Nilufar’s Grand Debut At Nilaya Anthology Curated By Nina Yashar

While we are all told that embracing your roots and honouring your rich legacy is essential to timeless design, true power lies in pushing creative boundaries through innovative collaborations that transcend geographic and cultural limits. Staying curious, as we will learn from cultural icon Nina Yashar, is essential to creating the most unexpected work. The freshly unveiled Nilaya Anthology in Lower Parel Mumbai does just that. Designed by Rooshad Shroff, this expansive space spanning 100,000 sq-ft will feature a curated selection of collectable crafts and contemporary designs from around the world. “Nilaya Anthology is a celebration of design as a narrative, a timeless dialogue between tradition and innovation. This space invites exploration and inspiration,” shares Shroff. 

Embracing a cosmopolitan approach to design, for the inaugural event, this new revolutionary space for design retail will mark the debut of Nilufar by Nina Yashar. One of the most influential names in global design, Yashar will bring her impeccable taste in selection and curation to India this year. Well-travelled and experienced, she has worked with artists such as Martino Gamper, Bethan Laura Wood, Osanna Visconti, and Massimiliano Locatelli, to name just a few. Born in Tehran in the 1950s, Nina Yashar moved to Italy with her father, a carpet dealer. Together, they brought with them rich memories, culture, and influences that continue to inspire Yashar’s work today. Raised in Italy, she studied art in Venice before settling in Milan, where she still lives and works. 

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Before founding Nilufar, an iconic space renowned globally for its inspiring and influential collection, Yashar gained over 40 years of experience in the design world. Today she has created a hub for both contemporary and historic design, becoming an invaluable reference for collectors, institutions, and design enthusiasts alike. Over the past decade, Nilufar has undergone a remarkable evolution. During Milan Design Week, Nilufar has become a must-stop receiving over 5000 guests across its locations. 

Ahead of the opening exhibition, Design Pataki caught up with Yashar on her debut showcase in India, her journey with Nilufar and what keeps her inspired. Yashar also offers advice for emerging designers while sharing some of her current favourite brands. 

A rising product designer/brand you have your eye on

I find the fashion brand Sunnei intriguing. I love their innovative approach and playful aesthetics. 

Your current favourite rug/carpet brand

Hechizoo, the Colombian textile atelier founded by Jorge Lizarazo. I’m fascinated by their masterful fusion of tradition, innovation, and unexpected materials. 

A sustainable brand for decor/furniture that more people should know about

REdDUO is definitely a brand to keep an eye on, as it beautifully merges sustainability with Italian craftsmanship. 

Design Pataki: Can you briefly talk about your journey with Nilufar in the last decade – from carpets, and silverware to a wide selection of contemporary designs – your gallery has grown in many ways. Where are you headed next?

Nina Yashar: Over the past decade, Nilufar has experienced a significant evolution, rooted in my early fascination with Scandinavian design aesthetics. Starting with my interest in vintage Scandinavian rugs and my family’s background in oriental and modern carpets, I curated exhibitions that blended craftsmanship and contemporary design. The move to Via della Spiga in the late 1990s allowed me to expand Nilufar’s collection, introducing the juxtaposition of carpets and furniture, a theme that became central to the gallery’s identity. 

The opening of Nilufar Depot in 2015 marked a new chapter for the gallery. This space, once a silverware factory, has become a cultural hub for design enthusiasts, offering unique pieces alongside a rich schedule of exhibitions and events. It was a place where I could push the boundaries of design while maintaining a deep respect for craftsmanship and history.  The most recent evolution of Nilufar is Nilufar Edition, launched in 2023, which represents a shift towards producing a carefully curated collection of contemporary furniture in collaboration with international designers. Unlike our traditional limited editions or one-of-a-kind pieces, Nilufar Edition is about democratizing exceptional design and making it accessible to a wider audience. 

Looking ahead, Nilufar will try to continue balancing our rich heritage with innovative design and maintaining our role as a dynamic space for both unique pieces and cultural experiences. The journey is one of constant growth, and we will continue to build bridges between the past, present, and future of design.

If you could work with a designer past or present, who would it be and why?

“Gio Ponti—his visionary approach to design and architecture continues to influence generations, and I admire his ability to merge functionality with poetic beauty.”

Design Pataki: In what ways has your Iranian heritage and life in Italy influenced your taste in design? Can you share some early memories of engaging with art and design?

Nina Yashar: I definitely owe a lot to my father and family, especially for providing me with the entrepreneurial foundations that have allowed my personal and professional growth. My cultural roots also play a significant role in my work, serving as a constant source of inspiration and influence. I grew up in Iran surrounded by beautiful textiles and handicrafts, and I was always

drawn to the intricate designs and patterns of the carpets that adorned our home, so this was the earliest influence I received in my life. When I was 6 years old,  we then moved to Italy. This country, and Milan in particular, has greatly enriched the gallery’s growth, offering a vibrant, design-focused community and an unparalleled cultural heritage. Milan is a city where innovation and tradition coexist, and this duality has profoundly shaped Nilufar’s ethos.

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Design Pataki: As someone who curates exceptional collections, how do you stay inspired while maintaining a sense of consistency in your design choices?

Nina Yashar: This comes from a balance of curiosity and respect for the past I believe. I continuously seek out emerging artists and designers, always excited by the new ideas and forms of creativity they bring. However, I also make sure to revisit historical works, classic architecture, and timeless design principles, as these provide invaluable lessons and a foundation for my work. By blending new inspirations with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and aesthetics, I can curate collections that feel both fresh and enduring. Also, I feel like travelling and meeting people from different cultures is crucial, as it further enriches my perspective of the design scene.

Your most memorable thrift store/street bazaar purchase to date

A stunning handwoven Persian carpet I found in an antique market years ago—its colours and patterns still inspire me today.

Tell us about your most recent art purchase

A piece of art by Lorenzo Vitturi, a contemporary Italian photographer and sculptor.

Design Pataki:  What are your thoughts on the emerging Indian market for luxury design?

Nina Yashar:  I see the Indian market for luxury design as an incredible space, rich with heritage yet deeply forward-thinking. India has always been a land of extraordinary craftsmanship, where artistry is embedded in everyday life. What fascinates me most is how contemporary Indian designers are embracing this heritage while reinterpreting it in a modern, global context. Vikram Goyal is a perfect example of this. His work embodies a seamless blend of centuries-old techniques with a bold, contemporary vision. The way he manipulates materials like bronze and brass, creating pieces that feel both timeless and innovative, speaks to the immense potential of Indian design on the global stage. 

I’ve always been drawn to the meticulous attention to detail that defines Indian craftsmanship—it’s an approach that resonates deeply with Nilufar’s own philosophy of collecting and curating. As India’s design landscape continues to evolve, I believe it will become an even more significant player in the international luxury market. There’s a growing appreciation for high-quality, handmade pieces that carry cultural narratives, and I see India at the forefront of this movement.

Design Pataki:  Can you tell us a bit about the exhibition at Nilaya Anthology? What do you hope visitors will experience when they encounter the space?

Nina Yashar:  The exhibition at Nilaya Anthology is a deeply personal project for me, as it marks Nilufar’s debut in India—a country that has long fascinated and inspired me. For this showcase, I have carefully curated a selection of vintage, contemporary, and Nilufar Edition works, arranging them in distinct settings to create unique moods and atmospheres. Rather than presenting a traditional gallery display, the showcase represents an immersive environment that evokes warmth and intimacy. Much like at Nilufar Depot, the design pieces are seamlessly integrated into the space, engaging naturally with the interior project they inhabit. Each piece tells a story, inviting visitors to connect with the objects on a deeper, more personal level.

Design Pataki:  With your unique blend of Iranian heritage, Italian influence, and a distinguished career built through your own vision and perseverance, what advice would you offer to emerging designers, particularly those from India or other emerging markets, looking to carve out a path in this industry?

Nina Yashar:  My advice to emerging designers is to stay true to their instincts and embrace their uniqueness while allowing their heritage and experiences to shape their creativity. 

“Design is about balancing intuition and knowledge, finding beauty in contrasts, and pushing boundaries. Curiosity is essential—surrounding yourself with talented people and constantly experimenting can lead to the most interesting and unexpected results.” 

Design Pataki: What innovative design trend are you most excited about this year?

Nina Yashar:  This year, I’m particularly excited by the revival of artisanal techniques in contemporary design. The fusion of heritage craftsmanship with modern aesthetics creates a beautiful dialogue between different eras and cultures. I’m exploring this trend in the upcoming Nilufar exhibition at Milan Design Week 2025, where we’ll showcase how traditional materials like metal can be reinterpreted in innovative ways, bridging design from various eras and movements. The exhibition features a selection of vintage pieces from the 1970s, contemporary works, and brand-new creations. In collaboration with Fosbury Architecture Collective, who have designed an incredible setup for the exhibition, we highlight the beautiful potential of this material, creating an immersive space that showcases how metal has shaped and continues to define design over time.

Design Pataki:  In your experience, what is the one quality that is most important for creating timeless design?

Nina Yashar:  Authenticity—design that tells a story and carries a strong identity will always stand the test of time.

“Anthology preserves India’s tradition of craftsmanship while highlighting traditional techniques adapted for modern décor,” says Pavitra Rajaram, Creative Director at Asian Paints. Led by Rajaram, the space embodies ‘Curation,’ ‘Creation,’ and ‘Experience.’ Yashar exemplifies how our identities shape perspectives that transcend time and geography, creating timeless design and cultural influence. Over time, she has cultivated a keen eye for detail, craftsmanship, and storytelling. By inviting Yashar to India, Nilaya Anthology brings global design to India, showcasing the power of creative collaboration.