Name: Prateek Jain & Gautam Seth
Company: klove
Position within company: Co-founders & Co-creative directors
Website: www.klovestudio.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
We both were working in our family businesses and always knew we wanted to be a part of something that was our own but also creative. We started off experimenting with handblown glass and that eventually led us to push those boundaries and introduce the concept of light. It was difficult in the beginning as we had no experience with lighting, so everything was experimental, we didn’t know what would work and what would not work. Learning how lights affect different spaces in different ways, it was trial and error. Over time with years of experience projects become easier.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Our personal design style is very luxurious, avant-garde, experimental, bold and contemporary. We like to push the boundaries with our designs and create unique pieces that you haven’t seen anywhere else.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Our designs are heavily inspired and influenced by nature (trees, plants, flowers, water, animals etc..) and from different cultures from around the world (Shamanic Soul, Nordic, Totems Over Time)
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
We think, in the time we are living in today, whether it’s the fashion industry, the design community, the automobile industry etc… design is moving towards a sustainable future.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
- Extreme Nature (Sustainability)
- The Seventies – velvet, clean cut edges
- Refined Craft – handmade, traditional craft techniques
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
We believe the International Design & Architecture Awards are extremely important. We get to celebrate designers and architects from across the world, who get voted by thousands of other professionals. To be recognized by these awards is a huge sign of success and that your brand is moving in the right direction.
What projects are you currently working on?
We just finished launching our Goa Collection at AD Design Show in Mumbai. We are going to be showcasing our Totems Over Time Collection at Dubai Design Week soon. Following these two events, we are designing a piece with artist GR Iranna for an event called Ten Chairs. Furthermore, we are creating a minimalistic contemporary Christmas Tree for DLF Chanakya mall here in Delhi. Along with the tree we will also be creating limited edition angels which will be auctioned off at the unveiling event of the tree. The angels are available in three different designs, each inspired by our three most recent collections. Our studio and home are currently under renovation and that will be ready by January 2020. We will be hosting an official event to unveil the studio.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We have a lot going on in the next few months, with our piece designed for Ten Chairs, to the re-opening of our studio. This will keep us busy till the beginning of 2020. After that? Every year we release new collections and this next year won’t be any different. We also want to focus on our Collect klove line which features home accessories. We plan on having a new piece for every month.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? – An emerald ring from my mother, it’s been passed down for generations. It’s a family heirloom and it’s something I hold dear to my heart. – Prateek
Your favourite holiday destination? – Formentera, Spain – Gautam
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? – Hotel: Cavo Tagoo in Mykonos & Hotel Costes in Paris, Restaurant: La Petite Maison, Zuma & Gaia Bar: Experimental Cocktail Bar & the bar at Hotel Costes (Paris, France) – Gautam
Your favourite food? Drink? Food, definitely Japanese. Drink, tequila or a nice glass of wine – Prateek
Your favourite book, film & song? Autobiography Of A Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, Movie: Moulin Rouge, Song: K by Cigarettes After Sex – Prateek
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? – Sleeping – Prateek
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? – A filmmaker or a hotelier