AFICIONADOS AT DESIGN MUMBAI
As part of the Montgomery Group’s global event series, Design Mumbai 2024 was a resounding success, attracting over 9,200 professional visitors, trade focused design professionals and aficionados attended, including CEOs and founders, architects, interior designers, developers, commercial specifiers, retailers, dealers, distributors, brand directors, film production specialists showcased a diverse array of contemporary design brands from around the globe, including the UK, Italy, Sweden, and France. This international presence contributed to the event’s dynamic and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it a truly memorable experience for attendees, with JSW Paints as the Presenting Partner.
The event provided a platform for creative minds to come together, fostering a unique environment for networking, collaboration, and inspiration. It featured interactive displays, panel discussions, and workshops, offering visitors the opportunity to explore and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations within the design world. Over 100 brands were represented from countries including the UK, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, France and Turkey and across India – including exhibitors from Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata and more. The event featured presentations from renowned brands like Poltrona Frau, Boss Design, VitrA, De Sede, Jaipur Rugs, Technogym, and Hästens, offering visitors an opportunity to explore a diverse range of exquisite designs and cutting-edge technologies.
‘We’re bringing a whole host of innovative and pioneering designs to the show, along with specially commissioned installations from key partners such as JSW Paints and Royal Enfield, and exclusive appearances by some of the most recognised names in the industry. At the same time, we’re committed to celebrating India’s rich design and craft heritage. That’s why we’ve handpicked a remarkable range of homegrown talent, providing a global stage to showcase their work and craftsmanship,’ shares Ian Rudge, Co-Founder of Design Mumbai.
Furthermore, the event highlighted India’s ingenuity and creative approach to contemporary design through the participation of local artisans, who brought their unique perspectives and skills to the forefront. Their works demonstrated the country’s diverse cultural heritage and its ongoing evolution within the design world.
Notable attendees included Kumar Mangalam Birla, Shravan Bendapudi, Avijit Mukul Kishore, Tanya Godrej, Jaya Raheja, Simone Arora, Jay Mehta, Jay Shah and many more.
Design Mumbai’s success is a testament to India’s growing influence in the global design industry, and the event has become a significant platform for celebrating and promoting the country’s diverse design talent. The 2023 edition marked an exciting milestone for the event, further cementing its position as a must-attend gathering for design enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Design Mumbai 2024 was a landmark event for India’s design community, celebrating design excellence through a series of product launches, installations, and thought-provoking conversations. The event brought together visionary designers, creators, industry leaders, and buyers, fostering an environment that promoted collaboration and inspired new ideas.
Our goal with Design Mumbai is to deliver top-tier quality and originality to the architecture and design community. We aim to provide a unique experience and a diverse mix of content, whether attendees are specifying for a private residential project or a commercial venture such as a hotel or restaurant. We look forward to welcoming everyone at our event in November!’ adds Rudge.
As India’s first global design show, Design Mumbai offered a unique platform for both international and Indian designers to showcase their work, exchange insights, and explore potential collaborations. The event provided a comprehensive overview of the design world, with a focus on the latest trends, innovative techniques, and groundbreaking designs that are shaping the future of the industry.
Design Mumbai’s success has solidified its position as a premier design platform in India, highlighting the country’s rapidly growing influence in the global design landscape. By creating a space for creative minds to converge and share their unique perspectives, Design Mumbai has paved the way for continued growth and development in India’s vibrant design community.
Joanna Bodzek, a talented artist known for her exploration of human emotions, had partnered with JSW Paints to create the Halo Silk Interior collection, a unique array of shades of pink that embodies the Navarasa—the nine basic emotions of Indian art theory. Through this collaboration, Bodzek masterfully translated each emotion into a distinctive shade, capturing the intricacies of human experience in a vibrant and expressive palette.
Joanna Bodzek’s interactive installation, “All I Know is How I Feel,” curated by JSW Paints, is an immersive experience that captures the essence of life in transition. This thought-provoking piece, as described by Bodzek herself, evokes the transformative power of color in shaping memories and altering our perception of space.
Bodzek’s artistic vision in “All I Know is How I Feel” is driven by her fascination with the emotional impact of color and its ability to serve as a medium for self-expression and healing. Drawing from her ongoing project, Inner Artist Recovery, Bodzek explores the intersection of neuroscience and art to demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of creative expression.
Through this installation, utilizing color as a medium, Bodzek invites viewers to engage with a dynamic, ever-changing environment that encapsulates the fluidity of human emotions and experiences. By highlighting the profound influence of color on our perception and emotions, “All I Know is How I Feel” presents a powerful commentary on the significance of emotional well-being and the role of art in fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Each hue within the Halo Silk Interior collection tells a story, encapsulating both the uplifting moments and the challenging times that define our lives.
This innovative collaboration between Bodzek and JSW Paints showcases the power of color to evoke emotion and create meaningful connections. The Halo Silk Interior collection serves as a stunning tribute to the beauty and complexity of human emotion, offering a captivating visual representation of the Navarasa that resonates with viewers on a profound level.
At Design Mumbai, Royal Enfield, the oldest motorcycle brand of India, in continuous production, showcased an exclusive display of the 2024 Classic 350. The Classic 350 has been a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts for its timeless design and reliable performance. The 2024 model carries forward the signature stance of the Classic 350 with its upright riding posture that ensures both comfort and control for the rider.“
The Classic 350 represents the purest expression of elegance, craftsmanship, and everlasting beauty,” says Siddhartha Lal, CEO of Royal Enfield. “It’s a proud part of the movement that celebrates classicism, honouring the past while riding gracefully into the future.”
As the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield continues to uphold its reputation for creating distinctive and enduring motorcycles. The exclusive display of the 2024 Classic 350 at Design Mumbai serves as a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Royal Enfield’s Design Passport initiative, launched in conjunction with Design Mumbai under the banner of ‘The Year of the Classic,’ is an exciting program aimed at engaging motorcycle, design, art, and creative enthusiasts through a series of events across the city.
The Design Passport program features tailored talks and workshops held at Royal Enfield showrooms across India, offering participants the chance to experience the brand’s design expertise and craftsmanship firsthand.
This innovative initiative from Royal Enfield promises to create a vibrant, engaging experience for those passionate about motorcycles, design, and creativity. By providing a platform for knowledge sharing and exploration, the Design Passport program aims to inspire and connect individuals with shared interests and passions.
Studio Saar’s Srivan, unveiled at Design Mumbai, is a captivating re-interpretation of a forest of wealth, offering visitors a tranquil space to network, relax, and socialize. This reusable structure, constructed with Jodhpur stone, steel, and cotton, showcases the collaborative efforts of hundreds of artisans and craftsmen, who worked tirelessly in the week after Diwali to bring this vision to life.
Srivan’s design aims to cultivate a spirit of custodianship by providing a serene escape into nature. Inspired by Hindu principles, the structure’s name signifies a “forest of prosperity.” Studio Saar’s managing partner, Ananya Singhal – Studio Saar managing partner , explains, “Srivan tells the story of craftsmanship, using simple, natural, reusable, and recyclable materials to create a pavilion that will provide shelter and delight Design Mumbai visitors during their visit to the fair.”
“It represents the traditional holistic thinking that still informs sustainable architecture and design in India.”
The pavilion’s lily-shaped form and commitment to sustainability, including its circular economy principles and use of recyclable materials, further highlight Studio Saar’s dedication to reimagining sustainability in design. Srivan stands as a testament to the power of traditional, holistic thinking in shaping modern, sustainable architecture and design in India.
Studio Saar’s Srivan pavilion showcased an innovative and sustainable design that paid homage to traditional craftsmanship. The structure comprised 33 hexagonal modules, referred to as “lily-shaped,” arranged in an irregular pattern that added a visually captivating dimension to the installation.
Pink Rajasthan stone served as the base for each module, doubling as a seating option for visitors. The use of local materials not only enhanced the structure’s aesthetic appeal but also demonstrated Studio Saar’s commitment to sourcing sustainable resources.
Tubular steel structures, supported at the base, held sheets of Khadi – a handspun cotton fabric native to India – creating a distinct petal-like form that contributed to the installation’s overall design. The incorporation of Khadi highlighted Studio Saar’s dedication to incorporating traditional elements into contemporary design, fostering a dialogue between past and present.
The Srivan pavilion stood as a testament to Studio Saar’s vision of sustainability and commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage in design.
Jaipur Rugs, a family-run business known for its innovative approach to the carpet industry, made a notable appearance at Design Mumbai 2024. Renowned for their commitment to empowering rural artisans and connecting them with global consumers, Jaipur Rugs showcased their stunning collection of handmade rugs, which seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
“For the first time, the most precious fashionable fancy yarns from Vimar 1991, the prestigious yarn manufacturer wholly owned by Chanel, are utilised to design a carpet collection with a unique and refined look. The sartorial touch and charm of Vimar 1991 yarns, worked by the expert hands of Jaipur Rugs artisans, express a new idea of luxury and exclusivity. The result is a new experience in the world of carpets which become iconic elements of elegance and refinement, evoking the sophisticated atmosphere of couture fabrics,” the brand shares.
During the event, held from November 6th to 9th, 2024, Jaipur Rugs presented their Vimar 1991 ‘Couture Collection,’ featuring exquisite rug designs by atelier Vimar 1991. This collaboration demonstrated the brand’s dedication to combining authentic, handmade craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, resulting in a unique and captivating showcase that captured the essence of India’s rich weaving traditions.
Jaipur Rugs’ presence at Design Mumbai not only highlighted their exquisite creations but also emphasized their pioneering business model, which prioritizes sustainable livelihoods for artisans and their communities. Through their participation, Jaipur Rugs continued to revolutionize the carpet industry and forge connections between global consumers and India’s skilled weaving artisans.
Vimar 1991, a distinguished Italian textile company, has consistently prioritized style, elegance, and innovation in the creation process. With a rich historical background and a commitment to exploring innovative fibers, Vimar 1991 remains at the forefront of modern innovation in the fancy textile industry. This dedication to experimentation has led to an exceptional variety of high-quality yarns that the company offers to its clients.
The company’s constant pursuit of creation and exclusivity forms the foundation of their craftsmanship, allowing them to deliver unique and luxurious textile products. By combining a passion for traditional savoir-faire with a forward-thinking approach, Vimar 1991 continues to set new standards in the textile industry, ensuring their creations remain both relevant and sought-after in the ever-evolving world of fashion and design.
Timothy Oulton is a unique luxury furniture brand founded by Tim Oulton in 1976. Starting from an antiques shop owned by Tim’s father, the brand has transformed over the years into a bold and innovative creator of premium furniture. Drawing inspiration from vintage designs, Timothy Oulton crafts modern pieces that blend the best of the past and present. With a commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and timeless elegance, the brand has established itself as a go-to for discerning interiors.
As the evening unfolded at Design Mumbai, guests were treated to a special treat: the opportunity to taste Moet & Chandon Champagne while admiring the stunning Timothy Oulton booth. The elegant setting provided the perfect backdrop for an intimate conversation, as attendees took in the unique and sophisticated designs that Timothy Oulton is known for. The combination of refined Moet & Chandon champagne and the timeless elegance of the Timothy Oulton collection created a truly memorable experience.
Timothy Oulton creates interiors that seamlessly blend vintage charm with modern sophistication. His designs, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials, are a testament to his commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and timeless elegance. From opulent sofas to statement lighting and unique accessories, his creations evoke a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and contemporary. Timothy’s approach to interior design is all about finding the perfect balance between the past and present, creating spaces that are both luxurious and inviting.
Tarun Vadehra Interiors, a leading bespoke interior design studio based in New Delhi, India, has been synonymous with high quality and high design standards for over 45 years. Established in 1973, the company has built a strong legacy in the industry and is known for its exceptional work that is comparable to the best in the world.
Under the leadership of Mr. Tarun Vadehra, the company is managed by a highly professional team of architects, interior designers, engineers, and production managers. Tarun Vadehra Interiors has also formed an exclusive retail partnership with the iconic British design house, Timothy Oulton. This collaboration resulted in the opening of a flagship showroom in New Delhi, further elevating the brand’s profile.
Poltrona Frau, the renowned Italian furniture maker, showcased a selection of its most iconic products in a single shared space for the first time. This display brought together a range of timeless pieces that epitomize the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and high design standards. The presentation highlighted the strengths of Italian design and manufacturing, evident in every curve, finish, and joint of the furniture on display.
Poltrona Frau’s dedication to craftsmanship and quality is evident in each piece, demonstrating why the brand has been an integral part of people’s lives for over 110 years. The curated selection not only pays homage to the company’s rich history but also offers a glimpse into its enduring legacy in the world of furniture design.
Among the standout pieces on display are the Flying Circles modular bookcase, designed by Massimo Castagna; the Janine chair and the sleek Paperweight desk, both creations of Roberto Lazzeroni; the Lia table lamp by Todd Bracher, characterized by its tubular structure; and the Icosofà lounge couch with double seating, another Lazzeroni design, featured in a living room that also includes the sculptural T-Bone armchair by Jaime Hayòn.
Additionally, the DUO Pedestal table and DUO Low Cabinet from the DUO collection, created in collaboration with Poltrona Frau, further enhance the elegant and contemporary atmosphere of the space. These pieces showcase the perfect synergy between Poltrona Frau’s craftsmanship and the creative vision of the designers involved, resulting in a truly unique and inspiring experience for visitors.
Additionally, the DUO Pedestal table and DUO Low Cabinet from the DUO collection, created in collaboration with Poltrona Frau, further enhance the elegant and contemporary atmosphere of the space. These pieces showcase the perfect synergy between Poltrona Frau’s craftsmanship and the creative vision of the designers involved, resulting in a truly unique and inspiring experience for visitors.