The design scene in India is fascinating; It presents an interesting cornucopia of innovation and tradition. While the Indian consumers and designers are rooted in the nation’s rich cultural past, they are seamlessly weaving modern aesthetics and global design. Design Mumbai aims at harnessing this interesting transition in India. The design event led by United Kingdom-based event organising magnate Angus Montgomery Group (responsible for the highly regarded India Art Fair, is the first contemporary design show in India with a global orientation and exhibitor presence, showcasing leading brands, manufacturers and designers. Ian Rudge, co-founder of Design Mumbai and an internationally respected figure in the design and exhibition sectors, says, “We are thrilled with the enthusiasm from the international design community for Design Mumbai as we make headway towards the inaugural show in November. Mumbai is a true global centre for design and creativity; the city has a tangible, dynamic energy that is proving magnetic to world-renowned brands targeting the Indian market and for brands that exist in India. It provides the perfect backdrop for a world-class celebration of design from our growing list of participating brands.” The event is slated to happen from the 6th to the 9th of November at Jio Gardens, Mumbai and tickets are now available to buy at design-mumbai.com
A New Era of Design
Unmissable design features will define the spirit of Deisgn Mumbai. One specific landmark installation will come from Richard Hutten, a founder of the conceptual Dutch design company, Droog Design, and Park Hotels, the five-star luxury boutique hotel group. Priya Paul, Chairperson of Park Hotels, says, “We’re thrilled to announce our role as Design Feature Partner at the inaugural Design Mumbai 2024! We’re excited to collaborate with renowned Dutch designer Richard Hutten, unveiling a fresh new look that’s Anything But Ordinary.”
Design Mumbai will also play host to a world-class programme of talks and workshops, comprising discussions from leading luminaries of the architecture and design commiunities. Magazine editors from the likes of Dezeen and Ark Joural, revered designers, and industry behemoths like Nondita Correa Mehrota, Director of the Charles Correa Foundation will join forces in never-before seen panel discussions to tackle the most hotly debated topics in contemporary design.
A Global Affair
While it promises to be a befitting platform for Indian brands, Design Mumbai also endeavours to showcase an interesting mix of major International brands including Poltrona Frau (IT), de Sede (CH), Ceccotti Collezioni (IT), VitrA (TR), Michael Young (HK), Boss Design (UK), Istituto Marangoni (IT), VIATOV (KR), and Wendelbo (DK), &Tradition (DK) and Nanimarquina (ES), represented by Fern & Ade. Speaking on the collaboration, Leonardo Allasia, Director of Global Marketing, Communications and E-Commerce at Poltrona Frau, says, “Design Mumbai provides us with a unique platform to showcase our heritage of craftsmanship and innovation to India’s vibrant and dynamic market, a territory we are invested in due to our strong belief that our offering can resonate with the hearts and minds of consumers. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders in India, sharing our passion for quality, high- calibre design and a philosophy of handcrafting with love in Italy, leaving solutions that last generations. Our participation demonstrates our commitment to expanding Poltrona Frau’s presence in this growing design landscape and appreciate the opportunity.”
The Indian Chapter
Indian design is having its moment. In the past few years India has witnessed a surge of homegrown brands; each showcasing a distinct identity. Design Mumbai will showcase established and upcoming Indian talent from all interior product sectors across furniture, lighting, materials, kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor living. Noted designer Tom Dixon says, “India’s creativity, natural capital, vast reservoir of skills and technology, and rich history should be more widely recognised and celebrated. I’m happy to engage with Design Mumbai as a new platform that can broadcast the design wealth of this extraordinary subcontinent.” Major Indian brands include FAZO Project, Ek Kalakaar, Emanate, AKFD Design, Fusion Access, Loco Design, AndBlack Design, and many more.
Design Mumbai will mark a new chapter in the history of Indian design. There’s no dearth of design fairs in India; but none that had equal international participation and exposure. Design Mumbai aspires to bridge that gap, and propel Indian Design on to the global design map.
Book your tickets now at design-mumbai.com
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