decadent delhi

DESIGN IN THIS COUNTRY IS UNDERGOING A MASSIVE SHIFT. THERE IS A DEEPER RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING OF INDIGENOUS CRAFTS, LOCAL MATERIALS AND TIME-TESTED TRADITIONS. THERE IS PRIDE IN WHERE WE COME FROM, AND PASSION FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD. A PRESENT THAT IS DESIGNING A NEW FUTURE WHILE HONOURING THE PAST. A PRESENT THAT WE CELEBRATE, CHAMPION AND CHEER. THE NOW. THE NEW. THE NEXT.

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PETER D'ASCOLI

CREATIVE DIRECTOR,

TALIANNA STUDIO

The handmade textiles of India brought me to Delhi for the first time 40 years ago when I was a design student in NYC, and it is what brought me back again, this time, to live here. That was 16 years ago. I am passionate about Indian art and culture, and I feel fortunate for the opportunity to work with Indian artisans each day.

When I think back, I feel extremely grateful for two ‘gurus’ as I like to call them, the late Martand Singh — affectionately called Mapu — who was an expert in craft, and whose advice, in my early years in India, shaped me, and my work. Mapu was an Indian Prince who was equally at ease having tea with the Queen of England or with a weaver in Kerala, and his knowledge of handmade textiles and in the diplomatic work of moving between disparate worlds was an example I still try to emulate. The second person who greatly influenced my work is Diane von Furstenberg. I worked with her, and reported to for five years. She taught me about both high and low culture and the importance of recognising the reality and validity of both when targeting these two different markets. In these two figures I learned much about aesthetics and business, and I will always be grateful to them for the generosity they showed me.