Seven highlights from Indian brands at Design Mumbai
Contemporary design fair Design Mumbai's second edition is currently taking place. Here, we highlight the furniture and installations by Indian brands not to miss.
Phantom Hands
Indian brand Phantom Hands collaborated with American Hardwood Export Council to display a collection of furniture designed by the late Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. The pieces included several pieces developed by the architect's practice for buildings designed between the mid-1960s and mid-1990s.
At Design Mumbai, the pieces were displayed in a timber pavilion supported on Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-like columns, which created a calm space away from the bustle of the main show.
Twice Upon a Time by Industrial Playground
Standing out as a clear departure from the majority of natural materials on display at Design Mumbai, Twice Upon a Time is a hand-painted, fibreglass sofa that has the appearance of a large sweet.
"Unlike most Indian furniture that's rooted in traditional craft, Twice Upon a Time explores a modern design language," Industrial Playground Ajay Shah told Dezeen.
"It differs from much of what's on show at Design Mumbai, especially in its use of materials not commonly associated with Indian design, along with bold colours, graphics, and a clean, contemporary form."
Court of Carpets by Jaipur Rugs
Set just outside the main hall, Indian rug manufacturer Jaipur Rugs created a tennis court from a selection of its artisan-led rugs.
Visitors to the installation, named Court of Carpets, were allowed to play as long as they removed their shoes.
Kaman Armchair by Beso
Part of the Object Edit showcase curated by Kamna Malik, this Indian mahogany armchair was created by Indian furniture brand Beso.
"When we were putting this together, I think the whole idea was to select brands and products that each has a story of its own, either a material story or a form story or both sometimes," Malik told Dezeen.
"Designed Mumbai wanted us to highlight good, authentic, original product designs."
Malik selected the Bauhaus-informed Kaman Armchair for the showcase for both its clear identity and comfort.
"It looks like a supremely uncomfortable statement chair, but actually it's very, very comfortable," said Malik. "It's structured, it's masculine – a clear piece of design, but with comfort."
Plume Sofa by Scarlet Splender
Another piece featured by Malik at Object Edit was the distinctive suede leather sofa by Kolkata-based Scarlet Splender.
"This brand is known for its very whimsical products – for them, whimsy is a brand focus," explained Malik.
" Every product of theirs has a pop, it's something you can put into a neutral area and it becomes a conversation starter."
Srivan by Studio Saar
Architecture practice Studio Saar, which was named emerging architect of the year at the 2024 Dezeen Awards, created a colourful update to its lily-like pavilion that featured at last year's edition of Design Mumbai.
Called Srivan, the umbrella-like structures sheltered a pair of outdoor spaces alongside the main venue.
Tad Ekam by Sarvata
The debut collection from Sarvata, which was established by recent graduates Iteesha Agrawal, Ishita Srivastava and Tejaswi Pathak, Tad Ekam is a collection of hardwood furniture informed by an ancient Indian hymn.
On display, the Aikyam Arm Chair has a structure made out of tubular timber forms.
The photography is by Tom Ravenscroft.
Design Mumbai 2025 takes place from 26 to 29 November in Mumbai. See our Dezeen Events Guide for information about other exhibitions, installations and talks taking place throughout the world.
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