Artist and photographer, Kuntal Desai is the founder of ‘atelier KUNTAL’ a design label that he started off with his wife. Kuntal talks about his works, inspirations, showcase at the By Hand From The Heart Makers Market, and more. His story…
Tell us a bit about yourself
Inspired by nature and the fabulous bird life of India, myself and my wife Rina are creating & crafting an eclectic range of apparel and accessories that are unique in their conception.
The ‘atelier KUNTAL’ range brings the works from me as an artist & photographer and the expert handicraft of my wife Rina to the world of fashion.
Favourite design story
I love to transform my photographs of birds, flowers and nature into apparel and accessories and to make them come to life. The visual appeal and empathy with nature are most important in my creations.
Favourite work tool
My favourite work tools are my cameras and graphite pencils. These are critical in my creative process.
Handmade in India / Make in India – what does this mean to you:
I love to create my products based on my reflections of India and make them with the help of local artisans if required. The Indian ethos is very absorbing and interesting in my creative process.
What is currently inspiring you?
My creations are based on nature and nature is the main inspiration. Presently, orchids and peacocks are inspiring my work.
Tell us about your design studio.
‘atelier KUNTAL’ is all about ‘nature’. We are fascinated by birds, flowers, trees, animals, landscapes…. anything with nature and that forms an integral part of our creative process. We design our creations based on original photographs and artworks of Kuntal only and each product has a unique story to tell.
What is a typical day at brand like?
A typical day begins with a review of the ongoing activities with the team of ‘atelier KUNTAL’.
New developments in creations are then taken up followed up by sales and marketing initiatives and issues. Our website is regularly updated throughout the day. Visitors to the studio are welcomed and can take a good part of the day!
Tell us about your showcase at the By Hand, From the Heart
The creations on display at the By Hand, From the Heart consist of a range of women’s wear in linen, cotton, silk and other materials with stunning nature designs based on my original photographs. A men’s wear range with casual shirts bearing bird and floral motifs are on display, along with a range of cushion covers in silk.
What is your favourite pick at ‘atelier KUNTAL’ right now?
The ‘Larkspur’ floral top for women and the white shirt with bird trims for men are my favourite picks from the ‘atelier KUNTAL’ range right now.
About Chennai
My home! It is a great city to live in and work at your own pace with some great bird life around too!
By Hand From The Heart: MAKERS MARKET – 21st Edition
Date: Friday – Saturday, 8th – 9th September, 2017
Time: 10:00 a.m – 8:00 p.m
Venue: Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park
Address: 132, T.T.K Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018, Tamil Nadu. India
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