India Calling

Gone are the days when one had to plan trips across the world to source the best of home décor. With the retail segment opening up as Indian purses become wider, it is fast becoming the new playground for selected designers who have already made a mark i

He likes to play with shadows but his creations command nothing less than the brightest spotlight. Hong Kong-based Michael Yeung was drawn to furniture design as a result of his professors constant encouragement at the Canadian Art School, who led him to appreciate it as an art form. Unsurprisingly, his furniture has a sculpture-like quality to it and is aimed at being visually appealing from all angles. “My vision has always been to envisage how the light will hit a piece of furniture and how the shadow of the product will be cast in the room,” he explains. He feels this is what gives his designs an edge over others and “brings the room to life.” Inspired by the automation and aviation industries, Yeung lends his products a hint of surrealism. He also reveals that his love for movies like and play a major role in his designs. He thus often uses bold materials such as graphite leather, black steel and aluminium for impact. In case you’re visualising something along the lines of the famous chair from the

series, be rest assured; Yeung doesn’t compromise on practicality and you’ll find that he takes comfort quite seriously. He claims that his best design is yet to come, though he is particularly proud of his limited edition Carbon Fiber Titan armchair, a sleek silver and leather piece. He is very positive about India and says he’d be crazy not to expand here. He believes that Indian tastes have evolved over the last decade and consumers are open to modern design and global aesthetics. He is currently in discussion with Indian interior designers who are interested in his products. As for trends that India should expect to see next year, Yeung, in tongue-in-cheek style proclaims, “More of Michael Yeung designs!”