LuxeBook September -2021

From Ritu Kumar, Shivan & Narresh, Tribe Amrapali, to Dandelion – prominent fashion designers now have their gaze set on the home décor space BY RUHI GILDER E mbroidered silk cushions reminiscent of a Ritu Kumar classic, colourful Oriri-print wallpapers from Shivan & Narresh’s archives, monogrammed napkins à la Dandelion and modern silver trinkets by Tribe Amrapali will now be gracing our homes, and the future looks only more ambitious. Home décor has undergone a pandemic-driven change of magnanimous proportions. While spending the big bucks on customised evening-wear outfits may be undergoing fluctuations, an extra cushion or new bedsheet will always find a place and a reason to fit in our homes. For this reason, luxury brands are understandably looking to tailor their output to focus on delivering a well-rounded lifestyle for their customers. LuxeBook speaks to Dandelion, Ritu Kumar, Shivan & Narresh and Tribe Amrapali to get an insider’s take on this growing trend and what we can expect from the future. On the Way Home Amrish Kumar, Managing and Creative Director at Ritu Kumar, says their collection has been a long time in the making. “We are very textile-oriented who also do a lot of revival work, which is why our style lends itself beautifully to home products,” says the second- generation entrepreneur. Kumar also sees it as a market opportunity, considering the home décor industry has only grown in India. At both Tribe Amrapali and Shivan & Narresh, expanding into home décor was a pandemic-led decision. “Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a shift in this culture, as many individuals are now actively working from home,” says Akanksha Arora, CEO, Tribe Amrapali. Shivan & Narresh’s home décor journey began in 2017, when they had designed Narresh’s New Delhi residence, Primera. In 2019, they collaborated with the eclectic décor brand Bent Chair for their first- ever furniture line. And yet, it was the pandemic that compelled them to go back to the drawing board to envision a wholly independent home vertical. When it comes to Samyukta Nair, one could say that décor runs in her blood – after all, she hails from the family that founded The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts. She worked as the Head Design and Operations at The Leela and launched many fine dining restaurants, including Jamavar and Bombay Bustle in the UK. With adequate experience and knowledge to hold her in 8| L U X E B O O K | S E P T E MB E R 2 0 2 1 Designers Come to Your Home Shivan Bhatiya & Narresh Kukreja Shivan & Narresh Wallpaper, Dame S E P T E MB E R 2 0 2 1 | L U X E B O O K | 9 DÉCOR D REAMS