Behind the Label | Moon River

Moon River, founded in 2002, is a design studio and concept store that aims to showcase great design, art and fashion. The Moon River mantra is to establish a partnership between modern designers and local artists to create global products. They presently have three stores worldwide located in New Delhi, Mumbai and New York. Moon River's Creative Director, Radhika Gupta, shares some insight into the brand that has become a benchmark for contemporary craft from South Asia and India.

Moon River, founded in 2002, is a design studio and concept store that aims to showcase great design, art and fashion. The Moon River mantra is to establish a partnership between modern designers and local artists to create global products. They presently have three stores worldwide located in New Delhi, Mumbai and New York. Moon River's Creative Director, Radhika Gupta, shares some insight into the brand that has become a benchmark for contemporary craft from South Asia and India. 

 

 

 

 

1) How did you come up with the concept for Moon River?

 

 

The concept behind Moon River was to combine my passions by creating a beautiful lifestyle brand that adds a hefty dose of design and attitude to your life. I merged my love for travel and design to create India's first design store showcasing the best of world design and contemporary craft presented in an unusual environment such as an old mansion. As you wander from room to room you discover different objects and you travel through objects, each one telling a different story. My particular passion is designing jewelry ? it?s a thrilling adventure to merge the old and new to create something unique and precious. 

 

 

 

 

 

2) What is the main inspiration behind Moon River? What is currently inspiring you?

 

 

Moon River is all about effortless elegance, yet very stylized. I'm currently inspired by the Mughal style and the use of arabesque motifs in jewelry. It?s so contemporary that it blows me away that they were using it centuries ago. 

 

Less is always more in the Moon River world, so we are always inclined to follow minimalism and geometry in design. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) The lyrics to the song 'Moon River' from Breakfast at Tiffany's are on the brand's Facebook page. What is the relationship between the song and the Moon River brand?

The brand was totally inspired by the song :). The song is about finding all that is beautiful in the world and that's one of the goals of Moon River - to bring the world to your home and your life, to be open and exposed to the many diverse cultures and designs. We hope our customers sail down Moon River and discover their unique world through our collections.

 

 

 

 

 

4) What are your favorite Indian bazaars/souks?

 

 

The South of India is an undiscovered gem. The bazaars of Cochin (the Jewish part of Fort Cochin), Pondicherry, and even Mysore hold treasures beyond your imagination. Also, I like Calcutta for its beautiful art and textiles. Ask a local to help you source beautiful Kalighat paintings or exquisite Jaamdhani saris.

 

 

 

 

5) What are your three favorite Moon River items?

The Silver Hoops which are made from one simple organic length of silver are a big time favorite. And so are the Black Diamond Swirl Earrings and the delicate Black Diamond Necklace (pictured below). I?m going to be wearing these all summer for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6) What is the best part of collaborating and working with craftsmen?

The thrill of seeing your idea come to life. The wonder of watching people create beautiful objects by hand. That is true luxury. Craftsmen do not view their skill as a trade. For them, it is a way of life - it is their soul.

 

 

 

 

7) What are your three favorite pieces from L-ATITUDE?s Mumbai boutique?

I love Olivia Dar's bracelets - so quirky and sassy! And Sophia 203's collection is so delicate and feminine.