Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - Brunch
Taking India to the world
Leading interior designer and luxury architect Seetu Kohli’s new luxury lifestyle launch is an ode to Indian craftspersons and also to Indian heritage
Tell us about your new luxury lifestyle launch that falls under the ambit of the Make in India brand? What gave you the idea to create this new line?
The new luxury lifestyle brand, which is being launched, is not only an ode to Indian craftspersons but also to Indian heritage. The brand is called Mallika’s Edit and has two collections being launched for now – Safari and New Delhi.
The idea has been an underlying dream for the longest time and it has finally come to fruition during the time of the pandemic. I have always been aware of the potential of Indian arts and crafts that have been handed over to us through generations of craftspersons. Unfortunately however, these products were never packaged well enough to hold their own as world-class global brands. In my experience with international brands, I think it’s truly the best time for me to introduce India to global discerning buyers through this brand.
Why do you think this new product line is relevant to India and to the global market?
This product line, though made in India, has absolute international sensibilities. It could be placed with ease in any tasteful home across the world. The quality and finish of the products is absolutely world-class yet they have a distinct and mystifying Indian spirit.
Today, the interiors of homes are not defined by geographical boundaries, they revolve around an individual’s passion and interests. Therefore, this collection is created for connoisseurs of art and design.
What will this umbrella collection comprise of? Are there any series that you plan to launch under this category of products?
The umbrella collection consists of furniture, accessories like glassware, crockery, carpets, fabrics, lamps, outdoor accessories, wall panels, artisanal kitchens and wardrobes and, of course, lighting.
Yes, there is a plan to launch two collections every six months. One will be based on the beautiful cities across India and the other on a theme which inspires us. India has the best artisans in the world for carpets, fabrics, woodwork, metalware and also artistic glassware. with more margins for their products and a sense of dignity, whereby the products created by them will give them both recognition and long-term sustenance. We plan to build up the artisans as the brand grows and not just buy products from the cheapest available sources. We will be treating them as partners and not just as suppliers.
You are also the Managing Director of Seetu Kohli Home, which exclusively represents Fendi Casa pan-india and some other unparalleled brands. Will this new line find a home with them?
Yes, absolutely. Besides global brands, we have also tied up with ace designer Manish Malhotra for a beautiful home collection. All the brands together make us a one-stop shop for interior designers and homemakers. Mallika’s Edit is filling the vacuum for the product range available with us as it will be more easily available with a special focus on online sales and will carry furniture and accessories for people with different tastes and budgets.
Anything special you have done or plan to do with this new collection?
It’s a collection where you connect directly with its creator and at the same time contribute towards the next step taken by the Indian artisans who have been tirelessly and facelessly working towards building beautiful homes in India over many generations. This collection is probably one of my most sincere efforts to contribute to the Indian design industry and I think that is what is most special for me. I truly hope it is received with the same love as we have put into its creation.