Latest news with #Valaya
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Fashion-forward villas in demand
The coming together of fashion and interiors isn't new. Internationally, Armani, Bulgari and Versace are just three big maisons that have stamped their names on hotels and homes. In India, Sabyasachi's collaboration with Asian Paints and Delhi-based JJ Valaya's tile collaboration with FCML have allowed customers to bring a bit of the luxe life to their humble abode. But what about giving the entire home the designer treatment? Last year, Mumbai-based menswear designer Kunal Rawal announced that he was entering the luxury real estate space. He chose Boheim, as they had projects planned for Goa, Alibaug and Hyderabad. In Goa, Rawal will be designing the interiors of Finca Sagrada, a project in Colvale that features a stream running through the development, while interior designer Gauri Khan is helming the interiors of Sanctuary, a project in nearby Siolim. Lastly, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are bringing their maximalist approach to villas in Goa, but this time in Moira. There is another project as well, called Gaia, featuring estates in Alibaug. Those who have visited the duo's new store in Mumbai's Jio World Plaza will agree that the veteran designers know a thing or two about immersive experiences, rooted in Indian craftsmanship. A pandemic pivot This is not the first time fashion and interiors are coming together, with Bengaluru-based Sounak Sen Barat, designer at House of Three, also working across both design spheres. Barat launched interiors as a new vertical during the pandemic and hasn't looked back. Today, he makes time for both fashion and real estate projects and says, 'We also work B2B in collaboration with niche luxury builders in the luxury second homes market.' Clearly there is a growing demand for all things designer approved in the living space. Samarth Bajaj, director at Boheim, says his company is aiming to do things differently, prioritising the environment, and hoping to champion craftsmanship, while also working with some of the biggest names in fashion design. The Bajaj family has run Shiv Shakti Constructions since the 1960s, with projects in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. About tying up with these fashion designers, Bajaj notes, 'So, the idea came from the fact that I've seen the spaces that they've designed for themselves, in terms of their homes or their retail stores, and I've absolutely loved what they've done.' He elaborates, 'I think that people who are not formally trained in a particular field have the liberty of bringing in a fresh perspective. Sometimes when you're professionally trained, you're bound by what you've learned.' In the past, designers such as Delhi-based Tarun Tahiliani and Valaya have worked on villas for private clients and developers. Valaya notes, 'My process involves creation as well as curation,' and so his interiors include custom-made furniture anchoring other elements such as antiques and carpets. He goes on to explain that even though aesthetics is what people see first, any home must be architecturally sound, and to that end, he works with an architecture firm that ensures the technical drawings can be executed as well. Tahiliani has also worked in Goa on villa rentals such as the AIS Glass Villa. Playing to their strengths Every designer has their own signature, as Barat points out. 'We create an industrial/Brutalism-inspired base and layer it with a combination of colonial, Bengali, Dravidian and Indian heritage elements that have been customised or sourced from across the length and breadth of India,' he explains. With Boheim, both Jani and Rawal admitted to being excited to branch out as they play to their strengths: looking to work with traditional crafts, while creating functional spaces. As Khosla puts it, 'It's a home, so we can't over-clutter it with too many things.' Even though luxury now often involves automation, Khosla has a lot to say about what we're losing as we give up on tactility. 'Abu and I hate this modernisation to a certain extent because putting your lights on and dimming them and putting them on too sharp… everything is at the click of a button now. Having said that, we are adapting to modernisation today,' he says. Bajaj, who is behind The Designer's Class, an online learning platform catering to those interested in design, explains that getting some of Indian fashion's biggest names on board for these homes was a conscious choice. 'Under the brand [Boheim], we have about 10 projects that are ongoing right now. So, logistically it would have been much tougher if only one designer were to execute all projects.' Obviously no one is complaining. Designers are excited to have different avenues to showcase their vision, with Valaya noting, 'I've found spaces as interesting as people because there's a complete blank canvas and you start working on it, whereas when it comes to people, it's about incorporating a person's individuality into what you're creating.' Boheim plans to deliver three of its 12 projects this year, with the first handover scheduled for June. Secret chambers Each of the designers we spoke with seemed to enjoy different aspects of putting together a design. For Valaya, who is a maximalist designer, it's no surprise that he looks forward to the detailing, 'from the right kind of art to the right kind of carpet, the right kind of artefacts'. Barat, on the other hand, revels in creating hidden spaces. He says, '[It] could be the kids' room or a hidden study, library, your personal speakeasy hidden bar, or a fully loaded walk-in wardrobe through a hidden door that is probably a bookshelf. The trick is to hide it in plain sight, perhaps make a focal point wall fixture into a secret door.' Lastly, Rawal champions functionality, and notes, 'Men often gravitate toward spaces that are practical and efficient. Think smart storage, multi-use furniture, and layouts that make sense for everyday use whether that's lounging, working, or entertaining.' When designing, Rawal keeps in mind that, 'A home should reflect how it's used; every corner should hold intention, every space should serve a purpose.'
Forbes
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Almond Fragrances Ideal For Spring
Parfums de Marly Valaya Exclusif Vanilla fragrances reign during the winter months but March and April present with some challenges for gourmand lovers as the note can feel heavy and cloying in warmer weather. Almond notes have seen a rise in popularity with perfume house Parfums de Marly choosing to feature the note in its latest flanker of the orange blossom-forward Valaya perfume. Additionally, influential perfume store Scent Bar recently collaborated with Greek perfumer Theodoros Kalotinis to create a photorealistic nutty pastry creation called Almond Tart. Internet analytics supports the rise in popularity of the nutty note with the search term 'almond perfume' seeing a 68% increase this year compared to 2024. According to Future Market Insights the global gourmand fragrance market is projected to grow from 32.55 billion in 2025 to 55 billion in 2035. Perfume brands are seeking to capitalize on consumer tastes for sweetness but recognize that a different way to scratch that itch may be necessary. Almond offers a lighter powdery alternative to caramel and vanilla, but still provides a warmth and coziness desirable this time of year. It's an extremely versatile note that can enhance white florals or provide a beautiful creaminess without being too heavy. Here are some of the best almond perfumes from new designer launches to several niche classics that display the almond note in its various incarnations whether it be fresh, floral or creamy. All are sure to offer a nice alternative to your favorite vanilla fragrance. Parfums de Marly Valaya Exclusif Parfums de Marly Valaya Exclusif The original Valaya is often seen as the equivalent of a freshly-laundered white-buttoned down shirt, but some feel the peach and ambroxan create an undesirable screechiness. The Exclusif version still has the original's bright orange blossom, but replaces the peach opening with a creamy almond note. The result is stunning and more subtle, but equally as elegant. Chanel Comete Chanel Les Exclusif COMÈTE The Chanel Les Exclusifs line has produced some modern day classics like the white chocolate patchouli masterpiece Coromandel or the bold animalic statement fragrance Le Lion, but Olivier Polge has created the house's most luminous fragrance yet with COMÈTE. It opens with Chanel's signature sparkling aldehydes and seasonally-appropriate cherry blossom; heliotrope provides the creaminess of a floral almond and combines seamlessly with iris for a lovely powdery dry down. Powdery scents are trending in 2025 and Chanel as always. is leading the perfume pack with this floral gem. Keiko Mecheri Loukhoum Keiko Mecheri Loukhoum No list featuring almond-forward perfumes would be complete without Loukhoum. Originally launched in 2006, this scent is a powder bomb in the best way. The scent features rose and almond and is meant to emulate the dense richness of Turkish Delight. It's perfect for cooler spring evenings and makes a statement without overpowering the wearer. Profvmvm Roma Confetto Profvmvm Roma Confetto Many fragrance aficionados consider Confetto the ultimate almond fragrance with incredible lasting power. Profumum Roma perfumes feature extremely high fragrance oil concentrations often in the 40% range and their compositions are purposefully linear in order to highlight a star ingredient. Confetto is meant to evoke the sweetness of Italian sugared almonds with a combo of almond, a spicy hint of anise and a vanillic base. Creed Delphinus Creed Delphinus Inspired by the radiant Delphinus constellation this fragrance is meant to capture the beauty of starlight. The bit of incense in the opening make it an ideal night time fragrance while almond, heliotrope and orris lend a nutty sweetness and earthiness. Regime des Fleurs Green Vanille Regime des Fleurs Green Vanille This is a vanilla returning to its wilder roots thanks to a combo of green hazelnut, blue chamomile and almond milk. Orgasmo by Hilde Soliani Orgasmo by Hilde Soliani This is an intoxicating combo of Italian amaretto and almond. Italian perfumer Hilde Soliani is known for creating perfumes that evoke a specific memory often drawing inspiration from the culinary world. The idea for this fragrance came to her while sipping an iced almond milk coffee at the beach with friends. Van Cleef & Arpels Bois D'Amande Van Cleef & Arpels Bois D'Amande This is a timeless oriental wood made fresh with a hint of lemon. The delicate sweet almond accord mixed with cedar lends it a depth ideal for transitional weather. The addictive musky dry down makes this perfect for every day wear. Widian Almond Widian Almond An underrated fruity floral that opens with a burst of pulpy freshness thanks to raspberry and mandarin, the almond and tuberose add a milky lushness perfect for springtime picnics in the sunshine.
