The artist and the anarchist
In conversation with Krsnaa Mehta, the design genius.
With over 1,00,000 followers on Instagram and his distinctive designs famous the world over, the award-winning Krsnaa Mehta is a happy man. Krsnaa tells us why he loves colour. “I am from Bombay, Mumbai now of course. But growing up in the hustle and bustle of Mumbai I have always been so inspired to translate our vibrancy, heritage and pride into design.”
India Circus, launched in 2012 online, offers discerning shoppers an array of cushions, tableware, table linen, mats, rugs and more in fantastic prints and ebullient colours. The brand’s distinctive motifs, designed by Krsnaa, Executive Director, range from a quirky auto-rickshaw to chappals to bountiful Indian gardens. The décor master explains
“My art is focused on nurturing relationships - spatial, material and personal which results in spaces and combinations that are bold, balanced and dynamic.” From a single e-commerce platform in 2012 to 3 brick-and-motar stores in India in 2018 with many more to follow Krsnaa believes their success lies in the authentic designs as well as in the products’ accessibility - “We transcribe this loud and colourful Indian experience into a contemporary and sophisticated style. But we also offer this without draining your wallets.”
The Mumbaikar who studied graphics at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York also believes that they hit upon the right formula of “...reimagining Indian motifs - from local flora and fauna to Mughal royalty and even the local chaiwallah - in a modern even western perspective which is relevant to today’s urban and well-travelled Indian.”
And as for his own home and tips on decorating, we see Krsnaa happily breaks all the conventional rules on decorating. His beautiful fuchsia bedroom and red living room in his Breach Candy flat are a contrast in colours and patterns, with unique pieces of furniture from all over the world and his beloved cats. With plans to open another 9 stores in India in the next year, here’s wishing Krsnaa and his team more power to their colours.