A collaboration that is changing the design language of Jaipur with Vikas Soni and Marie-Anne Oudejans

Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture. In an era where individual branding often dominates the narrative, a renewed spirit of collaboration is emerging, especially among those traditionally seen as competitors. Interior designers, architects and artists are increasingly converging, dissolving the boundaries between disciplines and challenging the conventional idea of singular authorship in design. This dialogue seeks to unravel the complexities of these collaborations, exploring the motivations that transform competitors into collaborators, the impact of this shift on their creative processes, and the strategies they employ to navigate the inevitable challenges that arise.

One such collaboration that has changed the design landscape of Jaipur is that of Vikas Soni and Marie-Anne Oudejans.

What led you to consider collaboration with a potential competitor?
The notion of competition doesn’t apply to our collaboration, as Marie-Anne and I possess complementary skills and styles that enhance each other’s work. Marie-Anne brings her exceptional design vision to the table, while I contribute my artistic craftsmanship. Together, we form an ideal partnership that allows us to create truly artistic and innovative pieces. Our collaboration isn’t about competing; it’s about synergy. Marie-Anne’s designer mindset and my hands-on artistic skills blend seamlessly, resulting in creations that neither of us could achieve alone. In many ways, I believe we complete each other professionally, each filling in the gaps in the other’s expertise to produce something truly unique and beautiful.

How has this collaboration redefined your understanding of your own creative process?
This collaboration has been transformative for my creative process. Marie-Anne’s European design sensibilities, coupled with my Indian artistic background, have allowed us to create a unique fusion that bridges cultures and aesthetics. Our partnership has given birth to an innovative Indo-European concept that seamlessly blends art and design. Working together has broadened my perspective, encouraging me to think beyond traditional boundaries. It’s taught me the value of cultural cross-pollination in creativity. This collaboration has shown me how diverse viewpoints can converge to produce something truly original and exciting. It’s not just about combining different styles; it’s about creating a new visual language that speaks to both our cultural heritages while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.

Can you share an instance where a disagreement led to an unexpected breakthrough?
A pivotal moment in our collaboration occurred during the creation of Bar Palladio. Marie-Anne initially envisioned a different colour scheme, while I strongly advocated for a blue palette. This led to a significant disagreement, with both of us firmly standing by our creative instincts.

To resolve the impasse, I decided to create a sample room showcasing my blue concept. When we presented it to the project team, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone, including MarieAnne, was captivated by the striking blue hue. This particular shade of blue has since become iconic for Bar Palladio, contributing significantly
to its unique identity and success. It’s now recognized as a signature element of the establishment.

Can you take us through the project you both worked on together?
Let me tell you about Bar Palladio—that was our first project together back in 2013, and it really set the tone for our collaboration. We created five distinct rooms, each with its own vibe. The blue colour scheme we used became iconic for Bar Palladio, and it’s a perfect example of how Marie-Anne’s European design sense and my Indian artistic background came together. My favourite is the second room on the left, where I incorporated Mughal flower motifs in that signature blue. For the back room, we went for a tent-like feel, and I added two hand-painted oil paintings to really bring it to life. The Gem Palace Mumbai was the second project where Marie-Anne and I joined forces. We transformed this two-floor jewelry showroom in Colaba into something truly special. On the ground floor, we went for a luxurious feel with green fabric wall paneling, automated glass window showcases, and pink seating arrangements set against pyramid-style mirrors. I particularly enjoyed working on the staircase, where we created these small, illuminated artworks nestled in niches – it’s like a little art gallery leading you upstairs.

INSTANT INSIGHTS ft VIKAS SONI

Who’s the bigger perfectionist? Both, can’t compare

Morning meetings or late-night brainstorming sessions? Late-night brainstorming sessions with a drink..

What’s the most surprising thing you learned about each other? Perfection of colours and punctuality

If you could choose another designer or artist to collaborate with, who would it be? I don’t think we could survive with any other designer!

Who’s more likely to bring a wild idea to the table? Of course Marie-Anne

Also Read: Does it come easy to collaborate with someone from the same industry? Abhimanyu Dalal and Untitled Design