Introducing Metallurgy, winner of the first Design Incubator Program by Myntra

Concept driven chic design combining and transforming intriguing materials while maintaining a common aesthetic forms the basis of Studio Metallurgy.

Minimalist, Contemporary and Austere.

Urban. Understated yet edgy.

My designs are about celebrating individuality, curiosity and creativity. I am committed to intriguing design made from unconventional materials.

Designed and handcrafted in the studio in New Delhi, Studio Metallurgy draws from industrial design — which is synonymous with precision and accuracy, sharp finishes and clean lines. All the jewelry is made in brass — I find it to the most beautiful metal. It shines like liquid gold when polished and ages gracefully into a dull patina over time in sync with the ‘industrial’ look and feel.

We launched in 2015 with our ‘Molecular Collection’ where I experimented with brass plumbing washers that were welded into amorphous forms resembling the structure of atoms as inspiration !

We decided to call it the ‘Molecular Collection’ because each piece in our nascent collection was a unique element like the test tube, the double fuse ring and fuse ladder earrings that combined 15 ampere electric fuses and brass to make statement pieces and at a molecular level this collection was to set the tone for what Studio Metallurgy would be known for — Art, Design and Innovation.

Honed by my training in fashion, I always aim to differentiate between collections, each collection is unique because its concept driven.

The next collection we worked upon explored using Concrete as a medium since I was inspired by the changing nature of architecture around me. Living between Delhi and Gurgaon, cities which are synonymous with progress and constant construction.

The concrete pendants thus incorporate the same skill with which the walls are constructed and erected. They do not have a base support which essentially means that there is a thin wall of concrete embedded within each pendant and the skill lies in ensuring that it doesn’t break while being so thin!

Aptly titled ‘Concrete Art’ collection.

With the ‘Metal Coral Collection — Al Mare’ literally meaning ‘by the Sea’ along with brass, I also experimented with aluminum as a material to mimic oxidized silver for my Using Aluminium makes the coral pieces so lightweight despite their size and because of the technique involved — each piece is cast individually — thus no two pieces are ever alike.

The 2016 Spring collection is derived from the concept of a ‘Mobius Strip’ which is essentially a surface with only one side and boundary. It’s the perfect curve that has a inspired me onto twisting a hard metal like brass into forms that are fluid and almost a ribbon like. The skill of course lies in manipulating a tough metal like brass unlike silver which is a lot more malleable and yet make the twists look effortless.

What sets Studio Metallurgy apart is the hawk like attention that goes into creation and an even greater focus is given to textures, finishes and maintaining inherent characteristics of industrial materials. Ensuring impeccable finish and its longevity is also an inherent part of all Metallurgy products.

VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL LAMPS & HOME DECOR

Vintage Industrial Music Lamps: Restored salvaged music instruments and convert them into lamps. Each instrument is personally handpicked. Each instrument is different and picked because of some unique mark inherent to it — the seal stamp of heritage company's like Nadir Ali, Nasir Ali, Paris Band etc. Nadir Ali being the oldest instrument manufacturers set up during the British rule in 1885 is revered for its instruments and quality. To find authentic ‘kothi pieces’ as they are called is like being on a treasure hunt. Since each wind instrument is handcrafted, even within the same type of instruments, there are traces unique to the human touch.

Wrench Hooks: Solid Brass cast made from actual used wrenches and converted into an array of wall hooks and accessory stands that add a quaint industrial quirk to your home walls.

I started with a degree in history from St Stephens and followed it up with a degree in Fashion from the Instituto Marangoni in Milan.

I came back to India and trained under industry stalwarts like Tarun Tahiliani and Leoconet Hemant. My big break came when I won the competition for my designs and Business pitch for Studio Metallurgy by the online retail giant Myntra, for its first ever Design Incubator Program in 2015. A fashion designer by training with a very finely honed aesthetic, I started like all young brands — Facebook in April 2015.

Article by Advaeita Mathur.

Edited by Sania Shaikh, Creatyst