India Design ID, the nation's premier showcase of architectural brilliance and interior innovation, recently concluded its highly anticipated annual event from February 15th to 18th, 2023, at the NSIC Grounds in Okhla, New Delhi. It brought together the best in the design world, offering a glimpse into the latest trends and cutting-edge creations in home decor. From opulent luxury booths redefining the concept of experiential design to the groundbreaking works of industry pioneers, the exhibition served as a veritable treasure trove for design enthusiasts.
SheThePeople, known for its keen eye on emerging trends and trailblazing talent, embarked on an immersive journey through the corridors of India Design ID 2024. Amidst the sprawling displays of furniture, accessories, kitchens, furnishing, lighting, and more, the spotlight shone brightly on women artists, designers, and entrepreneurs who left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian design. Their creations, characterised by bold statements, intricate patterns, and executive designs, captivated attendees and underscored the immense talent flourishing across the country.
Nation's Creative Minds Under One Roof
Ruchika Jain, the creative mind behind The Weave Craft Story, caught everyone's attention with her stunning designs at the event. Her brand, which specialises in luxurious outdoor furniture, was established 21 years ago with a focus on delivering impeccable design and top-notch quality. Over the years, The Weave Craft Story has grown to become a leading manufacturer and supplier of outdoor furniture in India, proudly maintaining its roots as a 100% Indian-based manufacturing company.
With stores located in Delhi, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Nashik, Pune, Mumbai, Jaipur, and other cities, the brand has made its mark across the country. Talking to SheThePeople, Jain revealed that her background as an architect has shaped her vision for creating outdoor spaces. Her goal is to revolutionise the concept of outdoor living, moving beyond simply adding seating sofas to outdoor areas. Instead, she aims to transform the entire outdoor culture by offering a diverse range of designer collections that redefine outdoor design aesthetics.
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Our next destination was Ko Ko by K2 India, a prominent firm known for its expertise in architecture, interior design, and furniture manufacturing. Led by interior designer Sunita Kohli and her daughter Kohelika Kohli, this firm holds significant stature in the industry. Despite being self-taught, Sunita Kohli's accomplishments speak volumes: she was the first interior designer to receive the Padma Shri in 1992 and was also invited to deliver an illustrated lecture at the prestigious National Building Museum in Washington, DC, in 2003. Kohelika Kohli, having studied architecture at the Pratt Institute of Design in New York, shares her mother's belief in the importance of exposure to diverse cultures and experiences. This belief led her to immerse herself in various work and design environments across New York, Italy, and England. In 2010, the mother-daughter duo merged their diverse design practices to establish K2India, a multi-disciplinary design firm based in New Delhi.
In our conversation with Kohelika Kohli, she revealed that her upcoming collection embodies the essence of quiet luxury, featuring a minimalist approach to fashion that prioritises timeless elegance, quality, and everyday versatility. She further explained that everything showcased, from centre tables to wall decor and bar corners, will be officially launched in their stores in April and September next year.
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Uurmi Bhatia, a Mumbai-based paper designer, also embarked on a journey to infuse her craft with a sense of purpose at the event. Speaking to SheThePeople, Bhatia shared insights into her brand, its objectives, and her aspirations. She shared how she goes by the brand name, Miikigai, an artisanal paper floral studio, driven by the Japanese concept of "Ikigai," which signifies finding purpose in life.
In a relatively short span, Miikigai has carved a niche for itself as a unique haven for floral craft. Unlike fresh flowers that wither over time, Miikigai's paper flowers remain perennially beautiful without the need for watering or fuss. Each flower is meticulously handcrafted with attention to detail, ensuring both finesse and durability. These paper floral arrangements serve various purposes, including home decor accents, centrepiece displays, photo booth props, thoughtful gifts, and attractive packaging solutions. Committed to reviving the value of craftsmanship in everyday life, Miikigai also conducts private and public workshops to impart this skill to a wider audience.
Our next destination led us to Vahe, where Vaishnavi Walvekar's deep appreciation for indigenous craftsmanship sparked a unique interpretation of the craft. Following her completion of an MFA in Industrial Design in San Francisco, her journey took her on a nomadic quest to craft-rich destinations like Jaipur, New Delhi, and Kashmir.
In our discussion with Vaishnavi Walvekar, she emphasised how her discerning nature, coupled with her academic background and travels, inspires the essence of Vāhe. This manifestation breathes new life into traditional Indian crafts, transforming them into innovative sculptural and functional art pieces.
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Exploring further, we encountered additional outlets and engaged with various designers, unveiling the profound creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Indian women in the design industry. Take a look.
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