Mrinalini Chandra’s Unusual Chair Inspired Jewellery

Written by Faye Remedios12th Aug 2014
Mrinalini Chandra’s unusual chair inspired jewellery
We sat up and took note when we spotted these adorable chairs suddenly popping up as pendants and earrings. Then we met Mrinalini Chandra and loved the inspiration behind these pieces and the message she wants us to take away through her jewellery. BeBEAUTIFUL chats with this couture jewellery designer and comes away enchanted by how she adds that touch of whimsy to her work.

Mrinalini Chandra

BB: Tell us a bit about yourself. When did you first realise that you wanted to be a jewellery designer, and what has been the best thing about following this career path?

Mrinalini: I have always had a deep association with jewellery. It was the eventual knowledge of beautiful gemstones and the intricate craft techniques that I developed that led to pursue this field as a career. The delicate nature of jewellery and its profound relationship with the wearer is what drew me to explore this particular art form in detail. NIFT Delhi gave me the education and ambition to realise my passion for jewellery. My education in Milan gave me the exposure and experience that now makes my label what it is today in terms of aesthetics and approach. I love travelling and exploring new places without a map! My heart lies in discovering new arts and crafts. I also like to indulge in poetry and creative writing.

Mrinalini Chandra

BB: Tell us about your unusual chair collection. How did it come about?

Mrinalini: It’s a playful collection of handcrafted couture statement jewellery. The collection is called ‘Please Have A Seat!’ and features pieces inspired by chairs! I came up with this collection after I got lost in a furniture museum in Paris last year. And I had blast making jewellery that used chairs as an object of art and inspiration – from rocking chairs to dining chairs and even peacock thrones, singhasans and palkis.

The mood of this collection is quirky! But there is more to it than what meets the eye. There is a deeper story beneath. I want to remind people to start living and relish the small joys of life; to relax and enjoy the moment. I want to urge them to please take some time out, have a seat and enjoy life instead of only running behind one goal after another.

Pictured above: Rocking chair fringe earrings – 22-k gold plated handcrafted earrings with single chair hanging and attached chain fringes, composed in customised metal.

Mrinalini Chandra

BB: Where do you retail at?

Mrinalini: In Mumbai, you can find my jewellery at Atosa in Khar and Creo at Kemps Corner. In Pune, you can find my work at Rudraksh and soon the jewellery will be available at Ogaan in Delhi. Online, you can find the pieces at www.perniaspopshop.com and www.mrinalinichandra.com.

BB: Your favourite piece from this collection?

Mrinalini: Kaleeras. I was very apprehensive about them but they ended up being the centre of attraction.

Mrinalini Chandra

BB: Which celebrity would you love to see wearing your collection?

Mrinalini: I have grown up on a very unhealthy dose of Shahrukh Khan, and I would kill to see him sporting something I've made. A menswear line of exquisite handcrafted jewellery is in the pipeline.

Pictured above: Flower inspired hair clip – 22-k gold-plated handcrafted hair clips with three flower motifs with coral drop hanging, composed in customised metal; ₹2,800

Mrinalini Chandra

BB: Who would you say your collection is designed for?

Mrinalini: It’s for every woman who’s looking for a little artistic inspiration in her wardrobe! I believe in creating accessories that women would want to plan their wardrobes around. I am looking at creating a clientele that appreciates fine craftsmanship and labour yet fancies a dash of whimsy.

Mrinalini Chandra

BB: What has been the response to this collection?

Mrinalini: Extremely overwhelming – I am so very grateful to all who made it happen.

Pictured above: Tree of Chair earrings – 22-k gold-plated dangling earrings with chairs hanging in castle pattern through chains set in metal, composed in customised metal.

Mrinalini Chandra

BB: Can you tell us about any collection you have coming up that we can look forward to seeing from you? Will it be as quirky?

Mrinalini: It’s more of a romantic storytelling – apt for winter festivities.

Pictured above: Singhasan pendant – Jadau and handcrafted stone set single chair pendants, composed in customised metal; ₹2,200

Faye Remedios

Written by

My family which includes my beagle Ruff, books and time with close friends is what is most important to me. And when you don’t find me with my nose buried in a book, you will probably see me shopping in a mall. As someone who is well read, outgoing and a wellness and beauty enthusiast by nature, I have the ability to get things done efficiently (or so I like to think). With that said, adding a dash of creativity, a pinch of style and a whole lot of focus, is my mantra to bringing out very readable stories.
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