The collection of crockery and cushions that went by the name City, at now defunct cult Bandra home store Takete Maluma, is back in a new avatar at Latika Khosla's boutique that opens doors next month
The collection of crockery and cushions that went by the name City, at now defunct cult Bandra home store Takete Maluma, is back in a new avatar at Latika Khosla's boutique that opens doors next month
A decade ago, NID alumnus Latika Khosla ran the best-kept secret in Bandra. Located on 28th Road, a quiet nondescript lane between Linking and Waterfield Road, cult home accessories boutique Takete Maluma attracted and retained a steady clientele without having to publicise itself. 
The Freedom Tree design team at the former studio in Lower Parel
"We felt there was a void in the retail market for home furnishing products that had a universal appeal, stuff that was well-co-ordinated which a young couple starting out could pick up and add to as they progressed in life." All their products were designed and updated based on customer feedback and international fashion trends.
The store shut down after the two owners -- Khosla and Zia Taraporewala -- moved abroad. When Khosla returned to India a few years ago, she realised that consumer taste had evolved but the products on offer remained just as underwhelming. "Handcrafted designs by local artisans who use traditional techniques are exported to Europe while urban Indians buy Buddhas by the hordes from Bangkok," says the design director of The Freedom Tree studio, which specialises in trend and colour strategies for brands.
Meanwhile, some of the artisans behind the now defunct store's stunners were out of work while others turned to less-satisfying work, even manual labour. 
Mombaye mugs and dishes are available at Rs 240 onwards
"Time-honoured skills are dying because there aren't enough takers. The dhurrie-weaving technique in South India, for instance," says Khosla. Her new store Freedom Tree, which opens in the second week of July, gives a new lease of life to the second generation of artisans associated with her previous venture.
"The boutique will have products conceptualised by our team of designers in Mumbai," Samantha Murton, chief
operations officer, from the brilliantly lit minimalist studio in Lower Parel says.
The designs are then brought to life at small-scale industries in various parts of India, with the designers giving detailed directions and overseeing every stage of progress. 
A potter creates moulds for a Freedom Tree design in UP
Artisans sprinkle magic dust through handpainting and other techniques of their expertise. "So, no two pieces look alike," says senior designer Aanchal Desai. There are dhurries from Andhra Pradesh, pottery from North India, furniture from Rajasthan and lights from Maharashtra. And yet, none of it looks ethnic. Instead, what you see is quirky ware with an international edge.
Like the collection Mombaye (Koli fishermen's name for Mumbai city), which was a bestseller at Khosla's previous store. The quirky line has the makings of a classic.
Freedom Tree opens in the second week of July at Raghuvanshi Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. Call: 24984443/ 9833882073
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