Behind the Label | 1701
Mumbai-based accessories label 1701 is truly a global venture?co-founders Karishma Jhalani and Ashwin Jain design handcrafted, ultra-chic camera cases inspired by the exotic locales they visit. Their hand-beaded, lace-covered, and fur-and-leather wares are a direct reflection of their travels, as they dream up their designs according to the highlights of their journeys?coastlines, clothing, and cabanas are just a few. Their recent collections have been fueled by the sights of such far-flung destinations as the Amalfi Coast, Brazil, and Vietnam. Their camera bags and pouches are so unique and stylish that they can easily do double duty as handbags and evening clutches. Below, Karishma shares how her travels shape her attitude towards design and divulges her holiday wishlist.
Mumbai-based accessories label 1701 is truly a global venture?co-founders Karishma Jhalani and Ashwin Jain design handcrafted, ultra-chic camera cases inspired by the exotic locales they visit. Their hand-beaded, lace-covered, and fur-and-leather wares are a direct reflection of their travels, as they dream up their designs according to the highlights of their journeys?coastlines, clothing, and cabanas are just a few. Their recent collections have been fueled by the sights of such far-flung destinations as the Amalfi Coast, Brazil, and Vietnam. Their camera bags and pouches are so unique and stylish that they can easily do double duty as handbags and evening clutches. Below, Karishma shares how her travels shape her attitude towards design and divulges her holiday wishlist.
1) What is 1701 to you?
1701 to me is a mini adventure. An exploration. A synthesis of beauty and functionality that allows me pull together ideas from different places and times I have experienced and apply them to products that in today?s world have become almost a necessity. That?s why the brand couldn?t have been a name. Not that numbers do justice to an emotion, but they work better than trying to name and pinpoint a feeling.
2) What?s your favorite part of being a designer?
Creating beauty in what could very easily be mundane. Developing a physical representation of my experiences and inspirations and sharing that with people around me. It?s great to have the ideas in my head, but when it?s translated to something I can hold, that?s definitely my favorite part.
3) What is your most-loved 1701 item, and why?
I?m most excited about The Jaipur Express Jetsetter Pouch. I absolutely love color, and that item bursts with a range of bright colors. I was very excited to see this item come to life!
4) Do your frequent travels provide you with inspiration for your collections? If so, how?
They definitely do! The cases are inspired by places I have visited?not only by the culture of the place, but my memories of it. When I went to Rio for example, I remember walking down the Ipanema sidewalk and being in awe of the patterned pavement. Right beside it was the beach, which was taken over by people of all ages playing football. That?s what inspired that case, and so it was born out of the printed sidewalk, the gold bikinis, and the orange net. When people think of Brazil, things like Carnival and Cristo Redentor come to mind. But for me, it was the beach.
5) What was the most memorable trip you ever took?
My trip to Vietnam was amazing! It was the first trip that I took that I went backpacking on my own. I traveled from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi and each city was so different from the next. The people were incredibly gracious, the food was delicious and I didn?t know which city I was going to be in next. I felt like I could conquer the world after going there! I still need to work out my design for the case inspired by Vietnam; it?s almost too much pressure to make it perfect!
6) Where are you traveling this holiday season?
We?re going on a very large family holiday to Koh Samui. I like spending time on my own, so this one is going to be interesting. We?re all water babies though, so it?ll be great!
7) What L-atitude items are on your holiday wishlist?
This Asymmetric Slits Blazer from Hong Kong-based label Among Strangers is beautifully constructed! It?s an instant classic, but its modern accents give it a youthful vibe.
This Scultura Cuff from Milan-based label Osanna Visconti is truly a work of art; it would turn heads no matter what I paired it with.
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8) What three L-atitude items will you be gifting this holiday season, and why?
I?ll definitely be gifting the Ivory Jaipur Express Cashmere Scarf from Mumbai-based label Janavi?you can?t go wrong with sizes, and everyone needs a cashmere wrap to make it through the winter!
These Nan Pants from New York-based label Piamita look incredibly comfortable, and are a sleek addition to anyone?s wardrobe.
This Black Beaded Brown Teardrop Bracelet from Istanbul?s Grand Bazaar is the perfect gift?you can sport it alone or stack it with other bracelets and bangles for a more statement-making look.
