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'India's design sector reaches maturity': Exploring Nilaya Anthology, India's emerging design hub

International Design Gallery, Nilaya Anthology, is a creation of Asian Paints, offering a unique Indian design approach on a global scale.

"India's design industry matures: Exploring Nilaya Anthology, a fresh hub in India's design scene"
"India's design industry matures: Exploring Nilaya Anthology, a fresh hub in India's design scene"

'India's design sector reaches maturity': Exploring Nilaya Anthology, India's emerging design hub

In the heart of Mumbai's historic mill district, a new design landmark has emerged. Nilaya Anthology, developed by Indian company Asian Paints, spans a vast 100,000 square feet and is described as India’s first international design destination [1][3]. This curated, immersive space transcends the concept of a typical retail store, blending India’s rich craft heritage with contemporary global design.

At the helm of this cultural hub is creative director Pavitra Rajaram, who ensures the space remains cohesive rather than chaotic. The interior and architectural design are sophisticated and immersive, designed to elevate shopping to a cinematic, deeply personal encounter where objects from silk saris to vintage chairs are showcased as art pieces [3].

One of India's leading fashion designers, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, debuts his Art Foundation with an exhibition at Nilaya Anthology. Notable international brands such as Cassina, Ginori 1735, House of Finn Juhl, Living Divani, LEMA, and Nina Yashar's Milanese Nilufar gallery are also present, with some making their Indian debut [1].

Beyond being a showcase, Nilaya Anthology functions as a cultural hub, hosting curated talks, exhibitions, and interactive programming. The Orangery at Nilaya Anthology will host events, and a forthcoming restaurant will provide a setting for design-led gatherings, musical evenings, and themed dinners. The outdoor terrace has been transformed by Italian brand Paola Lenti [1].

Nilaya Anthology features a material library, an evolving archive of over 1,800 finishes, textures, and sustainable materials, offering designers a tactile resource [1]. The hospitality component includes Drift, an all-day café-bar above The Orangery, offering a versatile, design-led dining and social experience with European café influences and a creative cocktail menu [2]. Culinary spaces such as Fireback and Comorin have been launched within the Anthology, reshaping Mumbai’s dining scene with a blend of food innovation and design-led storytelling [2][4].

Designer Pavitra Rajaram concludes that design is to be savoured and not just consumed, and that it is a conversation, a discovery, and a continuum. The objective, as stated by Amit Syngle, CEO and MD at Asian Paints, was to create a space where international brands can express their own design language [2]. The showroom brings together international and Indian design, juxtaposing global brands with local craft and historical artifacts [1].

Emerging Indian voices such as Srila Mookerjee, Tejashree Sagvekar, and Women Weave from Maheshwar are also showcased at Nilaya Anthology, further emphasizing the showroom's aim to redefine the way international brands engage with India, viewing it as an integral part of the design industry, not just a consumer market [1].

To explore this unique design destination, visit nilayanthology.com [1].

[1] Business Standard. (2022, September 15). Asian Paints' Nilaya Anthology opens in Mumbai. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/asian-paints-nilaya-anthology-opens-in-mumbai-122091501087_1.html [2] Vogue India. (2022, September 15). Inside Nilaya Anthology, Asian Paints' New Design Destination in Mumbai. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.in/lifestyle/design/nilaya-anthology-asian-paints-mumbai [3] Deccan Herald. (2022, September 15). Asian Paints' Nilaya Anthology opens in Mumbai. Retrieved from https://www.deccanherald.com/business/companies/asian-paints-nilaya-anthology-opens-in-mumbai-1027365.html [4] The Pioneer. (2022, September 15). Asian Paints' Nilaya Anthology Opens in Mumbai. Retrieved from https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/business/asian-paints-nilaya-anthology-opens-in-mumbai.html

  1. Nilaya Anthology, a cultural hub in Mumbai's historic mill district, blends India's rich craft heritage with contemporary global design, offering an immersive experience that encompasses lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, education-and-self-development, entertainment, general-news, and sports.
  2. The space features a material library, an evolving archive of over 1,800 finishes, textures, and sustainable materials, catering to designers, while its hospitality component includes restaurants like Drift and culinary spaces such as Fireback and Comorin, contributing to the general-news about Mumbai’s dining scene.
  3. Nilaya Anthology serves as a platform for emerging Indian voices in design, joining international brands in a conversation and discovery that redefines the way international brands engage with India, viewing it as an integral part of the design industry, not just a consumer market.

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