Behind the Label | Deepa Gurnani

Husband-and-wife team Deepa Gurnani and Jay Lakhani are the design stars behind Deepa Gurnani, a luxury New York-based accessories label best known for their bohemian headbands, jewelry and caftans. Spotted on A-listers such as Nicole Richie, Katie Holmes, and Katherine Heigl, their one-of-a-kind, handcrafted designs have clearly gained a cult following in Hollywood. Launched in 2007, Deepa Gurnani?s hippie-chic wares also include spiked cuffs, dazzling chandelier earrings, and look-at- me statement necklaces?all perfect complements to their line of breezy caftans beloved by today?s starlets. The couple?s top-notch design training?Deepa designed for Alexander McQueen and Fendi, while Jay designed for Tiffany and Bvlgari?helps them craft covetable pieces that reflect the spirit of India (and the talents of the artisans who they collaborate with). Read more about the duo?s sources of inspiration and their top picks from the collection below.

Husband-and-wife team Deepa Gurnani and Jay Lakhani are the design stars behind Deepa Gurnani, a luxury New York-based accessories label best known for their bohemian headbands, jewelry and caftans. Spotted on A-listers such as Nicole Richie, Katie Holmes, and Katherine Heigl, their one-of-a-kind, handcrafted designs have clearly gained a cult following in Hollywood.

 

 

Launched in 2007, Deepa Gurnani?s hippie-chic wares also include spiked cuffs, dazzling chandelier earrings, and look-at- me statement necklaces?all perfect compliments to their line of breezy caftans beloved by today?s starlets. The couple?s top-notch design training?Deepa designed for Alexander McQueen and Fendi, while Jay designed for Tiffany and Bvlgari?helps them craft covetable pieces that reflect the spirit of India (and the talents of the artisans who they collaborate with). Read more about the duo?s sources of inspiration and their top picks from the collection below.

 



What inspired you to create your collection?
Preserving the craft of hand embroidery has always been an inspiration for both Deepa and I. When we got married, we both were determined to help these skilled artisans in India keep this craft alive. In this day and age, it is hard to earn a living for these artisans. They are underpaid and work in terrible conditions. We felt the need to bring fair wages and better environments for these embroiderers, so that they can enjoy doing what they do best?which in turn helps us do what we can do best.

 

 
Gardenia Necklace

 

How does your Indian heritage influence your designs?
Each piece is handmade by skilled artisans who have preserved this craft for generations. By improving each technique and making it modern, we link our heritage with our current surroundings.

What is unique about your process of production? How do you come up with the designs for your jewelry and caftans?
Deepa and I are very hands-on. When planning our collection, we know what we want and are very focused and determined in achieving our look. We do not compromise our quality or our techniques, since many lives depend on us. Making sure that everything we do is handbeaded makes it a bit of a challenge, since today?s world is about cutting costs and using machines to mass produce goods. We make sure we stay focused to keep this craft alive. We have a great design team that executes our look for the season. We all research months in advance to prep for our collection.

 

Red Ikat Caftan


What is your favorite Deepa Gurnani piece?
That?s a tough one! All of our pieces are initially made by us, so it is like asking a parent to pick who their favorite child is. If we had to pick, one of our top favorites is the Cleopatra Necklace. It can be worn to any event at any time of day.

 

Cleopatra Necklace


Who is your Muse? Describe the Deepa Gurnani Girl?
Our modern day muse would have to be
Natalie Portman. She is the Deepa Gurnani girl. She knows exactly what she wants and does not stop until she gets it. She is bold, powerful and chic. Most importantly, she is not afraid of experimenting.



Globetrotter Stats

Souk or Department Stores? Souk

DIY or Concierge Service? DIY

Buy Everything or Buy Nothing? Everything!

Camping or 5-Star Hotel? 5 Star Hotel

Drive or be Driven? Drive

 

Shop all the fabulous baubles from Deepa Gurnani, here!



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