Home JOURNAL Globetrotter | Jamini Ahluwalia

Globetrotter | Jamini Ahluwalia

A seasoned veteran of classic design, Jamini Ahluwalia has crafted beautiful neck pieces, bracelets and earrings, for three decades ? proof positive that her timeless pieces never go out of style. This designer from Mumbai has been called ?The grand dame of costume jewelry design.? These simple yet sophisticated creations are sure to become vintage treasures handed down through generations. Although Jamini uses raw materials such as metal, silk and wood the jewelry she crafts from these humble materials are often favored by Mumbai?s well-to-do over their own diamonds.

Without revealing your age, how long have you been designing jewelry?

Since the early 80's.

What are you main sources of inspiration? Cultural? Visual? Intellectual?

Travel and immersing myself culturally, politically and aesthetically in the people and places I visit.

How would you describe your personal style? How would you describe the style of the jewelry you design?

I am most often seen in solid kurtas with high side slits, loose wabi-sabi style pajamas, oversized dupattas, statement necklace and vintage sunglasses. I think women should dress for their body and age.

Has your design aesthetic changed over the course of the years? If so, can you describe how?

The spirit has remained the same though I have started to experiment with more mixing and matching recently, combining raw materials that one would often not pair together. I like to mix the organic with the synthetic.

Where are your favorite places to visit in India? What are three must visit experiences in India you would advise all visitors to do or see?

Too dificut to just list three- but must visits- Pondicherry, The tea estates in the Nilgiris and the lesser known beaches of Kerala. Rajasthan and Kutch are my personal favorite places as well!

Pondicherry

Can you share the secrets of your success in raising two extremely talented children , one being an award winning film director and the other owner and designer of the chicest boutique in Mumbai?

Encouraging them to be free-spirits, to think out of the box and not tying them down to any conservative professions ? To take the road less traveled.

Can you share with our readers your favorite places to eat, sleep and shop in Mumbai?

Eat: Ankur, Fort
Shop: The bazaars of Mumbai and of course Bungalow 8
Sleep: The iconic Taj Mahal Hotel

Describe your typical day in Mumbai?

Indulging in a morning massage, a routine walk, planning menus as I am very enthusiastic and love cooking, thinking small and planning the new kids? collection of accessories. Going to art openings, book launches and visiting various events organized at the women?s clubs of Mumbai as well as other events organized all over the city.