The co-founder of lifestyle brand Shades of India talks about finding textured runners and garden inspiration this season
The co-founder of lifestyle brand Shades of India talks about finding textured runners and garden inspiration this season
Just talking to Delhi-based designer Mandeep Nagi will make you want to run out to the garden and twist chunks of bamboo and thin vines around a napkin for an unusual table accompaniment. Of course, the background will be a Shades of India runner: from laser-cut tufts of rustic jute and suede to napkin ties that look like leaves next to a metallic moon embroidered on a runner of black-and-white stripes, their collections are right now. Sophisticated sensitivity. Names like Mud Gold sum up the feeling: You smell the earth after the rain and enjoy the gleam of gold dust on the ashes.
Nagi, who has hotel chains and even a former Indian president as a client, hardly designed by the book. He’s a self-confessed organic-trotter, whose gorgeous outfit validates a deliberate method for his madness. We talk to Nagi, co-founder and design director of Shades of India, about her recently launched tablescape collection under her homeware label Cedar.
Tables look like landscapes, and that seems to be the crux of what you do at a table – create mini landscapes. How do you make your settings?
For me, creating table settings these days is more about being organic and wild, rather than all metal and glass and glitter. I’d rather see a table that’s naturally beautiful with handmade bread, cheese, and fruit – something I’ve done myself. I use materials that are sustainable and organic. I have a small garden with bougainvillea, so for me it brings a lot of excitement to have something new on the table. I like to do little things that are readily available – even if I cut a sprig with a pink flower. I consistently use dried leaves and flowers for my napkin ties. Eventually, everything turns out well.
Does your table setting have an Indian influence? How long does it take you to set the table?
When I set up a table it’s important for me to mix and match different elements inspired by old and new. a Plate, a nice textured runner or table napkin. I don’t like anything too contemporary or too classic. The combinations can be endless. If I’m preparing the table for a party, I use a lot of wooden bowls, glasses and some table linens. It takes me about 20 minutes to set up a table.
Tiara Napkin, Leaf Napkin Tie and Orion Circle Runner
Can you list the number of accessories for your ideal table setting?
I start with a runner, then a circular placemat for each plate. I have a lot of different shapes and sizes of bowls, collected from my travels. If it’s not a sit-down meal, I put together a variety of colorful foods. Lots of candles. I don’t use traditional flowers but bunches of wild flowers and twigs. I pre-arrange the cutlery in napkins, tie and put them in a bowl. I love to make interesting handmade glasses. Overall, this is a hotchpot!
moon stripe runner
Tell us about the designs of the runners in this collection—especially the Moon Stripe, Cinnabar, and Mud Gold Runners. Are they limited edition?
The Moon Stripe is made of hand-stitched linen, which is then hand-printed. We used gold zari embroidery to create the metallic moon shape. There are only 20 to 25 in this collection. Cinnabar uses jute for that particular loop texture. The Mud Gold Runner is made with suede that is laser-cut lace foiled with gold stitched centered in the center – it looks like a bunch of lights. If you live in a minimalist home, this is one thing that makes an evening special: almost like a piece of art that you put on the table.
cinnabar runner
Since you design clothing, how much of the idea for your table accessories comes from what you do for womenswear?
Cross pollination occurs all the time. Take Mud Gold, for example – we previously sold cushions of the same texture. And we decided to make a runner. Now we are in the process of using the same texture for the garment.
Mud Gold Runner, Eden Napkin and Floors Napkin Tie
Can you talk about your experience of design through COVID-19, and what you found emerging as new ways to live?
For me, what emerged were the smaller settings you can do yourself, the more meaningful. Instead of sourcing a lot, we started using items that were easy and available. COVID-19 has also taught us to upcycle many things. You can offer an old craft plate instead of buying new crockery. These types of settings tend to be more personalized.
What’s the popular table trend this season?
More tweedy textures on the table. Discover more of the clothing that will make you want to know what it is. Many people use raw silk dyes. I believe the more you use shadows and textures in the design of runners, the more you can bring a third dimension to the table.
The author is a brand strategist with a background in design from SAIC and NID.