This week, fashion curator Maithili Ahluwalia hosted a trunk show to spotlight the designs of Delhi-based jewellery designer Hanut Singh in Mumbai. The elusive designer whose baubles are worn by everyone from Meryl Streep to Dimple Kapadia only sells his exquisite, Art Deco-inspired pieces at events like these, making it a worthy shopping trek for fans of his work. From his signature talismanic dagger necklaces to architectural chandelier earrings, and newer works that he’s never brought to India before, there was plenty to browse. And with all the well-heeled of Mumbai present and correct, there was plenty of chatter we couldn’t help but eavesdrop on. Here are a few snippets from the evening.
Maithili Ahluwalia, fashion curator
What’s that on your ears? “A piece from Hanut’s latest collection, obviously! They’re sculptural, graphic, and delicate, but still strong. So they resonated with me. Mumbai always has a special place in Hanut’s heart. It was the first city in which he showed his work and we’ve been doing this together since 2004. It’s also the place where he tries out his newest experiments, like these earrings.”
Gayatri Chona, nutritionist and founder, Phab
Is that a charm on your belt? “Yes, I picked it up from a thrift shop in Japan during a New Year’s holiday. I wear it whenever I wear this belt because it doesn’t have a loop. I’m always on the lookout for something quirky and different. The bag is from Fendi, I just picked it up this summer from London.”
Anjali Patel Mehta, designer and founder, Verandah
Love these earrings, did you buy them today? “Yes, I chose them because I was looking for something in green. The earrings are a luminous green hydro with diamonds and anyway, I love Hanut’s Art Deco pieces. I wanted something light and versatile that I could wear easily when I travel.”
Isla Maria Van Damme, designer and stylist
Iconic arm stack. Where is it from? “I’ve been wearing these bangles for 60 years. If I don’t wear them, I feel naked, I feel empty without them. Two of them are very old, they’re antiques from Rajasthan. The others are newer, from Thailand.”
Moomal Mehta, founder, Crossover Catalysts
Interesting arm candy. Tell us more? “The camel-bone cuff is from my home city of Jodhpur. It was supposed to be a choodi, but since it’s so big, I wear it higher up. The bag is by an Indian brand called Perona—I like the colour, structure, and size. It’s red, but not in an overpowering way.”
