LuxeBook February 2022

BY RUHI GILDER In conversation with upcoming voices in the design, décor and art world SPOTLIGHT 5 T he world of design and décor in India is booming with fresh talent and distinct voices. LuxeBook spoke to five people in the art and design space to deconstruct sensibilities that shape their art. Saumil Suchak of design studio Hatsu, artists Akshita Gandhi and Bandana Jain, Siddharth Sirohi of Baro Design and Anjali Mody, the founder of Josmo take us through their design process, the making of functional art, current projects, and hopes for the design industry. Anjali Mody Founder and Creative Director, Josmo A njali Mody’s decision to pivot from a bespoke product design service to a more holistic design studio has served her well. Josmo now owns a 30,000 square feet factory, after seeing a 400-500% growth in the last seven years since being built. The choice also propelled her from a team of 7 to one of 85 people. Originally established in 2010 in Mumbai, catering to the top 1% of the population, in 2015, Josmo expanded to create more accessible products for the other 99%, and it now calls Goa home. Retailing products across categories such as furniture, lighting, and accessories Mody herself describes the brand’s vibe as onewith“an unpredictability that allows us to be more curious.”As a leader of a creative organization, where curiosity leads the way, Mody is grateful for the collaborative work environment she shares, “It is a team effort, where everyone makes decisions together, instead of a top-down hierarchy.” Sparks of inspiration The environs of Goa are part of Mody’s creative consciousness, “You will never see a project of ours that hasn’t been influenced in some way by nature.” This is evident in colonial-style cane backed king-sized beds, a ‘Krunk Coffee Table,’ with legs resembling palm tree barks. Mody is inspired by colours, texture, and everything around her; she even collects odd samples from various designers, things she finds interesting, that she keeps around as sources of inspiration. The designer is constantly innovating with materials and is conscious of the accumulation of waste. The philosophy to reduce waste is the foundation of Josmo’s products and Mody uses it to cut away the clutter, creating a refined and curated product. Creating a niche Not restricted to a single aesthetic, in the past Mody has even designed eclectic pieces such as a 200 piece-pocket- watch, chandelier and stools made with guitar picks. However, currently, Mody is invested in developing the interior design solutions section of the studio, alongside a ‘Build’ product division, where Josmo works with large developers, hotel owners, co-working spaces to co-create and manufacture customised collections. Looking forward Josmo is upgrading their online presence by integrating virtual reality, live customisation for fabrics and polishes to make the digital customer journey flawless. Mody is also rethinking the cycle of collections, “We almost want to work like fashion, where every quarter, we come out with new collections.” In addition to these changes, the RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) graduate is also working on a project that is close to her heart. Alongside designer Naren Bhandari of Ren Design, Mody is creating products made from agricultural waste. Using the waste created from the burning of paddy fields for the next ART FOR A RT’S SAKE 34| L U X E B O O K | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2 | L U X E B O O K | 35