In conversation with Anaita Shroff Adajania & Jayanti Reddy at the Chivas Alchemy

Chivas Alchemy recently unveiled its 5th edition with an extraordinary journey into the theme of ‘Chrysalis,’ celebrating the essence of luxury and creativity. This multi-sensory experience reimagined the origins of art and design, turning the concept of creation into a mesmerizing spectacle. Collaborating with four distinguished alchemists from the worlds of craft, art, fashion and entertainment, Chivas Luxe Collective Alchemy showcased a seamless blend of innovation and tradition, held in Hyderabad.

We got chatting with two of the women behind organising this mega shindig; fashion designer Jayanti Reddy, given the moniker of ‘Alchemist of Craft’,  who embodied the genesis of this transformative narrative, and celebrity stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania, the ‘Alchemist of Glam’, who personified the dramatic evolution of beauty. The atmosphere was suffused with an electrifying creative spirit, showcasing how luxury extends beyond material objects to create immersive experiences.

In conversation with Jayanti Reddy

What has been the most transformative moment in your journey as a designer?

Jayanti: Alchemizing tradition with modernity has always been the root of my artistic expression, hence the creative process which brings my creations to life is truly transformative. My work is known for reviving and resurrecting heritage techniques. Over the years, I’ve worked to shape these ideas, blending cultural richness with innovation, and creating designs that feel alive and transformative. Hence, my journey as a designer is sort of like a chrysalis – it starts with raw ideas—unformed but loaded with potential.

For instance, as the ‘Alchemist of Craft,’ my role is to nurture raw, unshaped ideas and transform them into something tangible and luxurious. It’s about finding the beauty in tradition and elevating it into the future, creating something that is timeless and luxurious while resonating with modern sensibilities The entire creative process – from conceptualization to realization has been a journey of transformation as it helped me gain a more nuanced and evolved understanding of my craft.

The idea of luxury is ever evolving. How do you define luxury in the context of your craft, and how has this definition changed over time?

Jayanti: Luxury, to me, is an ever-evolving concept that embodies mindfulness, functionality, timelessness, and a deep sense of revival. At its core, it is an emotion—something deeply personal and unique to each individual. Over time, my approach to luxury has focused on breathing new life into traditional crafts while staying true to my design ethos.
With Chivas Luxe Collective Alchemy, I’ve reimagined luxury by blending heritage with contemporary innovation. This is exemplified in the Bidri craft and loom installations, which honor age-old traditions while presenting them in a fresh, modern context. They stand as a testament to how luxury can seamlessly bridge the past and the future.

As one of India’s leading designers, what message do you hope to leave for the next generation of creators about the origins of luxury and creativity?

Jayanti: As a designer, I believe the origins of luxury and creativity lie in authenticity, heritage, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. To the next generation of creators, my message is simple: stay rooted in tradition while fearlessly exploring innovation. True creativity comes from understanding the stories, techniques, and cultural significance behind your craft and then reinterpreting them in a way that resonates with today’s world.
Luxury isn’t just about opulence; it’s about mindfulness, sustainability, and creating pieces that hold meaning and stand the test of time. Let your work be a reflection of who you are, but always carry forward the legacy of the artisans and traditions that inspire you.

At Chivas Alchemy, creativity takes center stage. Can you share a memory of a creative experiment in your career that turned out to be spectacular—or surprisingly challenging?

Jayanti: One of the key highlights of my work for Chivas Alchemy has been showcasing the intricate time-honoured art of bidri craft. The inlay and engraving techniques reflect the precision and timeless beauty of traditional craftsmanship. To enhance the experience, I’ve also created a floor installation and a textile art backdrop, immersing guests in a space where heritage and innovation come alive. It was both challenging and exciting to create something where innovation and heritage came together seamlessly while simultaneously creating an environment that truly reflected the theme of Chivas Alchemy, ‘Chrysalis.’ I may say so, it turned out to be spectacular.

In conversation with Anaita Shroff Adajania

The theme of Chrysalis is all about transformation. If you had to style someone to represent the journey from chrysalis to butterfly, what elements would you incorporate into their look?

Anaita: So l guess if you think about your style journey, it would be like, you know, the cocoon is how you dressed in your childhood. When you’re very free and not really thinking of fashion too much. Then I guess the next stage is your teenage years where you are experimental and try different things. And then I think the last is, you know, after your 30s, where you’re a free butterfly and you don’t care and you just wear whatever makes you happy and makes you feel good. But I don’t think there’s one formula for everyone.

If you could raid the wardrobe of any iconic personality, past or present, who would it be, and why?

Anaita: Well, I mean, judging my closets I’ve been in, I think I would like to raid Natasha Poonawala’s closet, because it’s just delicious.

As an alchemist of fashion, which phase of the Chrysalis theme—transformation, emergence, or ascension—do you resonate with the most in your creative journey?

So I think for me, probably the coming out of the cocoon phase, you know, even though I grew up in a very liberal home where my grandfather ran the most incredible bespoke men’s tailoring suits, tailoring store, fashion was all around me. My parents were extremely fashionable. My grandparents loved fashion. I had no formal training in fashion when I got my first job at Elle as a junior fashion editor. I feel that was when my cocoon opened and I realized I was made for this world.

This is what I had been dreaming of, but I didn’t know how to make it a career option. So l feel that was like, you know, me actually stretching out, coming out. And then the next phase was the caterpillar. I think I’m still in that phase…!

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