Kelly Wearstler Launches Indian Craft-Inspired Furniture Collection

"Our role is, first and foremost, to transmit our fascination with a craft and to ignite that same excitement in the designer. This is the foundation of our curatorial approach: creating the right encounter between a designer's universe and that of a workshop."

"The æquō team introduced me to traditional craft techniques - processes for which the region has been known for centuries, with knowledge passed down through generations. Through intensive periods of on-the-ground residencies, she worked closely with artisans specialized in glass enameling, bronze casting, and burnt teak carpentry."

æquō, a Mumbai-based gallery established in 2019, champions overlooked Indian crafts by merging them with contemporary design through collaborative partnerships. Rather than having designers simply commission work, the gallery facilitates intensive collaborations between established designers and skilled artisans. This approach preserves traditional techniques while infusing them with new relevance and contemporary appeal. Designer Kelly Wearstler exemplifies this model, working directly with artisans specializing in glass enameling, bronze casting, and burnt teak carpentry during on-the-ground residencies. The resulting Lahar and Tarang collections celebrate artisan expertise as central to the work, positioning traditional craftspeople as essential creative partners rather than mere fabricators.

Read at Design Milk