Lai's website has a new avatar and spotlight on their latest collection "Bidri X MCM" !

"Lai" the designer jewelry label (based out of India and California), designs and manufactures distinctive, culturally inspired collections of handcrafted silver jewelry. Their approach to design is adopted specifically keeping in mind the confident woman of today and her need to express her taste in culture, history and arts – through the jewelry that she chooses to adorn herself with. What’s even better is that shopping for these exquisite pieces, just got easier! Lai recently launched their refreshed e-commerce enabled website that integrates ease of navigation, stress-free checkout option pooled together with exceptional customer service that is second to none. 

What’s more is that they also recently launched their new collection titled Bidri X MCM. Puja Bhargava Kamath (Founder and Creative Head)​ of Lai has tapped into the minimalist sensibility of Mid Century Modern style and has created a signature collection by fusing it with the heritage metal crafting techniques of Bidri. Puja shares that this craft form involves a 4 step tedious process of mould making, melting the alloy and casting the article, engraving and inlaying the design and lastly oxidizing.

The exquisite monochrome pieces are a limited edition collection with only 29 pieces in the offering. Giving prominence to clean lines and geometric patterns, the collection speaks of unparalleled originality in design, style and flawless quality. The Bidri X MCM is a mix of bold cuffs, elegant necklaces, unique rings and earring and caters to aesthetic connoisseurs with an ultra- mod taste.

Lai was also picked to be on Conde' Nast Traveller India's list of “one of the top 50 Indian brands that "use traditional techniques and materials to create cool, contemporary fashion".” With that kind of validation, I say go grab your favorite piece before its gone!

I've featured Lai before and should you wish to read more about their other collections, click here, here and here. The Indian Jewelry project is another initiative that is very close to Puja's heart was first shared here on TECD. Click here to read the entire feature.   

Starting next week, we get into the area of hard core decorating for Diwali, so stay tuned.........

(Image Courtesy: Lai)

Lai's Nilaj(a) collection is here!

I have featured LAI before and it’s a no brainer why time and again, creations from Lai get featured on TECD. Puja Bhargava Kamath (the lady behind the brand Lai) builds collections drawn from diverse cultures that are fresh yet timeless in appeal……chic yet talk to bohemian soul of the modern day woman. Lai’s newest collection, “Nilaj(a)“ (meaning 'produced in the blue mountains' in Sanskrit and 'one who comes with joy' in Yoruba) has a contemporary nomadic flair to it. Having drawn inspiration from the exotic land of Afghanistan, the ultramarine hue of the Lapis Lazuli used in the collection is the perfect contrast to the greyish tone of the silver taking any summer outfit to the next level. 

Sharing her thoughts on the Nilaj(a) collection she says, “Taking inspiration from various layers of Afghani aesthetics - from their Bactrian roots to the nomadic tribes - the designs in this collection are a contemporary rendition of an amalgamation of these multiple aesthetics. Pieces that are both visually intriguing and wonderfully crafted- jewelry that is as likely to be found in the trunks of an antique dealer in a bazaar in Afghanistan as they are in a chic Parisian boutique.”

Tempted to get more than one? I say give into the temptation. To see the entire lookbook click here and to order, mail Puja at shop@lai-designs.com.

Image credit/courtesy : LAI

Spotlight on Lai's latest collection - "Kinner Kailash"

Lai’s latest collection “ Kinner Kailash” draws inspiration from the the land of natural abundance “Himachal Pradesh”. Diving deep into this fascinating northern state in India, Puja Bhargava (owner/creative head - Lai) takes her cues from the unique arts, crafts and culture that are an intrinsic part of the Himachali life! References to exquisite artistry of the Chamba rumal embroidery, distinctive geometric patterned 'Kinnauri and Spiti shawls” and the Kangra Painting depicting poetic sentiments, are beautifully woven into the anatomy of every piece in this limited edition collection. This intricately crafted silver line, has a contemporary flair mixed in with the right amount of boho charm to appeal to the wild side of every sophisticated urban woman.

Puja’s association with Himachal Pradesh dates back to her student years at the prestigious NIFT institute. Revisiting the memorable time that she spent in Himachal Pradesh she shares,"Himachal is one of my most favorite states in India and I've not only visited it as tourist but I also spent a month there as a NIFT student for my Craft Documentation project. Years later I did a Kinnauri shawl revival project for the Textiles Ministry during which I made multiple trips to Kinnaur.....I'd like to think Himachal likes me keeps calling me back!" 

Puja's attention to detail and her ability to interpret cultural inspiration for the modern day woman is exemplary. Talking indepth about her inspiration for this collection she says,"This collection our rendition of tribal Himachali designs (with a bit of Multani influence thrown in- an indicative of their ancient Silk Route connect). It is intended to resemble something you might stumble upon in an antique shop in Chamba- just more fun! We've kept the look oxidized & injected eye-catching enamel colors- making these designs both a beautiful accessory and a covetable find.Conveying the topic of travel, urban nomadic lifestyle and one of a kind finds, Kinner Kailash offers a range of necklaces, earrings, rings & bangles. Something to suit every taste, we think!”

The splendor of the tarnished patina of Oxidized Silver is sagaciously balanced with the hand painted vibrant enamel detailing, making the Kinner Kailash collection a temptation to say the least. This is handcrafted in Jaipur by expert artisans using time honored techniques with centuries-old craftsmanship and quality. Indulge the woman in you and make sure you get yours today before this 'made upon order' collection is sold out! Lai ships worldwide from Delhi and California. To browse the entire collection, click here.

Image courtesy: Lai