The royal life, historically lived in an oasis of indulgence and decadence, has inspired art and design forever. The rich and resplendent Pandora’s Box of royal iconography has many a modern day artist, brand, product designer and couturier return to it time and again for inspiration and artistic references. The Daily Guardian scans through the landscape of contemporary design to discover some strong brands that don’t just exude luxury but are also symbolic of this historic past.
It is not in the very distant past that the Maharaja and his family lived within a palace surrounded by flora and fauna and all things ornate and beautiful. Be it for a shikaar, the coronation, a state banquet or his ceremonial appearances, his life was lived in the lap of art, architecture and handicrafts. Reflected in perfect harmony in every corner of his palace – his temple, the court, the Diwan-e-Khaas or even the shikaar ghar – the Maharaja always had some stunning symbols of art surrounding him.
Such icons are the cornerstone of Raseel Gujral›s design oeuvres. Her home, the Chand Baag, being a tall example of how Indian luxe has become a recurrent subject in her design story of modern maximalism. Be it the ornate lattice work, the resplendent hand-cut glass, the generous use of silver, or the ornamental chairs, the Raj era surfaces in her design all the time. However, it is wildlife, as captured in miniatures, which is the love of her life. They can be found in their brightest avatar in her Amazonia line – red, haute and Christmas-ready.
From Casa Paradox, we move to brands which are owned by young royals themselves and celebrate a regal way of life. Kesya, based in Jaipur and founded by Divya Shekhawat and Shivangini Singh, capture vintage iconography including the flora and fauna of miniature art, hand-painted images of the horse and the camel (the Maharaja›s constant companions) and, of course, the royal sport of polo. With the horse›s hoof captured in a bracelet, the gold-leaf flower jumping from the realm of art to grace a cufflink, the majestic lion painted on kurta buttons, Kesya creates accessories for the modern-day prince, which are a pleasure to the eye.
Studio Kishangarh, on the other hand, goes deep into the world of pichwais for inspiration. Its founder, Princess Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh, gets her artists to paint the Dhenu cow, the sun motif, the revered lotus and line drawings depicting royal minarets and arches on a wide range of art-inspired products like cushions, wallpaper, trays and jewel boxes.
A personal favourite is the range of vintage watches by Jaipur Watch Company that are actually constructed on vintage coins from the Raj. The ones in gold, silver, bronze and metal, minted to celebrate the many glorious moments of the Raj, are richly royal in their design, yet totally useful in the modern world.