(This is my India Trip blog – you might also like to read my main blog.)
Bangalore Furniture Fair
I am a trade fair jet-setter. I treat myself every two years by going to the Salone, the designers’ mecca, in chic and sophisticated Italy. I canvas the city and the fair ground to read about the latest design opportunities, as new and shiny products are celebrated with fizz. This event is probably one of my favourites. I sample my own country through a stranger’s eyes at Maison et Objet where I endeavour to build bridges between creativity and commercial brands. At the Spring Fair, I meet again with contacts from London, Frankfurt, Paris and Milan. This year, before doing it all again (and although it is not exactly on the way), I’m visiting India.
India comes with a series of myths and distorted perceptions. There is a distinct difference between going to an Indian restaurant on Brick Lane and ordering a massala dosa for breakfast in the sweltering heat. So what else is there besides the IT power house, friendly call centres, autorickshaws and packed trains? What opportunities exist for crafts to meet design? How about an Indian take on Droog? Since mass production is associated with China, what can Indian companies offer in terms of manufacturing and crafts?
Well, I’m On a Mission to get to the bottom of these questions and more. Local trade fairs seem to be a logical place to start, offering a first point of contact and local knowledge. From there, more trips to local centres for crafts and manufacturing. And all this is to be influenced by designers outside of India who need to find companies able to produce to a high standard the products they are designing.
If you are a designer and would like to know more about Marion’s service On a Mission, please contact me to receive detailed information.
Based in Bangalore from January 2010 until June 2010, I visit trade fairs on behalf of designers based mainly, but not exclusively, in the UK. This blog is about how I do this, what happens in the process and my exploits as I settle and experience India.
« back
