Design phase two

We’re always looking for new must-visit design stores in the city, but our latest discoveries are not really new, instead they are all currently stepping into phase two.

After nearly 16 years Fusion Access has moved from it’s restored bungalow space to a more contemporary Art Deco building in Colaba. The Charcoal Project has taken on a second space, Charcoal Eight in Bandra. Pallate Design Studio is back and offering new customised products and Red Yellow Blue has created a new programme to celebrate their 13th anniversary. We’ve even heard that Gauri Khan’s Charcoal Eight and Twinkle Khanna’s new venture are opening in midtown Mumbai.

In a burgeoning design scene like ours, these stores have combined steadfast ideologies and new age products while moving into the second phase of their programme. So what are the most exciting new developments from this sudden burst of creative energy? I talked with Karishma from Red Blue and Yellow and Shilpa from Fusion Access to find out more.

Karishma Bajaj
Red Blue and  Yellow
When I asked Karishma to pick a product from Red Blue and Yellow’s new collection she immediately chose a chaise carved out of solid Burma teak wood.

The chaise is finished with a water based PU that retains the neutrality of the wood and showcases its original colour and grain. The design itself is organic but with a contemporary feel, the chaise is reminiscent of a sculptural leaf. “Forms and shapes of nature create comfortable surfaces and silhouettes. Carved out of solid timber the design cradles the body making it very comfortable to sit in and will fit beautifully into indoor or outdoor settings,” Karishma tells me.

Shilpa Kalanjee Pastala Fusion Access
It’s interesting to note that the general aesthetic as well as individual products in each of these spaces is largely dictated by their location. The stores further south like Fusion Access hold more serious handcrafted merchandise. The stores products have a rich finish Burma teak is also a widely used material at Fusion Access. When I asked her to pick a personal favourite, Shilpa chooses the ottoman. “This ottoman with the inset tray is one of my favourite pieces currently. It is versatile, practical and has pizzazz!” The low upholstered seat, with metallic rivets and dark carved legs would fit in well with a sophisticated interior.

Lakereen Gallery attempts to draw a portrait of contemporary Mexico with the first show of Mexican art in Mumbai. The works of six artists, some Mexican, others working in Mexico will be on view until January 20. Incorporating videos, drawings, installations and photography, the exhibition presents the overlooked aspects of Mexican society that allow for identity politics to function. In addition to highlighting regional politics, it seeks to reconnect the two countries of Mexico and India, subtly showing that they have much more in common than meets the eye.

Our favourite was Lorena Mal’s video and drawings Resonance: Sound Trace where the artist uses the sounds of Mexico city’s bells to invoke memories of past events.