Tan-talised!

Delhi-based designer Bobby Aggarwal gives leather a stylised meaning through his high-end, handcrafted creations for furniture, accessories, board games and stationery

Designer Bobby Aggarwal's love affair with leather began as a kid when he was obsessed with Western movies including Mackenna's Gold, replete with the imagery of cowboys with their leather saddles and holsters. He loved the rugged look that leather had and the image of luxuriousness that it conjured.



Over the years, he shifted from Delhi to Mumbai for further studies and after graduating in Economics from KC College, he worked as a management trainee, organised rock shows, started his own advertising agency, designed corporate gifts and leather footwear till he found his calling in making leather furniture. That's when he set up PortsideCaf ufffd in Delhi in 2007. "I lived in Colaba (near the port) for years and always dreamed of opening a caf ufffd. Though the dream is still alive, PortsideCaf ufffd is now branded on all my leather furniture and goods instead," he laughs.



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His product range includes handcrafted and handfinished furniture including tables, chairs, desks, bars, dressers, beds and chests as well as dining ware, board games, jewellery boxes, lamps, albums, games, mirrors and bags. "Leather is versatile and lends itself to colouring, printing, embossing or foil work experimentation. Even its natural flaws give character to the product," admits Aggarwal.

While he was involved in manufacturing corporate gifts, he got a chance to visit Dharavi and watch the leather units in action. "It helped me understand leatherwork better and gain expertise in handling instruments and machines." PortsideCaf ufffd's designs are divided into three collections -- Balli Maran, Hughes Road and Dak Bangla. "The Balli Maran collection is inspired by the old Delhi locality that is famous for Mirza Ghalib's haveli and was once home to Delhi's boat rowers. These vibrant designs have gold leaf lining inspired by the opulence of the Mughal era and reflect the colourfulness of old Delhi."

His Hughes Road collection sports black and white designs symbolic of zebra crossings and is a tribute to the iconic Mumbai high street of which Aggarwal has fond memories. The Dak Bangla collection (inspired by the Dak Bangla or traveller's rest houses) is reminiscent of a bygone era and features classic designs on antique tanned and handstained leather products. The products are made through a laborious process with some pieces taking up to a month to create. "My team of 200 artisans based in Noida constantly experiment with staining processes and methods," he adds.

While animal lovers may have qualms over this leather overdose, Aggarwal prefers to leave it to the customer -- "To each his own, whoever is interested can buy the products." Aggarwal owns stores in Pune and Delhi and retails in Mumbai through Fusion Access.

Atu00a0Fusion Access, Monica Bungalow, Fazal Road, old Cuffe Parade.
Call 22154541 /22152978
Cost Rs 1,500 to Rs 3.95 lakhu00a0
Log on tou00a0www.portside cafe.com