“There is no India modern it is just a modern way of looking at things”
It was a year ago that Akanksha Himatsingka began conceptualising Himeya, an ode to the Himalayas. She joined the family owned business, The Himatsingka Group, in 2010, first handling their premium drapery and upholstery brand Atmosphere. “We wanted an offering specifically for India. Bed and bath linen that uses our ingredient cotton brands became an obvious choice,” she says. A tribute to the rolling hills of Kumaon, Himeya is a story of rest, sleep and a return to purity and reality. Not only does the line invoke this feeling, the story with a soundtrack of its own embraces the practical. “Most home brands shoot their campaigns on hotel beds with crinkle-free sheets. Who lives like that? So, when we were shooting in Kumaon and the team called me
to say there was no electricity to iron the sheets I said don’t,” says Himatsingka.
Tell us about the new collection
The first collection Eka is a collaboration with designer Rima Singh and the next, Moon Tide will see them collaborating with apparel brand Runaway Bicycle. “I like the idea of a collaboration and our soon to open Mumbai store will embody that as well,” explains Himatsingka. Himeya has on offer towels, pillowcases, bed sheets, quilts, cushions and more in two weaves—Perkil and Sateen, in a combination of solids and prints. “Pricing with this range was critical. We wanted to be democratic and yet offer quality,” she says. Besides using eco-friendly ‘track and trace’ cotton, Himeya pays attention to detailing like clean centre closures in pillow cases and ample sizes.
What is India Modern?
There is no India modern, it is just a modern way of looking at things. Everything is global now, but we are able to use our crafts in more practical ways and redefine them in a contemporary manner. Moreover, I think a collaborative approach is what defines ‘India Modern’. It’s like reviving an ancient craft like kantha to create a modern, contemporary jacket.
PRICE `499 to `8,499