It’s hard not to get infected by the enthusiasm and passion in Lara Morakhia’s voice as she talks about her love for jewellery. The doctor-turned-designer’s fine silver jewellery is slated to make its commercial debut at Mumbai’s well-known Bungalow 8 this weekend (July 29th and 30th). The accidental designer’s works combine gold, silver, pearls, diamonds and other elements such as leather. Her creations are unconventional, extravagant and a natural extension of her love for all things artistic.
“Even when I was studying medicine, I had a tremendous eye for detail,” Morakhia, 53, recounts, “and would often pick jewellery for my family members to wear.” She nursed a love for textiles, art and antique jewellery, something she attributes in part to her genes — her father’s side of the family, hailing from Burma, was always associated with jewellery. At social gatherings, she found her jewellery to be the cynosure of all eyes, pieces that she put together with a flair that came naturally. Morakhia gave up her medical practice after an unfortunate trekking accident in Mashobra laid her low for over nine months. During this time, she found herself gravitating towards her love for the arts and the desire to ‘create something’.
Travel inspired
A casual encounter with Maithili Ahluwalia, the owner of Bungalow 8, earlier this year, served as the impetus in her path to become a professional jewellery designer. Morakhia was wearing a pair of silver jadau earrings that caught Ahluwalia’s eye. When she learnt that Morakhia had designed them herself, Ahluwalia immediately invited her to collaborate. For her debut line, Morakhia has created 56 pieces — rings, neckpieces, earrings, wrist cuffs and brooches. The collection, which she started working on in March, is a compilation of pieces she has collected over the years on her travels. A statement necklace features a Nepalese Mahakala face on a traditional Rajasthani hasli with a hint of diamonds. Leather tassels at the ends of the necklace, are typical of Morakhia’s bohemian style. “I wanted to use the hasli (a traditional choker) in a different form so that you can wear it from behind and let it float in the front, slightly off-centre even,” she says. Similarly a statement cuff ring has been created by reworking a cluster of small earrings and discs. Morakhia talks excitedly about a brooch that can be either pinned to a scarf, or at the neck of an outfit.
“I love old English-cut diamonds,” she says, “and antique jewellery.” One of her favourite pieces is a ring, whose stone — an English cut diamond — belonged to her husband’s grandfather. A family heirloom, she redesigned the setting into a ring. Museums all across the world — in Russia, Dresden and London — have inspired her, as have the catalogues featuring India’s royal families. All her jewellery is handmade and she is involved in every step, from concept to finish. Whether it is creating new pieces or redesigning antique jewellery, the art comes effortlessly to her. “My father has a pocket watch that was signed by the Prince of Wales,” she says excitedly. “I can’t wait to get it and work on it.”
Fine Silver Jewellery By Lara Morakhia will be showcased at Bungalow 8, Mumbai, on July 29 and 30. Details: 022 22819880
