EXQUISITENESS OF INDIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP & DESIGN

The AD Design Show in India was an incredible event that truly showcasesd the pinnacle of Indian craftsmanship and design. With a focus on luxury furniture, lighting, art, and décor, the show provided a platform for both established and emerging brands to present their finest work to an audience of industry leaders and design enthusiasts.

The three-day event offered an immersive experience that included not only the exhibitor pavilions but also engaging contemporary dialogues through the Power Talks. Attendees had the opportunity to network with industry luminaries, indulge in exquisite music, and sample acclaimed cuisines, all while taking in the breathtaking backdrop of the Arabian Sea.

The AD Design Show was the perfect event for anyone interested in exploring the best of Indian design and craftsmanship, as well as connecting with like-minded individuals in the industry. With its unique blend of cutting-edge design, insightful discussions, and luxurious experiences, the show was a memorable event that offered a glimpse into the future of design and architecture.

The AD Design Show in India was supported by a number of prestigious Associate Partners, including Artize, Obeetee Carpets, Pidilite, and ULTRAVIOLETTE AUTOMOTIVE, who each brought their own unique contributions to the event. These partnerships added significant value and helped make the show a highly anticipated event in the design world.

Komal Sharma, Head of Editorial Content, AD India said, “The AD Design Show presented a dynamic three-day program featuring top interior brands, art installations, engaging discussions, and exclusive parties, offering a glimpse into India’s versatile design talent. This year marked a special curation of 40+ designers across furniture, textiles, sculpture, and more, showcasing a staggering diversity of crafts and techniques. From heritage carpet companies to cutting-edge bathware, the range was unparalleled. The event also launched the AD List, an industry-first initiative spotlighting trendsetting brands and designers in luxury interiors. All in all, the AD Design Show this year was a massive success and set a new benchmark for creativity, innovation and craftsmanship.”

BMW India served as the exclusive Luxury Mobility Partner for the show, further elevating the event’s prestige and offering attendees a glimpse into the world of high-end automotive design. These partnerships demonstrate the show’s commitment to showcasing the very best in design and craftsmanship, and highlight the importance of collaboration in creating truly exceptional experiences for attendees.

Sandeep Lodha, Managing Director, Condé Nast India said, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of this year’s AD Design Show, which not only exceeded our expectations creatively but also from a business standpoint. The response from both exhibitors and attendees has been incredibly positive, reinforcing AD’s position as a key player in the design community. This event has opened up exciting new opportunities for collaboration and growth, and we are proud to have created a platform that celebrates innovation, artistry, and design excellence.”

The AD Design Show 2024 featured a special curation called AD Discoveries, which spotlighted a diverse range of up-and-coming brands, products, and objects in various fields, including design, homes, sculpture, lighting, textiles, and furniture. This new section at the show aimed to showcase independent, relatively new, emerging, and promising talent alongside established names.

Curated by an advisory board consisting of esteemed individuals such as Khushnu Panthaki Hoof, Samir Wadekar, Prateek and Priyanka Raja, Arun Shekar, Mohammed Afnan of Humming Tree, Rajiv Saini, and Nisha Mathew Ghosh, along with AD’s editorial team, AD Discoveries offered a platform for innovative and fresh ideas in the design world.

With a variety of objects ranging from ceramics, textiles, and lighting to furniture and more, AD Discoveries provided attendees with a glimpse into the future of design and served as a valuable opportunity for emerging designers to gain exposure and recognition in the industry. The inclusion of this special section at the AD Design Show demonstrates the event’s commitment to promoting diverse voices and nurturing the growth of new talent in the ever-evolving world of design.

“The specialty of the AD Design Show is that it brings a diverse set of people together. Our endeavour is to constantly expand our horizon of design and be more inclusive of talent. This year’s AD Discoveries section is essentially to encourage such diversity. Designers, makers, artists, small independent brands as well as leading architects with a one-off furniture piece — this pavilion is for them,” explains Komal Sharma, Head of Editorial Content, AD India.

The AD Discoveries pavilion was a thoughtfully curated collection of more than 40 talented designers specializing in various mediums such as furniture, textiles, sculpture, lighting, and ceramics by the advisory board. This unique exhibition aimed to shine a spotlight on the work of independent artists, innovative practices, and up-and-coming talent, showcased alongside one-of-a-kind, limited-edition pieces created by renowned architects and designers.

AD Discoveries pavilion was meticulously styled by Samir Wadekar and was spread across four rooms. This pavilion showcased the exceptional versatility and talent of India’s design community, serving as a testament to their creativity and innovation.

A Cube is an Ahmedabad-based design studio founded in 2004 by brothers Anand and Anuj Ambalal. The studio’s primary focus is designing and manufacturing conceptual furniture, and it collaborates with master craftsman Prabhudas Mistry to create customized pieces that prioritize quality and aesthetics.

What sets A Cube apart is its zero-stock policy, which ensures that each piece is manufactured only after an order is placed, allowing for complete customization. The studio has developed a distinct design language by blending subtle Indian sensibilities with minimal, modernist forms.

A Cube’s dedication to craftsmanship and bespoke design has garnered attention within the industry, and the studio continues to push the boundaries of furniture design through its innovative approach and commitment to quality.

InOrdinary, a curated design collectible gallery founded by Priyansha Jain in 2022, sits at the crossroads of art, design, and functionality. The gallery’s primary objective is to foster a deeper connection with everyday objects, elevating them from mere utilities to cherished items worthy of reflection and appreciation.

Born out of a desire to celebrate the ‘ordinary’ craft items that permeate our daily lives, InOrdinary handpicks its pieces from the studios of India’s most forward-thinking makers. Each object showcased is chosen for its ability to encapsulate the essence of nature’s sensory experiences, from the visual splendor of its sights to the immersive qualities of sounds, textures, and aromas.

By carefully curating these works, InOrdinary provides a platform for both creators and admirers to engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the significance and beauty of everyday objects. As a result, the gallery fosters a heightened awareness of the importance of craftsmanship and design in enriching our lives and experiences.

rockpaperscissors is a Mumbai-based material lab established by Architect Sagarika Suri, founded the brand in 2018 alongside Studio Tessera, which is its architecture and interior design counterpart. The lab’s primary focus is on experimenting with various materials, including plywood, paper, resin, concrete, glass, and cloth, with an emphasis on upcycling waste from construction sites and wood workshops.

The lab explores materials intimately to gain a deep understanding of their physical properties, the processes that create and alter them, and their potential for sustainability. One of rockpaperscissors’ notable projects is ‘Liquidply,’ a collection of lamps and other products made from recycled plywood waste sourced from construction sites, wood workshops, and plywood manufacturers.

By repurposing waste materials and highlighting their unique qualities, rockpaperscissors aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable practices and the potential for transforming discarded materials into beautiful, functional objects. The lab’s innovative approach to design and commitment to sustainability makes it a standout in the industry.

The centerpiece of this year’s AD Design Show was “assemblage n.51,” a stunning installation created by The Back Studio in collaboration with Splendour Living. This thought-provoking piece aimed to draw attention to the often-overlooked aspects of construction and infrastructure, highlighting the beauty and functionality of hardware.

To further emphasize sustainability, the artwork incorporated neon bending—a nearly obsolete craft that uses recyclable glass and neon found in the air. The title, “assemblage n.51,” reflects the 51st edition of this innovative installation series.

Splendour Living, a brand known for its eclectic and timeless designs, produced the installation. By bringing together cutting-edge design elements and vintage art, they created a unique experience for attendees, showcasing their dedication to creating one-of-a-kind collectibles.

In its fifth year, Associate Partner JSW Foundation brought back the Karigar Pavilion – a special interactive section, dedicated to handmade crafts and innovation, where visitors could watch how artisans gave form to objects, engaged in a dialogue with them and even learnt their techniques through observation.

JSW Foundation, as an Associate Partner, has been a consistent supporter of the AD Design Show for the past five years, bringing back the Karigar Pavilion—a unique, interactive section that showcases handmade crafts and innovation. The pavilion offers visitors an immersive experience where they can observe skilled artisans at work, engage in dialogue with them, and even learn their techniques through observation.

The Karigar Pavilion continued to spotlight various crafts from across India, including basket weaving from Karnataka, gudari making from Rajasthan, kantha stitching from Kolkata, and miniature art from Jaipur. This initiative not only celebrates traditional Indian craftsmanship but also provides a platform for these artisans to share their skills and techniques with a wider audience.

By supporting the Karigar Pavilion and the AD x JSW Prize for Contemporary Craftsmanship, JSW Foundation and its Chairperson, Sangita Jindal, demonstrate their commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. The AD Design Show is grateful for their continued partnership in this endeavor.

The AD Design Show 2024 featured an impressive lineup of Powertalks, with engaging discussions led by renowned industry experts. Notable highlights included a conversation with Abha Narain Lambah, Stephane Paumier, and Vishal K Dar, as well as a panel discussion on architecture and ecology with Chitra Vishwanath, Sandeep Virmani, and Suhasini Iyer.

This notable discussions stood out for their focus on public projects and the intersection of architecture with ecology.

Shaping Public Projects

A significant Powertalk featured a conversation with Abha Narain Lambah, Stephane Paumier, and Vishal K Dar, who shared their insights on shaping public projects. This discussion touched upon several key aspects:

Collaboration with Government:

The architects shared critical advice on working with government bodies, emphasizing the importance of navigating complex bureaucratic processes effectively.

Navigating Permissions: They discussed strategies for handling the often intricate permission processes involved in public projects.

Execution Challenges: The conversation likely covered the unique challenges faced when executing public projects, including budget constraints, timeline management, and addressing diverse stakeholder interests.

Architecture and Ecology

Another noteworthy Powertalk brought together Chitra Vishwanath, Sandeep Virmani, and Suhasini Iyer to explore the relationship between architecture and ecology. This discussion likely encompassed:

Sustainable Design Practices:

The speakers probably shared their experiences and insights on incorporating sustainable design principles in architectural projects.

Ecological Considerations: They emphasized the importance of integrating ecological considerations into architectural planning and design, highlighting the inextricable link between sustainability and the built environment.

Indigenous Techniques: Given the background of the speakers, particularly Chitra Vishwanath’s work with Biome Solutions, the discussion may have touched upon the use of indigenous and vernacular architectural techniques that are inherently more sustainable.

Balancing Development and Conservation: The conversation likely addressed the challenges of balancing urban development with environmental conservation, exploring innovative solutions to minimize ecological impact.

These Powertalks provided attendees with valuable insights into various aspects of the design world, ranging from the importance of preserving traditional crafts to the challenges of integrating sustainability into modern architecture. By bringing together such a diverse group of speakers, the AD Design Show demonstrated its commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and promoting innovative thinking within the industry.

These Powertalks not only showcased the expertise of these renowned architects but also highlighted the growing importance of sustainable and socially responsible design in contemporary architecture. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the event fostered a rich dialogue on critical issues shaping the future of architecture and urban planning in India.

The AD List was unveiled as an innovative platform designed to connect brands, architects, and design professionals with consumers and the wider design community. This platform aims to boost visibility and provide growth opportunities, particularly for emerging brands in the luxury home segment.

By participating in the AD List, brands can enhance their credibility and exposure, ultimately leading to business growth. The platform’s support helps these up-and-coming brands establish themselves as reliable and recognized names within the industry. Overall, the AD List serves as a valuable resource for design professionals and enthusiasts alike, fostering connections and promoting innovation in the world of luxury home design.

The Karigar Pavilion at the AD Design Show 2024 showcased seven unique crafts from various regions of India, demonstrated live by master craftspeople. This special section of the show was supported by JSW, highlighting their commitment to preserving traditional crafts and promoting the skills of Indian artisans.

The Karigar Pavilion provided attendees with a rare opportunity to witness these traditional crafts in action, including techniques such as black clay pottery, fine art painting, rattan weaving, rug weaving, gudari making, basket weaving, embroidery, miniature art, and kantha stitch. This diverse range of crafts showcased the rich cultural heritage of India and the incredible skills of its artisans.

The AD Design Show’s dedication to promoting Indian craftsmanship is commendable, and the Karigar Pavilion is a testament to their commitment to preserving and celebrating these unique skills.

The Karigars featured were:

Mohammed Akber Khan x The Wicker Story – Hyderabad, Telangana

Kani Shawl Heritage x The Kashmir Loom – Srinagar, Kashmir

Mashkur Ahmed – Jaipur, Rajasthan

Vikas Soni – Jaipur, Rajasthan

Milda Shylla x Dak-Ti – Shillong, Meghalaya

Arif Usmani x Kalpa Vigraha Studio – Delhi

Kosha Shah x The Papier Studio – Mumbai, Maharashtra

Vikas Soni is an acclaimed interior designer and artist based in Jaipur, India. Coming from a family of artists, Soni has continued the legacy of his father, a two-time National Award winner, by mastering the art of fine art painting on various surfaces. His talent and expertise have allowed him to transform not just traditional wooden canvases but also walls, ceilings, and fabric pieces into stunning works of art.

Soni’s work can be seen in many renowned spaces, such as the iconic Bar Palladio and Villa Palladio in Jaipur, the Kama Ayurveda store in London, and actor Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s Mumbai home, which was recently featured on the cover of Architectural Digest.

With his unique ability to bring art to life on larger canvases, Vikas Soni has become a highly sought-after talent in the world of interior design. His work continues to push the boundaries of traditional fine art painting while showcasing the beauty and versatility of this timeless art form.

The awe-inspiring sanctuary is a testament to the incredible skill and artistry of the craftsmen and artists who brought it to life. From the intricate details to the grandeur of the overall design, every element of this space has been crafted with the utmost care and precision.

The dedication and expertise required to create such a stunning masterpiece are truly remarkable. Each aspect of the sanctuary, from the ornate architecture to the exquisite decorations, showcases a level of craftsmanship that is rarely seen in modern times.

The result is a breathtakingly beautiful space that is both visually captivating and spiritually uplifting. It is clear that the individuals responsible for its creation possess a deep understanding of the artistry and craftsmanship required to bring such a vision to life, and their work is nothing short of masterful.

Mohammed Akber Khan is a skilled weaver from Hyderabad who has been an essential part of The Wicker Story since its inception. With over 30 years of experience, Khan’s expertise and dedication to his craft are evident in the exceptional quality and artistry of his work.

As a first-generation weaver from a family of four, Khan’s passion for weaving has been nurtured over the years, and his skill has only continued to grow. His contributions to The Wicker Story have helped to elevate the brand’s reputation for producing high-quality, handcrafted pieces that are both beautiful and functional.

Khan’s commitment to his craft is truly inspiring, and his work serves as a testament to the enduring value of traditional weaving techniques. His talent and dedication are a valuable asset to The Wicker Story, and his contributions to the world of weaving are nothing short of remarkable.

Founder of Wickets Story, Priyanka’s dedication to sustainability has translated into a diverse portfolio of products that are not only innovative but also steeped in tradition. Her creations offer environmentally conscious solutions for consumers without compromising on style or functionality.

The Wicker Story’s approach to sustainability is truly commendable, as it serves as an example of how businesses can create beautiful, high-quality products while also reducing their environmental impact. With Priyanka’s leadership, the studio has become a beacon of eco-friendly design and craftsmanship, setting a standard for other brands to follow.

Fayaz Ahmad Wani, a master weaver in collaboration with Kashmir Loom, showcase the delicate art of kani shawl weaving this year. Fayaz, who has been a valued partner of ours since 2004, is renowned for creating some of the most exquisite kani shawls, highlighting the intricate patterns and luxurious textures that have come to define this traditional craft.

Kani shawls, originating from the Kanihama village in Kashmir, are a testament to both exquisite craftsmanship and a rich cultural heritage. The shawls are made from fine pashmina wool and are woven using small wooden spools called “kanis,” guided by a graph design known as a ‘Talim.’ This labor-intensive process results in a shawl that is both elegant and intricately detailed, making it a highly sought-after luxury item.

Through Fayaz’s demonstration, visitors gained a deeper appreciation for the artistry and skill required to create these beautiful shawls. It’s a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the traditions and techniques that have been passed down through generations of weavers in Kashmir.

Our collection is a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the valley. We firmly believe that the remarkable skill and creativity of our artisans truly shines when they are presented with new concepts and challenges, which in turn enables them to evolve their craft and unlock their full potential.

We view our artisan community not merely as skilled manufacturers, but as essential partners in bringing our vision to life. By actively engaging them in the design process and valuing their input, we foster an environment of collaboration that leads to innovative, unique, and authentic pieces.

This collaborative approach not only empowers the artisan community but also ensures that our collection remains deeply rooted in tradition while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.

The process of crafting a single piece of pashmina shawl is a laborious and time-consuming endeavor, with some taking up to several years to complete. This intricate work requires the highest level of skill and expertise, which is possessed by only a select few master craftsmen. Fayaz Ahmad Wani is one such artisan, whose mastery of the craft has earned him the role of unit head at the prestigious Kani Shawl Heritage studio.

Fayaz graced the event with his presence, providing attendees with a rare opportunity to witness his extraordinary technique of weaving a pashmina shawl firsthand. His mastery of this traditional art form is an embodiment of the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir and serves as a testament to the enduring beauty and value of handcrafted textiles.

The dedication and skill that Fayaz and other master craftsmen like him bring to their work is truly awe-inspiring, and their contributions to preserving this ancient craft are invaluable.

An installation by Amit Aggarwal Studio at the AD Design Show 2024 was characterized by a dramatic, theatrical setup reminiscent of Aggarwal’s fashion shows with large-scale sculptures that dominated the space, hanging from the ceiling, having a strong curated dark black palette.

This exquisite sculpture, crafted by Amit Aggarwal Studio, serves as a visual metaphor for the transformative power of time as the ultimate architect. The piece showcases a unique blend of materials, including hand-casted fibre and the studio’s signature pleated metallic finish polymer in nylon tulle, resulting in a stunning display of artistry and innovation.

At the heart of the sculpture lies a pod shape, an iconic symbol that represents the womb – the very essence of creation and transformation. The interplay between architectural lines and organic fluidity mirrors time’s ability to shape, deconstruct, and reimagine matter in a continuous state of evolution. The sculpture captures the essence of this perpetual process, embodying the transformative nature of time as it molds and reshapes our world.

The Amit Aggarwal Studio’s creation seamlessly combines the elements of design, material, and symbolism to deliver a powerful statement on the passage of time and its impact on the world around us. This evocative piece invites viewers to contemplate the constant change that surrounds us and the beauty that can emerge from such transformations.

Beyond Square, a Udaipur-based brand, seeks inspiration from India’s vibrant cultural heritage to craft exquisite, handcrafted silver furniture, showpieces, and pichwais. These intricate creations were proudly exhibited at the prestigious AD Design Show, garnering admiration for their meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to preserving traditional art forms.Established in 2005 in Rajasthan, Beyond Square is a family-run business with a mission to conceive and create designs that draw upon India’s rich history. The brand brings new life to fading art forms such as silver handicrafts, pichwais, phad art, and semi-precious stone inlay. The skilled artisans at Beyond Square employ their deep knowledge of these crafts to create stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces that pay homage to India’s artistic legacy.

At the helm of Beyond Square are three visionary entrepreneurs: founder Vinay Bhandari, CEO Vinayak Bhandari, and creative director Aditi Bhandari. Together, they have built a brand that seamlessly marries contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship, enriching spaces with a timeless cultural appeal.

Beyond Square’s commitment to the ‘handmade’ cause is evident in their exceptional creations. By employing skilled artisans and utilizing age-old techniques, they contribute to the preservation and evolution of India’s rich artistic heritage.

The skilled artisans at Beyond Square employ age-old techniques to create intricate designs that pay homage to India’s artistic legacy. By infusing spaces with these timeless creations, Beyond Square aims to enrich environments with a touch of cultural elegance and charm. The brand’s unwavering dedication to detail and craftsmanship is evident in each carefully crafted piece, ensuring that customers receive truly distinctive and luxurious items.

Bombay Sapphire Creative Lab, a platform dedicated to fostering creative expression, launched its ‘Saw This Made This’ campaign at the prestigious AD Design Show. The campaign aimed to inspire designers and artists to transform their inspirations into tangible creations. In line with this concept, FADD Studio, a Bengaluru-based design firm, took inspiration from Frank Gehry’s Elciego project to design an innovative bar counter for the AD Lounge.

In addition to FADD Studio’s contribution, the event also featured a live painting performance by renowned street artist Mr. Buzzinka. The artist captivated the audience with his talent, creating a stunning 3D bottle installation that showcased both his creative prowess and the essence of Bombay Sapphire Creative Lab’s campaign.

The ‘Saw This Made This’ campaign not only highlights the brand’s commitment to supporting artistic innovation but also provides a platform for designers and artists to push the boundaries of creativity and reimagine the world around them. By collaborating with FADD Studio and Mr. Buzzinka, Bombay Sapphire Creative Lab continues to redefine the intersection of art, design, and self-expression.

The exquisite bar counter for the AD Lounge, drawing inspiration from Frank Gehry’s iconic Elciego project. The Bengaluru-based FADD Studio, known for its innovative designs, transformed the conventional bar into a visually stunning masterpiece that highlighted the versatility of Bombay Sapphire.

The bar counter featured neon-lit curves and contorted tubes, reflecting the fluid architectural forms that Gehry is famous for. This fusion of art and design resulted in an optical marvel, showcasing the creative potential when two unique entities collaborate.

By partnering with FADD Studio, Bombay Sapphire Creative Lab demonstrated its commitment to pushing boundaries and celebrating creativity in all its forms. This collaboration not only produced a remarkable installation but also set a new standard for design innovation within the industry.

Ultraviolette Automotive is a pioneering brand that combines sustainable mobility and energy infrastructure with cutting-edge design to create high-performance electric motorcycles for the modern sports motorcycling enthusiast. The company is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology and paving the way for a greener, more efficient future.

In a groundbreaking move, Ultraviolette Automotive unveiled India’s first superbike, the F99 Factory Racing Platform, at a recent event. Designed and engineered in Bengaluru, the F99 aims to set new records for top speed and quarter-mile performance, setting a new standard for Indian motorcycles.

The F99 is not only a testament to Ultraviolette Automotive’s commitment to innovation but also a symbol of India’s growing presence in the global motorcycling industry. By combining advanced technology with forward-thinking design, Ultraviolette Automotive is well on its way to redefining the future of mobility and shaping the landscape of sustainable transportation.

Jain Handicrafts, founded in 1975, is an established and revered brand that specializes in offering a wide range of exquisite and unique pieces, including period furniture, objets d’art, textiles, architectural elements, artifacts, silver objects, and paintings.

With over 45 years of experience, Jain Handicrafts has become a pioneer in the field of antiques, showcasing a diverse array of carefully curated heritage pieces from India, Asia, and Africa. Their creations include captivating stories behind intricate designs, as they bring these works of art to life through their craftsmanship and expertise.

The brand’s showcase at the AD Design Show 2024 was a feast for the senses, featuring a mesmerizing mix of Art Deco era furniture, oriental designs, Indian folk art, and stunning silverware. The result was a heady and evocative display that highlighted Jain Handicrafts’ dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Overall, Jain Handicrafts’ commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Indian crafts, arts, and culture makes them a leader in their field and a must-see for anyone interested in unique and beautiful antiques.

Obeetee Carpets, a leading name in the world of luxury carpets, launched their new ‘Viraasat’ collection at the prestigious AD Design Show. This collection is a testament to India’s rich heritage and is the result of a collaboration between four renowned Indian designers: Tarun Tahiliani, Ashdeen, Anju Mody, and Anita Dalmia.

The Viraasat collection is a celebration of traditional Indian art and craftsmanship, made with the finest natural fibers and sustainable materials. Each rug is meticulously handcrafted by master artisans, showcasing the beauty and intricacy of Indian design.

The launch of this collection at the AD Design Show was highly anticipated and received with great enthusiasm by the design community. Obeetee Carpets has once again demonstrated their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, and the Viraasat collection is a testament to their dedication to preserving and promoting Indian craftsmanship.