in The Dhan Mill, Delhi. An experiential store, it urges you to slow down and enjoy exploring the world enmeshed in quirk, modernity and Indian tradition.

    The avant-garde styles make for a fantasy-like, spacious store with a sprawling shop floor and an office-use mezzanine floor.  The space is an amalgamation of luxurious interiors coupled with rich furnishings. Qbik uses a colour palette of grey, mustard, white, black and mint.

    An industrial aesthetic imparts a rustic yet chic vibe with its play of monochromes; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

     

    Their staple black and white stripes make a smashing entryway; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

     

    The new space is an amalgamation of uber-luxurious interiors with rich furnishings; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

    Staple to the brand, black and white stripes make an eclectic entryway at Qbik. The round black staircase suspended by just one iron pillar and the exposed ceiling speak of a rustic, industrial look.

    Envisioned as a place to explore at a languishing pace, the store showcases the designers’ signature occasion wear for men, women and unique accessories; along with a special salon for brides and grooms.

    The store offers a range of women’s and men’s ethnic wear; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

     

    The store aims at promoting a slow-paced and smooth shopping experience; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

     

    The colour palette used is a mixture of Grey, Mustard, White, Black and Mint; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

    The brand offers a unique section for men’s suiting fabrics, suits and tuxedos with selections from Scabal, Dormeuil, Reda amongst others to choose from and is also known for their bespoke tailoring services.

    With its stunning interiors, the space makes for a striking backdrop to the apparel on display; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

     

    The half ‘D’ shape structures of the show windows and the racks inside the store are derived from the brand’s new logo; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

     

    The right mix of metallics and colour against a stark industrial backdrop makes for an interesting juxtaposition of elements furthering the amalgamation of decor and fashion; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

    “We are excited for our flagship location. This store has been extremely special as we have also completed 10 years of serving in the Indian fashion industry. The expanse of this store is really something that attracts clients. We have worked the hardest on our 40 feet facade. The half D shape structures of the show windows and the racks inside the store are derived from our new logo mark which has transitioned from a cube itself. Just the right tone of gold for our logo and windows, the charcoal grey textured front wall and the signature white and black striped awning make our facade truly stand out in Dhan Mill,” say Vrinda Sachdev and Gurinder Singh, Founders at Qbik.

    Elements such as arches and metal tones are inspired by the displayed signature prints and embroidery details; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

     

    The classic black and white scheme adds to the partly masculine aura of the shop; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

     

    The attention to detail in the design of the flagship store leaves one in awe of the space; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

     

    The furniture is innovatively used to divide the store into sections that can host 5-6 clients at a time; Photograph courtesy Tarang Goyal

    “Every architectural element stands out as a prominent feature, reflecting Qbik’s avante garde styles and vision. The stripe flooring is inspired by their signature monochrome stripes saree collection. The arches, levels, metal tones and over curves are taken off from the displayed signature prints and embroidery details. The curved staircase and mezzanine floor drive attention to detail with a reverential commitment to craftsmanship. Taking their visual language further, the new space boasts of luxurious interiors with rich furnishings in the signature colour palette of grey, mustard, rust, white and black. The furniture has impeccable detailing and has managed to divide the store into sections that can host 5-6 clients at a time,” elaborates designer Poonam Mehta from AMPM Designs based out of Pune, the brain behind Qbik’s impressive stores in Delhi.

     

    The White Motif’s Namrata Rawlani designs a pocket full of colours for this Mumbai office

    The White Motif’s Namrata Rawlani designs a pocket full of colours for this Mumbai office

    To incorporate functionality and fun into an office space, Mumbai based designer Namrata Rawlani designed Laqshya Live Experiences to rival the vibrancy of a rainbow. “I believe that people spend most of their time inside an office space and how that space is designed really affects how we feel,” says Rawlani. The space is characterised by a fusion of eclectic design elements that elevate the office experience. The concept of this space was translated into reality with the use of earthy and contemporary materials and innovative design solutions. Upon entry, we’re greeted with bursts of bright red shades against muted reds with colourful origami birds that add depth to the space. Inside, splashes of colour are seen, set against a base of neutral concrete. The shades also correlate to the use of a particular zone—the creative rooms are bathed in teal tones with colourful artwork on the walls while the walls in the meeting room are a bright solid mango yellow. The base palette of neutral concrete with pops of vibrant hues gives the space a peppy aura. The play of colour and design in each room gives the space its own identity and the clear glass partitions tie it together. A number of pop culture elements accentuate the workspace keeping in line with the underlying vibrant theme.

    Ahmedabad based Amogh Designs channels a chic ambience for this salon

    Ahmedabad based Amogh Designs channels a chic ambience for this salon

    Designed by architect Pankti Shah of Amogh Designs is Salon Kalista—a quirky, 620 sq ft salon located in Ahmedabad’s Thaltej locality. Shah took cues from a elegant French street cafe, with subtle colours, plenty of natural light and a glaze French door, to manicure this space. As we enter through the Prussian blue arched French door, we’re greeted with blush pink tones, that allude to a happy and relaxing atmosphere on the inside. A wallpaper with an enthralling mix of floral motifs in ivory, white and baby pink shades give us a warm welcome. The potent use of blush hues is balanced by the Prussian blue arches and the moulded vertical strokes against the light coloured walls of the salon. A circular rustic brass unit is placed next to the reception area that not only acts as a display but also unifies the shades and textures of the space. Predominant use of furniture pieces in rustic brass finish contrasts the chess checkered flooring. A vast illusion of the space is created with the slim brass lined tablet mirrors. The cosy nail bar sits on the right side while highlighting the blends of colours on the walls with a sleek nail bar. The mani-pedi area on the left is designed with a step up while the walls are used to articulate shelves with an arch mirror in the centre. The exposed ceiling is decorated with black cylinders, that illuminate the space, while a bespoke jewel shaped lighting fixture above the reception adds to the composition. “The challenging yet fascinating part of designing was that the footprint of the space was less, however the transitions and functionality of each corner was very well defined and executed. The concept of Amogh designs behind this project was to create a space, which was bold but elegant, conventional yet one of its kind. Once you step inside, the space speaks for itself.” concludes Shah.

    Ayesha Puri helms a diamond in the rough with Vandals, a jewellery store in Mumbai

    Ayesha Puri helms a diamond in the rough with Vandals, a jewellery store in Mumbai

    In an effort to change the future of jewellery design in the country, Vandana Jagwani has launched Vandals—India’s first laboratory-grown diamond jewellery store. Designed by Ayesha Puri of Sanjay Puri Architects, this Bandra store showcases a seamless collaboration between art, design and technology.

    As we enter the store, we’re greeted with shutters wrapped in customised vinyl using colourful text against grey and white multidirectional stripes. The word ‘Vault’ is etched using an antique pixelated video game font to add a playful element. A number of pop art elements juxtaposed with plush furniture and console tables create the perfect balance between the forward and classical thinking that the brand stands for. An enchanting quote by Banksy encapsulates the concept of imagining a city that turns dreams into reality, where no one is bound by limits and everyone evolves to redefine the future.

    The vinyl polka dots

     

    The hand painted piano

     

    The elevator features a graffiti styled text

    Meandering through we see a custom wall mural hangs behind the futuristic leather-clad metal desk and opens up to display the jewellery. Puri worked closely with graphic designer Heta Bhuta of Slaate Co to create this unique piece of art, hand painted by local artists on to an automated canvas screen. A mezzanine floor is screened off from the bottom level with a curtain of metal rafters that turn around. Suspended art hangs in front of the screen, designed by Ayesha and Vandana to showcase an amalgamation of old techniques with new ideas.

    A hand painted piano sits amidst four multicoloured jewellery shelves, while a custom Bang & Olufsen speaker is treated as a canvas for graffiti inspired by street art. A million green and pink polka dots are seen in the cashier zone to symbolise the non-existent limit to a person’s ideas. As we exit the store through the elevator, the doors read “exit through the gift shop” on a paint-splattered back.

    Everything you need to know about Future Collective’s Conscious Design Fair

    Everything you need to know about Future Collective’s Conscious Design Fair

    Delhi’s Bikaner House will host Future Collective’s design fair, an indoor and outdoor exhibition spread over 10,000 sq ft that enriches and brings together pioneers of sustainable design. Presented by Dalmia Bharat Group and powered by Tencel India the fair will be a weekend of experiential activities and design showcases that promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle.The fair creates quirky, contemporary and cutting edge designs for the consumers by regenerating Indian design. Leading sustainable fashion brands and designers, artists, photographers and more will be present at this event that will also have engaging sessions, workshops and soul music performances by indie artists. The fair will be spread across Delhi’s Bikaner House that has been meticulously restored to its original form by Mumbai-based conservationist Abha Narain Lambah. One can look out for contemporary experiences in fields ranging from Art to Architecture, Fashion to Furniture, Solar energy to Sari swaps, Food, films, recycling and more.Iconic brands across the fashion, art and design industry like Abraham and Thakore, Nicobar, Nimai, Péro, Ka-Sha and 11:11 among others will exhibit their best designs and installations that tell stories of a conscious culture at this design weekend. Another highlight will be Evelyn Mora’s talk about “How one communicates about their brands to avoid greenwashing and how to create a real impact with one’s work?” Mora is the founder of Helsinki Fashion Week and a well-known consultant who builds strategies and works with various actors in the public and private sectors including government bodies. Future Collective is all set to take place at the Bikaner House in Pandara, New Delhi starting February 29 to March 1, 2020, from 11 am to 10 pm.

    Make it a Febru-art-ary with these cool exhibits around town!

    Make it a Febru-art-ary with these cool exhibits around town!

    Make this month an artsy one with exhibits around the country that showcase a melange of curated works!Games of ChanceWith a dedicated mission to endow art and culture in Goa’s landscape, Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the arts, started the year with Games of Chance, that opened on January 17th and was curated by Leandre D’Souza. The exhibit invites artists to challenge the mundane and plunge into the storms of randomness. It explores a shift of focus and an invocation of mysteries through visual media. The show also brings to Sunaparanta, a constellation of India’s leading artists in partnership with Experimenter, Gallery SKE, Galerie Mirchandani+Steinreucke, Nature Morte, Project 88, The Guild Art Gallery and Vadehra Art Gallery.Where: Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the artsWhen: January 17 to March 27, 2020Breathing on MirrorsAnju Dodiya’s new exhibit mirrors a monosyllabic conversation through her drawings to a minimal emotional theatre. The art is created on soft mattresses hinting at the domestic nature of demons, with charcoal as a stabbing device that conveys anger at the imperious world. The Mumbai based artist has had 18 solo shows in India and abroad and has her collections represented in acclaimed galleries including the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, Mumbai, Jehangir Art Gallery among others.Where: Chemould Prescott Road, MumbaiWhen: February 29 to April 4, 2020A Tapestry of TimeTo commemorate 20 years of TAO Art Gallery, Mumbai will exhibit A Tapestry of Time at both its galleries in the city. The group show will feature works of artists such as Akbar Padamsee, Bal Chhabda, Krishen Khanna, MF Husain, Ram Kumar, Anjolie Ela Menon, Anupam Sud, Arpana Caur, Gogi Saroj Pal, Madhavi Parekh, S.H.Raza, Tyeb Mehta VS Gaitonde, Nalini Malani, Nilima Sheikh, Rekha Rodvittiya and Rini Dhumal. Extending gratitude, Kalpana Shah and Tao have invited artists, who have been a part of the gallery’s beautiful journey, to join them celebrate the splendours of this “Tapestry of Time”.Where: TAO Art Gallery, MumbaiWhen: February 28 to March 31, 2020The Fifties ShowDAG’s brand new space at The Claridges, New Delhi, will host a new exhibit titled The Fifties Show. The show will shed light on Indian art from the 1950s, while highlighting the progress of a newly independent nation. A period of hope and celebration, this era saw the creation of works emblematic not just of the decade but of the context and subtexts of modernism itself. A period when the best and brightest in the Indian art world—such as Nandlal Bose, M F Husain, SH Raza, FN Souza, GR Santosh, KK Hebbar, Adi Davierwalla, Shanti Dave and Dhanraj Bhagat—created some of their most significant masterpieces.Where: DAG, New Delhi.When: February 1 to March 26, 2020

    Keerthi Tummala’s Sage Living is Hyderabad’s latest statement furniture and decor store that breaks the mould

    Keerthi Tummala’s Sage Living is Hyderabad’s latest statement furniture and decor store that breaks the mould

    Taking inspiration from the belief that ‘life begins at home’, Sage Living offers luxury, quality and comfort in the form of design. Conceived in 2018, the brand’s first approach was to promote creations that were ‘Made in India’. Positioning themselves as wholesalers they manufactured furniture, lighting and home decor for retailers, online stores, architects, interior designers and more…Located in Kondapur, Hyderabad the studio is easily accessible and well connected. Providing a completely curated experience to its customers, the brand offers design aesthetics, exclusive trade pricing, consumer-friendly catalogues and a user-friendly website for its customers. “At Sage, we are compelled to go above and beyond to create quality products that bring happiness and value to every home,” shares Keerthi Tummala, Founder of Sage living. Having worked in the fashion industry, for the most part, Sage Living and decor’s focal point is to support the Make in India initiative and help in the distribution of local furniture products. By collaborating with Indian manufacturers, the brand ventured into a design first channel that caters to all your decor needs. “It’s time we take pride in who we are and celebrate our country’s craftsmanship,” Tummala concludes.

    A low down on India Art Fair’s glamorous 12th edition

    A low down on India Art Fair’s glamorous 12th edition

    As we face Monday blues this morning, let’s revisit an artistic weekend hosted in the capital city. The 12th year of India Art Fair took place at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in Okhla, New Delhi from January 31 to February 2, 2020. In partnership with the BMW Group India, this year the fair showcased 81 exhibitors, from over 20 global cities and 14 in India.A leading platform to discover modern and contemporary art from South Asia, India Art Fair showcases works within a tent facade designed by Indian artist Sameer Kulavoor. The weekend fair celebrates the modern-day art scene across the country and features curated programmes including performances and talks by modernist Nilima Sheikh, Turner prize nominated filmmaker Naeem Mohaiemen and Magnum photographer Martin Parr. “India Art Fair has grown extraordinarily in its last 12 years, building on gallery participation, public programming and creating a spotlight on South Asian and Indian art. In the last two years we have looked to strengthen the programme to highlight the artists, as well as make the fair accessible for all ages,” says Jagdip Jagpal, Fair Director of India Art Fair. The 12th edition will feature a diverse selection of contemporary art galleries from across the country, including Chemould Prescott Road, Chatterjee & Lal, Jhaveri Contemporary and more. Sculptor Dhananjay Singh showcased his solo show titled ‘Faces’. The cycle of human life and nature acts as a major source of inspiration for his work. Art Pilgrim first discovered Dhananjay in 2006 while, he was at the Faculty of Art & Design at Monash University in Melbourne. Another highlight of the fair was visual artist Himani Gupta’s work that explores the materiality of space, organic forms and ‘Psychogeography’. She studies how land, spaces and cities evolve both structurally and organically and impact identity.

    Vintage meets Avant-Garde at Khazana Group’s 30th Anniversary

    Vintage meets Avant-Garde at Khazana Group’s 30th Anniversary

    Always synonymous with exquisite and stylish furniture, the Khazana Group has grown leaps and bounds during its 30-year journey. What started in 1990, as 2000 sq ft store at Basheerbagh, Hyderabad, offering carved and rosewood furniture has now transformed to a chain of 9 stores spread across 7 cities covering a massive 2 million sq ft.With a number of renowned brands like Binova, Misura Emme, Enne, Natuzzi and more under the verticals Elevate and Elevate X, the stores have over 100 handpicked brands across 20 countries. To commemorate the 30-year milestone, the brand hosted a glittering event at the rooftop of Elevate X in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad on December 27, 2019. With a blend of Vintage and Avant-Garde as their the theme, the event reflected the brand’s transition over 3 decades with a specially designed fashion show. “Every day of these 30 years has been a learning experience for us. The strong understanding of the luxury segment of the furniture industry supported by the energy of the second generation in the family has propelled the growth of Khazana in these 3 decades. I would like to thank all our associates and clients for making us pioneers in the furniture industry,” adds Mr Bhawant Anand, Founder of Khazana Group adds.The evening also saw a charity auction of handcrafted furniture made by the best craftsmen of India. The proceeds of the auction were donated to the Rotary Club where all the funds will be used to set up e-classrooms for the underprivileged.

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