Design E-commerce

No queues, no travelling, unlimited options, free shipping and the ability to shop 24/7 from your couch; it doesn’t come as a shocker that online shopping is the trend du jour. With companies dedicating a serious amount of resources to create user friendly and relatively cost effective platforms, their cleverly designed websites welcome you to the ‘brave new world’ of online retail.

In fact, recent surveys confirm that online shopping has outpaced growth in traditional retail. For the moment I have mixed feelings about this new age of digitalisation. Admittedly, I miss the evenings when you come back home after a gruelling day of store hopping feeling like you’ve accomplished something as you glance over your procured treasures. Not to mention, not waiting to receive your purchases and of course not having to live under the constant fear of someone else shopping with your credit card.

Like all things in life online shopping has its pros and cons, and like all things in life it’s about choosing a reliable source. This might have felt easier to do with a traditional store model but with recent technology, the online retail sector seems to be doing everything right.While the internet seems ablaze with online fashion and beauty outlets, it’s much harder to find innovative design portals. And while many international websites do ship to India, last week I decided to do some research on home grown spaces that offer a range of products that seem to have just the right amount of East and West. Interestingly enough, along with design websites, there appears to be a steady growth in design related blogs and forums. This week I’ve tracked down a few websites worth checking out, from the conceptual and quirky to the best bargains. What they do have in common however, is a user friendly interface and unique relationship to India and Indian design.  

No-mad.in
Creative, conceptual and minimal, No-mad’s red and white website is a subtle mix of quirky and sophisticated. Conceived by Anuj Kothari and developed by Valerie Barkowski the ‘made in India’ concept store combines traditional Indian roots with a curious wanderer’s mind.

Born and brought up in Mumbai and hailing from a family in the real estate business, Anuj decided to follow his creative bend. He teamed up with the multicultural Valerie Barkowski. Having lived in Belgium, Russia, Morocco and India, Valerie has created a unique portfolio charged with ingenuity and complexity.

A 100 per cent Indian brand is impossible and impractical maintains Anuj, instead they’ve left out 3 per cent for some cross cultural inspiration. The online store holds an assortment of products ranging from delicately embroidered cushions, chairs with bold patterns, intricately woven stools and spicy candles; perfect for gifting. And if you’re really not a fan of online shopping, you can find No-mad’s products at Le Mill. Of course, everything is only available in a fiery Indian red, white and the occasional monochrome combination, they don’t call it a concept store for nothing.

Indiacircus.com
India Circus combines the all Indian palette with urban-chic. The India-inspired products by Krsna Mehta juxtapose the idiosyncratic Indian experience with a contemporary aesthetic. Having studied Surface Design at Parsons and Display Graphics at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Krsna built his eclectic aesthetic while working with brands Good Earth and The Bombay store.

At India Circus however, Krsna has created over a thousand products with the help of a 75 person strong design team, so there isn’t much you can’t find on the website. What all the products do have in common is a combination of vibrant hues, Indian imagery and affordable prices. The website is easy to use, offers free shipping and cash on delivery. But for those shopaholics still a little weary of the internet, Krsna’s designs are available at Westside as well. It is an ideal choice if you’re looking for quirky-yet-affordable basics and don’t feel like leaving the comforts of your home.

Storyltd.com
Dinesh Vazirani takes his online business a step further, in addition to contemporary and modern art, Saffron Art has ventured into a variety of home décor products and accessories. Dinesh decided to venture beyond his family business to develop saffronart.com, which has become a leading platform in art in the last 10 years. Recently though, Dinesh has undertaken a project in the world of design. StoryLTD brings together independent boutiques and curates collections of contemporary and vintage objects ranging from fine art, jewellery, antiques, designer furniture and home accessories. Boutiques include Design Temple, Locopopo, Le Mill, Bandit Queen, Item Number and Anemos.

Extremely well organised, the website is clean and straightforward. It’s easy to spend hours scrolling through what feels like an infinite list of options. With practical check out options, authenticity guarantees for artworks and precious objects and options for live chats and ordering on the phone, the website works for a variety of users.

Tricia Guild
Lat Friday I attended a rather interesting discussion between Rajshree Pathy and British designer Tricia Guild at Bungalow 8 for her new book launch. Famous for her bold use of colours and patterns, Tricia Guild is the founder and director of an international home and lifestyle company based in London. Her new book Tricia Guild Colour Deconstructed showcases the designers projects and unique and vibrant style. Do we see the end of grey? Grab your copy at Bungalow 8.