Designer Nachiket Barve has been creating beautiful garments since 2007 and is no stranger to the finer things in life. Well-travelled and appreciative of the luxuries in life, we talked to him about his likes and loves, and his picks from the world of extravagance.
As a designer, you are constantly dealing with luxury – whether in terms of materials used or a look created. How do you define luxury? Personally, what is luxury for you?
Luxury, to me, is freedom! It is the freedom to work with the finest material, the most intricate and innovative techniques and the most progressive ideas.
I appreciate well-made things and products and experiences that are exceptional.
I try to convey the same sense of luxury through the product I create; whether it is through the finest fabric, streamlined cut and silhouette or intelligent and refined ideation.
A luxurious product needs to tantalise the eye, tickle the senses and have soul to be successful. Personally for me, the biggest luxury is time! That is the one thing that’s limited and always depleting… the rest is just stuff!
What has been your biggest indulgence to date? What is the story behind it?
I enjoy beautifully crafted things and their value in my eyes does not depend on the price tag. I enjoy well made bags, shoes, watches and clothes personally; the most indulgent purchase would be a customised bag that I ordered from an atelier in Florence that does hand made bags and shoes. I went a bit crazy and ordered eight pairs of loafers in different colours.
Meaningfully, my best splurge would be the diamond ring I got made from our jeweller for my mum from my first internship stipend, which was the first earning I made from the design field.
They say luxury is sometimes the little things — what little things do you like to indulge in?
Time away is a luxury and I indulge in short breaks to walk by the sea, swim and cook. I enjoy photography and shoot wildlife and nature, so equipment for that is a luxury.
Beautiful fresh flowers for the house are a small indulge that also makes me happy. Sometimes Truffle oil and great sushi are luxuries that are enjoyable.
Having lived in different cities across the world what is your most memorable dining experience?
The most memorable dining experience would be having fantastic fresh sea food and soaking in the sun after snorkelling in Thailand or the fantastic flavours of South East Asian food in the nooks and crannies of Singapore. As far as restaurant meals go, I have enjoyed food at Hakkassan in London; Le Cirque at the Leela in Delhi was amazing and Indigo Deli is someplace I swear by in Mumbai.
But I also enjoy tiny hole-in-the-wall places which serve authentic local food anywhere in the world.
I also cook extensively and buy ingredients across the world. So, hopefully the next best meal is around the corner.
You design for others, but is there a designer or a brand you swear by when it comes to your personal style?
I love Cartier for watches and their Santos is a personal favourite over the years. I love the Louis Vuitton luggage and find their Keepall an amazing travel and work bag.
I also love Hermes and what the folks at Valentino are doing and I’m hoping to indulge in my lust-list. But I love great products and am happy to find non-branded and well-crafted things anywhere and wear them with equal pride.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere by the sea or in a wildlife reserve! Thailand, Alaska, Argentina, parts of Italy, London and so many places in India. Staying at a 12th century monastery converted into a boutique hotel was pretty special in La Angostura in Argentina!
Who is an artist you admire? Is there a piece of art that you consider an investment?
Van Gogh is my favourite artist and also Manjit Bawa! But I look at art in terms of the joy it brings me, not as an investment. I would much rather have folk art or craft traditions than a ‘statement’ artist.
You lived in Paris for a while, the city of luxury brands and haute couture. What is your favourite discovery about the City of Light?
The sheer variety of stuff available in the city is amazing, but the Marais has some wonderful artisanal stuff.
Name a luxury item you believe every person should own?
A wonderful camera to capture memories for posterity!