AD Architectural Digest India - May - June 2023

The Curator AMIN JAFFER

From the Jai Vilas palace built in a Renaissance style by Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia of Gwalior to the palace of Kapurthala, commissioned by the Francophile Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, curator Amin Jaffer draws out historic instances of aesthetic dialogue between India’s royalty and France.

A Cultural Nexus

A space created to inspire a sense of connection and community, IF.BE has since become a sanctuary for talent.

VINCENZO DE COTIIS

THE GRAND OPULENCE CONTRASTED WITH AN INTRIGUING PATINA, VENETIAN THE ICONIC ITALIAN ARTIST-ARCHITECT BRINGS HIS SIGNATURE TO ΗΟ ΜΕ OF THE HISTORIC PALAZZO GIUSTINIAN LOLIN, HIS NEW HOME ON THE VIVCΕΝΖΟ BANKS OF VENICE’S GRAND CANAL. DE COTTIS

DEMURO DAS

TUCKED AWAY AMONG THE MAJESTIC TREES OF DELHI'S JOR BAGH, DESIGNED WITH THEIR SIGNATURE FLAIR FOR MATERIAL AND FORM, A SHARP NEW YORK AESTHETIC YET INDIAN IN ITS BONES, PLUS A DASH OF WIT AND CHARM - AD100 DUO PURU DAS AND BRIAN DEMURO'S HOME IS A PERFECT COCKTAIL OF THEIR PRACTICE AND THEIR LIVES TOGETHER.

WALLMAKERS

VINU DANIEL OF WALLMAKERS SOUGHT THE EARTH'S COUNSEL TO BUILD CHUZHI - A MALAYALAM WORD THAT TRANSLATES TO \"SPIRAL\". A HOUSE SUNK INTO A ROCKY BED AND COVERED BY A CANOPY OF TAMARIND TREES, IT IS A SINCERE STATEMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND STAYING TRUE TO THE ORIGIN OF THE SITE ON WHICH IT STANDS.

VILLA UMA

SURROUNDED BY WILD GRASSES, BUILT IN LOCAL BLACK BASALT AND BURNT-ROSE PLASTER, DESIGNED BY AD100 FIRM CASE DESIGN, AND NAMED AFTER THE FAMILY'S MATRIARCH-THIS HOME IN ALIBAG IS A STUDY IN GRAND YET SLOW, SUSTAINABLE LIVING.

Dior at Gateway: PORTFOLIO TWO

On the night of 30 March, Mumbai adorned herself in Dior. On one hand, the majestic Gateway of India was bathed in a warm yellow light, while across from it stood the magnificent Taj Mahal Palace, glittering. In between, leading the way to a grand celebration, was a runway lined with thousands of marigolds. A monumental toran -a traditional Indian door hanging used to decorate the main entrance of a home greeted everyone who entered. Nearly 46 feet long, in the shadow of the Gateway and complementing its outline, it was handcrafted by the master artisans and women of the Chanakya School of Craft in intricate embroidery and mirror. work. It was a dream made real by Maria Grazia Chiuri, the visionary creative director of Dior, and Karishma Swali, the artistic soul of Chanakya School of Craft-cross-cultural friends and collaborators for over three decades.

Hermes at La Pelota - PORTFOLIO ONE

Harmony was a word that surfaced quite often in the conversation about this year's presentation of Hermès at its iconic location, La Pelota in Milan. As abstract as the idea of harmony is and as tricky to articulate, it is easily and instantly felt. It has a natural sincerity that cannot be contrived.

The Reign of Sabyasachi

The designer's newest store near Horniman Circle in Mumbai is his grandest yet.

A Louboutin Experience

Vermelho Melides, named for the word red in Portuguese, is a bespoke hotel south of Lisbon, designed by Christian Louboutin, with hints of naturally-the colour red.