Rolling With the Punches

PunchesRolling WITH THE

The multifaceted Srila Chatterjee markets art – and thus keeps alive a variety of traditions

RASHMI GOPAL RAO

Srila Chatterjee is a woman who dons many hats. As a producer who helmed Highlight Films for several years, she has had a successful career in cinema, fashion, production and set design. Apart from curating the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in its early years, she co-founded blueFROG -the eclectic music space in Bombay. Her unique furniture and craft-based concept store Baro in Mumbai was known for its iconic brand value. That was where she curated original and exhilarating art experiences. In the new pandemicstricken world, she has taken all her curated treasures – that cover the gamut of home, fashion, art, gifting and beyond – online on her Baro Market.

Tell us about your early days, education and first inspiration(s) into art and design.

I grew up in Calcutta [Kolkata] surrounded by a very creative spirit. My father was an architect and my mother was a specialist in teaching methods for children. My school, Loreto House, always taught me to think out of the box. With inspiration galore in Calcutta, art was intrinsic in my life, right from the craft we did at home to the cards we made for people, to the way the table was dressed, and the innovative jewelry we wore.

Cushions at Baro Market

How did you venture into film production and what kept you inspired to stay there for 25 years?

I moved to Bombay for my MBA. Later I met Mahesh [Mathai, her husband], who had his own production company. I was offered [the chance] to take over the production in November 1989. Since Highlight Films was the gold standard in the advertising business, I took up the offer. I was always … setting the bar higher at a time when facilities were very limited.

Tell us about the transition from films to furniture design and the genesis of Baro. How was it different from other stores?

I met Siddharth Sirohi when I was posted on an assignment in Udaipur. He loved designing furniture and knew I was very interested in design and had worked on interiors

Serveware by Dragonfly

“OUR BELIEF IN EQUITABILITY WAS CLEAR IN ALL WE DID, AND OUR PRODUCTS ALWAYS CHAMPIONED A LOCAL-GLOBAL DESIGN EVEN BEFORE THE TERM WAS FASHIONABLE”

Contemporary art also finds a niche at the market

Decorative radio sets offer a retro feel for friends. So we decided to experiment in the Highlight office and [we] started Highlight Living. That experiment turned out to be successful and we decided to take it further – and Baro was born.

Baro was a very special store that felt more like home. It had a casual, friendly vibe and soon became a community center. We had a big space, and we used it extensively for exhibitions, performances and shows that were almost always open to anyone for free. Our belief in equitability was clear in all we did, and our products always championed a local-global design even before the term was fashionable. Most importantly, we were a place that was always led by stories to tell.

How difficult has the pandemic been and the transition from Baro to Baro Market online?

Baro was a casualty of the pandemic. We could not afford the rent and had to shut the store and start [an effort] online. The team did everything, from building the website to organizing all support. I don’t think of how difficult or easy transitions are. I’ve always believed the only way to go is forward, so all energies get redirected and the journey moves ahead.

Baro is a platform for Indian art, artists and brands. Tell us more about the kind of art and artists you promote at Baro Market.

Baro Market loves things that come layered with multiple stories such that they become a part of your own story. Everything here is small batch and hand crafted, and you can feel the character of the person who has made it. We love the collaboration of designers and artisans, using age old skills and reinterpreting them in a contemporary way. We work with people who are proud of their skill, who do not compromise on quality, whose primary objective is not to sell millions, who do things with integrity and who always strive for an equitable world. Pottery from Shanti Niketan, hand carved shola flowers, seasonal, organic food produce, a portfolio of art from masters of ten different art forms and fashion from small, handpicked labels are just some of our unique offerings.

How has the venture supported artists during the pandemic?

We have concluded our Chitrakar Relief Sale where we raised 15 lakhs [Rs 1.5 million, or about $20,500] for our 10 traditional artists, who were deeply affected by the pandemic. We sold their art and gave 100% to the artists. We recognize how bad this time has been for everyone. We did not have unlimited resources, so we focused on the worst distressed because if we didn’t tide them through this time, these art forms would die.

What are your future plans?

While the future remains uncertain, what we would love is to have Baro Market be available everywhere online, and to keep taking the real experience to as many places as we can through regular, planned popups, because nothing beats the firstperson telling of stories, of the touch and feel.

Any advice for women who want to take an unconventional path in their careers and pursue their dreams?

I would just say, be clear about what you really want to do, and if you are true to yourself, your whole life will move towards making that happen.

Note: Baro market ships internationally. Customers overseas can reach the team on their WhatsApp helpline number +91 9892213907 or email them on info@baromarket.in for assistance. They accept payments through all international cards, bank transfer and PayPal. Website: www.baromarket.in

Oversized burnout polka dots give this well-constructed, sophisticated dress a whimsical feel. Shoes: SJP

SUSTAINABLE Chic

Fashion designer and founder of AYSHA NY, Aysha Saeed brings a unique point of view to fashion, one focused on culture and sustainability.

SEEMA KUMAR

MODEL: ELLA DARR

Aysha Saeed, Designer, AYSHA NY

orn in Lahore, Pakistan, Aysha Saeed drew on her culture’s practice of getting fashionably dressed for weddings and festivals to influence her clothing line. But when her family first moved to the United States she struggled to fit in until she found confidence and succor in fashion. She saved money from her allowance and her earnings from a part-time job to buy beautiful clothes.

“I wanted to be the best-dressed person in my entire school,” Saeed says. “So I would walk into school looking really fashionable and chic. And when you walk in feeling that way your confidence grows … and that changed my life and made me feel comfortable in my own skin. What you put on your body is a powerful tool.”

Thus empowered, Saeed went on to study at famous design houses in Milan and came back to start her new clothing label and her boutique in New York. AYSHA NY focuses on sustainability and styles that are timeless.

“They will be with you today and five years from now, because these are not clothes that you throw away because they go out of style,” Saeed says. Her new collection mixes geometrical patterns with print and velour and chiffon pants and dresses, and masculine and feminine elements, to give it timeless appeal.

During the lockdown, in collaboration with 10 to 12 other suppliers, AYSHA made beautiful “1-2-3” style kits –with a mask, matching scarf and pair of earrings. That is, everything to be Zoom-ready in an instant and keep her business going during the summer of 2020.

For the Fall 2020 collection, AYSHA launched the “dressing for the now” collection featuring what women needed for the time being. These were crushed velvet velour jogger pants, called the Only Pant, to denote it was the only pant you needed in your wardrobe to get you through any Zoom meeting. These are comfortable but stylish unlike yoga pants. It goes well with a matching T-shirt, puff T-shirt, or blousette.

The collection featured velvet fabric in seven jewel tone colors for seven days of the week.

With businesses are starting to open again, Saeed has introduced a “go-withthe-flow” easy breezy collection, because “the time we’re living in has a resort feel to it,” says Saeed. “I want women to wear it in New York and feel like they’re going on vacation, even if they’re not able to travel.”

One favorite is a bloussete – a blouse and a jacket in one. Made with fine chiffon and sporting a zipper front opening, it feels like a jacket, but it is so sheer, you can wear it as a blouse. Importantly, it can be kept in your closet to wear almost all year long.

Well-made, with a lot of detailing and workmanship, they’re designed to be worn often, and mixed and matched to stay with you for a long period of time.

“Her new collection features airy and breezy print dresses to make you feel comfortable and instantly glamorous. This is a summer must-have that will take you from a garden lunch to an evening cocktail. Add instant drama and a splash of pop and color with bold, bright Add instant drama and a splash of pop and color with bold, bright stilettos.” According to Saeed’s advice, be careful how you mix prints and geometrical shapes, but, done properly, it can be magical and most summery.

Animal print gives this well-constructed, sophisticated dress a whimsical feel. The two tiers of ruffles are strategically placed to make the feminine silhouette playful and curvy without making your hips look oversized. Shoes: Gucci

PHOTO CREDIT: NELA KEKIC

The sports jacket is a modern update to the traditional jacket. Treat it like your favorite post workout jacket or like your favorite cardigan. Wear it with your yoga pants or over a dress. This is a style that women of all ages and sizes will want to wear. It can be worn effortlessly with a pair of jeans or athleisure pants, or go for an all-out-glamour look by wearing it over a cocktail dress.

Your everyday Zoom and going-out top. The U-shaped neckline makes this tshirt an easy go-to style from desk to dinner.

VELVET COLLECTION

The warmer tones of this shirt create an all-year look for your closet. It looks best if worn with fitted pants or jeans. It can also be worn with summer shorts, but be sure to tuck it in partially. Since the blouse provides so much drama, minimal jewelry is best. The pants are a modern take on joggers complete with pleated cargo pockets, snap closures, and metallic embroidery.

This cotton long maxi dress dress can take you from afternoon garden party to evening cocktails. It’s a summer must-have! Shoes: SJP

Bring instant glamour to an evening look with this sleeveless maxi dress. Wide shoulder straps can be worn down for a more dramatic look. The stretch belt cinches the waistline for a more contoured fit. Shoes: Gucci

PHOTO CREDIT: NELA KEKIC