Furniture store PortsideCafe launched its Dak Bangla and Balli Maran collection at its Studio in New Delhi over a gala evening, where guests were seen appreciating the collection.
The 2010 Balli Maran range is steeped in regal romanticism, charm and textures of the creatively explosive era. The rich collection of tables, beds and chairs has soft echoes of the opulence of that era, reflected in the use of ornate leather lacework, shapes, delicate use of mirror work and colour. The collection’s leitmotif is gold-leaf, touches of which can be found on each piece. The Dak Bangla Collection of furniture and knick-knacks are simple and subtle. The highly distressed, antique tanned, hand stained aesthetic has been achieved by a meticulous process. Versatile leather interplays with metal, as side tables and book shelves adopt slim, streamlined shapes. This old meets modern silhouette is seen in the straight laced forms of the Filing Cabinet and Loopy Chest. Bobby Aggarwal, the head and creative brain behind PortsideCafe says, “My inspiration comes from a sub-conscious level but not without catalysts from the outside world. The vibrancy of the colours that surround me, the pulsating streets, old architecture, music and even Bollywood have played a huge role in my creative process. Old time Clint Eastwood and Gregory Peck classics, with their leather saddles and holsters. Movies like Out of Africa, Agatha Christie’s upper class, mysterious characters with their heavy luggage on the ‘Orient Express’ have been other influences in my formative years.” PortsideCafe collections are available in: F 301 Lado Sarai, (Ch. Prem Singh Comp), New Delhi; Beams of Light, Spring Blossom Society, Mundwa Road, Bunglow No. 2/2a, Pune; Fusion Access, Monica Bbungalow, Ground floor, Fazal Road, Old Cuffe Parade, Mumbai |