At The Chanakya, an upscale shopping center in Delhi’s Chanakyapuri, a vibrant purple storefront — related to 260-year-old French luxurious crystal model Baccarat — catches your consideration even earlier than you head to its flagship boutique on the second ground.
As you progress nearer, the Solstice chandelier greets you. Composed of hole branches in blown cabled crystal and curved scrolls, the piece is a shining instance of Baccarat’s ability in glassmaking. To have a good time the opening of the boutique, an imposing 84-light Zénith chandelier in clear and purple crystal might be exhibited on the bottom ground of the procuring complicated starting April 19.
The Baccarat flagship boutique at The Chanakya, Delhi homes probably the most beautiful chandeliers
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
After seducing India’s erstwhile royals, just like the Maharajas of Kapurthala, Bikaner, Indore, and Baroda, with the sweetness and boldness of crystals, furnishings, ornamental items, and glassware since 1886, Baccarat takes a leap with its first bodily store in India. A couple of months later, a second and bigger outpost will discover its manner on MG Road in Delhi.
“Baccarat shares a long and fulfilling relationship with India. For a luxury brand that has history, it’s a strategic decision when you decide to extend a connection, especially with a historical market. You want to think twice and make the right move,” shares Laurence Nicolas, the CEO of Baccarat. “We took our time to zero in on the right place, right format and the right partner,” she provides.
Elephant Liqueur Cellar, Universal Exhibition, Paris, 1878
| Photo Credit:
Patrick Schuttler
Delhi appeared like the apparent alternative, says Laurence, for its mix of heritage, sophistication and a big urge for food for luxurious.
The boutique in Chanakyapuri, with its delicate mouldings and black-and-white draughtboard ground, leaves an impression. Octagonal niches, a homage to the iconic pendant of Baccarat chandeliers, additionally make a daily look. But it’s the crystal maker’s masterpieces, imbued with a heritage-meets-modernity aesthetic that take centre stage. There is the Eye Collection created in 2001 by designer Nicolas Triboulot, who is understood to have a eager curiosity in mild, expertise and materials. His works are characterised by horizontal and vertical cuts. Another assortment, Louxor, impressed by historic Egypt and its structure has barware, vases, carafes and different objects. Among a few of the iconic items on show is the legendary Harcourt glass, commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III and most just lately spotlighted in the Netflix sequence, Emily in Paris.
“There’s a certain art de vivre that we want to share with our visitors. The brand is known for its celebratory spirit and joyfulness. India is a market where celebration is meaningful,” says Laurence, including, “Each creation reflects a delicate balance between ancestral know-how and innovation, capturing the essence of Baccarat’s artistic legacy.”
The curation additionally highlights Baccarat’s collaborations with globally famend artists and designers through the years, with masterpieces like Philippe Starck’s Talleyrand, Virgil Abloh’s Crystal Clear assortment, Arik Levy’s Tuile de Cristal, in addition to creations from Baccarat’s 260th anniversary assortment, New Antique by Marcel Wanders.
“It’s a win-win approach to collaborate with another brand that values excellence and craftsmanship as much as we do. I was invited to sit on the board of Sabyasachi. I would be delighted to work with him, since he is fantastically talented and knows how to play with colour,” confesses Laurence.
New Antique by Marcel Wanders Amber vase in crystal with white marble stand, numbered and restricted version, 99 items
| Photo Credit:
PALAST-JManigand
Is there an India-specific assortment on the playing cards? Laurence shares, “Our Elephant Liquor Cabinet, presented at the 1878 Paris World Fair, was a tribute by Baccarat to Indian culture. We look forward to engaging with Indian artists to create something bespoke. There’s an interesting marriage between the French savoir faire and craftsmanship, and Indian culture,” she provides.
Besides venturing into markets like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai in the long run, Baccarat additionally goals to carry its meals and beverage expertise to India akin to the Ducasse Baccarat in Paris, helmed by Chef Alain Ducasse, and a cocktail bar known as Midi-Minuit.
“It’s a direction we would envision. It’s the same kind of approach we have in Hong Kong. Offering enriching experiences is our passion, through food and beverage, and India is at the centre of it. Ducasse has also opened a school in Gurugram. Let’s see what the future holds,” concludes Laurence.
Published – April 18, 2025 05:48 pm IST
