In the heart of Jaipur’s plush Civil Lines neighbourhood, I find myself seated at the aptly named Bistro Quaint on a fine afternoon. The ambience is chic, boasting minimalist decor with cool design accents. It’s packed with well-heeled patrons relishing smoothie bowls and avocado toasts paired with gourmet espressos. One could easily mistake this scene for a trendy Mumbai, Melbourne, or New York spot. Yet, here I am in Jaipur, witnessing just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to stylish spaces in the city. Indeed, Jaipur has recently emerged as a hotbed of cool, concept stores, and design spaces founded by a young breed of contemporary designers and entrepreneurs. The traditional Jaipur aesthetic, characterised by jharokhas, phool pattis, latticed screens, and block prints, has undergone a significant transformation. In my mind, I remembered the term ‘neo-Jaipur aesthetic’: “something modern, minimalist, and truly international, yet firmly rooted in Rajasthani heritage.”
Bistro Quaint occupies the mezzanine of a cutting-edge structure, home to the Hèrmosa Design Studio. The brand primarily focuses on home decor, particularly furniture, which boldly deviates from the traditional Jaipur design narrative. There I learned that his design studio employs traditional craftsmen to create furniture with a modern aesthetic. On the opposite end of town, Yogesh Chaudhary of Jaipur Rugs has succeeded in establishing a truly global brand, catering to international high-net-worth individuals, royalty, and heads of state. His sister, Kavita Chaudhary, the Design Director of Jaipur Rugs, has been engaging in regular collaborations with European designers. The brand collaborates with rural, female-only weaver collectives.
A relative newcomer to the scene, entrepreneur Nimit Singhi’s venture, Live Linen, launched in 2020, is a departure from traditional bed linen associated with Jaipur. They aim to challenge the clichéd local aesthetic by keeping detailing to a minimum, limiting it to the edges in bed linen. The power couple of Jaipur’s modern design scene, Ayush and Geetanjali Kasliwal, jointly oversee two disruptive entities. AKFD specializes in furniture, while AnanTaya focuses on decor, fashion, and lifestyle items. The latter emphasizes craft and culture, collaborating with traditional craftspeople but reinterpreting their work in a new context. Is the Kasliwals’ championing of the neo-Jaipur aesthetic and the disruption of stereotypical design narratives a conscious effort? They’re not shattering any stereotypes; they’re just reimagining what contemporary means for them.
When Colombian designer Virginia Borrero De Castro arrived in Jaipur seven years ago, she searched for clothes to take back to her country. She discovered stunning pieces, relevant within the Rajasthan context, but lacking the appeal as fashion items elsewhere. This prompted her to establish Parampara, one of the city’s trendiest concept stores, housing her fashion label, De Castro. A glance at both Parampara and De Castro’s Instagram feeds reveals the designer’s focused design narrative. With her label, she injects a vibrant colour palette often absent in Indo-Western brands.
Jaipur’s position at the forefront of design is evident in its burgeoning creative landscape. The Mool Foundation stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to showcasing its art and culture. Hosting events such as the launch of the “Soul of Rajasthan” coffee table book, the “All Women: All Adventure” exhibition, and creative writing workshops, the Mool Foundation offers a platform for global talent to showcase their creativity. The foundation champions the role of art and design in enriching lives and emotions, inviting visitors to participate in diverse programs and exhibitions spanning ceramics, painting, sculpture, crafts, photography, architecture, and more.
The grand opening of The Palace Atelier recently heralds a new era in the world of retail, blending the rich heritage of Jaipur’s timeless crafts with the vibrant pulse of modern India. Conceived under the visionary guidance of Princess Gauravi Kumari and esteemed French designer Claire Deroo, it is a labour of love; curated to showcase treasures both grand and intimate. The very essence of Jaipur across art, fashion, and history comes alive within these walls. At the heart of The Palace Atelier lies a dedication to celebrating India’s artisan craft culture in all its glory. As you wander through its halls, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of perpetual surprises, where every visit unveils new wonders and delights. It’s far more than a store; it’s a conceptual journey into the soul of India.
With its distinctive collection of magnificent palaces, spectacular forts, and vibrant culture, Jaipur captivates visitors with its rich heritage and architectural marvels. Established in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is renowned for being India’s first planned city, meticulously designed by the visionary architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. The city’s layout, influenced by the principles of Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra, reflects a harmonious blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Symbolizing hospitality, Jaipur earned its moniker as the Pink City when it was painted a terracotta pink colour to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876. Jaipur’s allure extends beyond its historical landmarks to its vibrant markets, where visitors can indulge in shopping extravaganzas. From traditional handicrafts like block-printed textiles and pottery to contemporary designer boutiques and bustling bazaars, Jaipur offers a myriad of shopping experiences. The city’s bustling streets, adorned with colourful attire and ethnic jewellery, resonate with the cultural vibrancy of Rajasthan. Jaipur’s culinary scene delights food enthusiasts with its delectable Rajasthani cuisine, featuring iconic dishes like dal bati churma and ghevar.
Jaipur’s ascent to the forefront of design is not merely a recent phenomenon but rather the culmination of centuries of artistic heritage and cultural evolution. From its inception as India’s first planned city in 1727 to its present-day status as a hub of creative innovation, Jaipur has continually embraced change while preserving its rich traditions. At the heart of Jaipur’s creative renaissance lies its thriving design scene, characterized by a dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation. From contemporary furniture studios to avant-garde fashion boutiques, Jaipur’s designers and artisans are redefining the boundaries of creativity, drawing inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage while embracing global influences. Collaborations between local craftsmen and international designers have resulted in a fusion of styles that transcend geographical boundaries, earning Jaipur a reputation as a centre of design excellence on the global stage.
The emergence of concept stores, design studios, and creative collectives has transformed Jaipur into a melting pot of creativity, attracting artists, designers, and enthusiasts from around the world. Jaipur continues to nurture and support its creative community, fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines. As Jaipur looks to the future, its commitment to design excellence and cultural preservation remains unwavering. By embracing change while staying true to its roots, Jaipur continues to inspire and captivate, inviting visitors to explore its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage. In an ever-changing world, Jaipur stands as a beacon of creativity, reminding us of the enduring power of art, culture, and innovation to transcend boundaries and unite hearts and minds in celebration of the human spirit.
