Hyderabad: The much-anticipated Design Democracy 2024 kicked off in grand style at HITEX, Hyderabad, on Saturday. Inaugurated by notable figures including IT Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Pullela Gopichand, Chief National Coach of the Indian Badminton Team, philanthropist Pinky Reddy, and Gummi Ram Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of ARK Group, the event is set to showcase a dazzling array of creative talent from across the country. Curated by Pallika Sreewastav, Shailja Patwari, and Arjun Rathi, with Brand Director Mansi Negi and curator Supraja Rao from the Museum of Telangana, the festival promises to be a hub for design innovation and artistic expression.
One of the standout participants is Furnestry, a bespoke furniture and design studio founded by Mansi Allen. Known for their unique combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, Furnestry introduced its latest creation from the Artisnal Impression collection at the event. Speaking at the inauguration, Mansi shared her vision behind the collection, stating, "We are proud to display Wings of Aspiration, a limited-edition art piece that embodies the spirit of ambition. As one’s aspirations grow, so does the desire to reach greater heights, and this is reflected in the intricately hand-sculpted birds and the night sky embellishments behind them."
The Wings of Aspiration piece showcases an extraordinary blend of artistry, with materials like stone, marble, and precious stones incorporated into the sculpture. Mansi emphasized the brand’s commitment to working with talented artisans across India, allowing them to bring traditional art forms into a contemporary design space. "Our focus is not limited to stone or marble. We work closely with various mediums like texture art and stone art, collaborating with artists to give them a platform where their creativity can shine," Mansi said.
Furnestry’s participation in Design Democracy 2024 is particularly significant, as the brand recently opened its Experience Studio in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. The studio serves as a dedicated space to display their handcrafted furniture and artworks. "We invite everyone to visit our Experience Studio and witness firsthand the craftsmanship and innovation that Furnestry represents," Mansi added.
With a production base in Delhi and Udaipur, Furnestry continues to push the boundaries of design, blending India’s rich artistic traditions with modern sensibilities. Their display at Design Democracy 2024 is a must-see for anyone interested in the future of furniture and art in India.
The event runs through the weekend, providing a platform for leading designers, architects, and creative professionals to showcase their work and explore the intersections of art and design.