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Gallerist Nina Yashar on her India debut with Nilaya Anthology

  • Ideas & Inspiration
Apr 08, 2025
Nilaya Anthology – Beautiful Homes

Helming Nilufar gallery and depot in Milan, Italy, Yashar made a trip to India on the opening of the luxury retail hub Nilaya Anthology by Asian Paints in Mumbai. We spoke to her about design, curation, and what people can expect from the new store 

Nina Yashar, a renowned gallerist and an influential name in the design world is the creative visionary behind Nilufar in Milan—encompassing unique, collectible objects from around the world. Founded by her in 1979, the two enjoy ample adulation from designers and connoisseurs alike. We caught up with Yashar on her recent trip to Mumbai at the launch of luxury retail store Nilaya Anthology by Asian Paints where Nilufar made its debut for the Indian consumers. Excerpts from the interview. 

Gallerist Nina Yashar’s India debut takes place at Nilaya Anthology by Asian Paints.

Beautiful Homes (BH): You are a name to reckon with as a tastemaker. How did your journey begin?

Nina Yashar (NY): My creative journey began when I was very young with a deep curiosity for discovering beauty in unexpected places. It started through my family business of selling antique carpets which taught me the importance of craftsmanship and history. After doing so for about 20 years, a visit to Stockholm opened my eyes to historical mid-century design. From there, I moved to collectible design by new, talented designers discovering incredible pieces from all over the world. Over time, my passion expanded to contemporary design, leading to the creation of Nilufar as a platform for bold, visionary works. And now, I have started the Nilufar Edition initiative featuring furnishings and lighting for elegant interiors that we are expanding worldwide.

 

BH: You have an impeccable career spanning over 40 years, what keeps you going?

NY: What keeps me going is the constant, insatiable desire to discover incredible design, new talent, ideas, procedures, and craftsmanship. Through the carpet business, I have had the opportunity to see the world and discover something new in every place I visit. Several years ago when I was in Japan, I bought Japanese screens, antique pieces, etc, and it gave me a new perspective. I am not afraid of finding new cultural narratives. In the last few years, things have considerably changed in the design world. I never knew about 3D printing but I am excited to discover it. I believe that design is ever-evolving, and there is always something new to learn. I find immense joy in bringing designers, artisans, and collectors together to create something meaningful. So this keeps me going even today. 

Nina Yashar founder of Nilufar Gallery – Beautiful Homes
Nina Yashar is the founder of Nilufar Gallery and a renowned tastemaker.
Rust red nabuck sofa and armchair – Beautiful Homes
Designer Claude Missir's rust red nabuck sofa and armchair come with a polished brass structure. The low coffee table Tenet is designed by Filippo Carandini.

BH: Can you give us an insight on how you curate collectibles for Nilufar?

NY: My selection process is instinctive, blending historical references with contemporary relevance. I seek out designers who push boundaries while respecting tradition. It’s not just about aesthetics but about substance and innovation—each piece must tell a story.

 

BH: What draws you to Indian design?

NY: India’s rich history of craftsmanship is unparalleled. The ability to merge heritage techniques with modern interpretations is fascinating. I am drawn to Indian design because I think the most incredible thing about it is the attention to detail. There is a deep emotional and narrative quality in Indian design that resonates globally. I, in fact, represent Vikram Goyal who transforms brass using age-old, ancient techniques and innovation into one-of-a-kind collectible pieces. I am very curious about discovering more talents.

BH: Tell us more about your collaboration with Nilaya Anthology. How did you curate this space?

NY: The space curated here represents exactly my point of view and what I do. It is an example of my years of experience of putting things together back at Nilufar Depot in Milan. Expect a blend of contemporary and collectible design that bridges cultures. I have curated it by mixing vintage collections with collectible design and the Nilufar Edition, making it a journey between the past, present and future—a conversation between different eras. 

Nilaya Anthology – Beautiful Homes
A glimpse of the curation at Nilufar in Mumbai.

BH: The store marks Nilufar's debut in India. What would you like to tell Indian consumers as the doors open?

NY: I want the visitors to see my usual narrative and perspective on design through our debut at Nilaya Anthology. Nilufar has always been about discovery, and I hope Indian consumers embrace the dialogue between the past and future. I like to create a scenography where people can imagine the pieces in their homes, see them in a real, domestic ambience. For example, I started the scenography here thinking about large, convivial dinners Indian families usually have, and added a huge table. I have also included pieces by Joe Armitage whose grandfather, Edward Armitage, worked in India with Le Corbusier. He designed the iconic standing floor lamp that Joe has reinvented into an incredible chandelier. There’s also a sitting area where pieces from Nilufar Edition and vintage collectibles are placed. So this is an invitation for Indian visitors to experience a new perspective on design. I want them to feel inspired, to see design as a living, evolving form of expression.

Groove carpet designed by Gal Gaon Studio – Beautiful Homes
The Groove carpet designed by Gal Gaon Studio is made of hand-tufted wool and bamboo fibres, featuring a bold, swirling pattern.
Mensa dining table – Beautiful Homes
Designed by Filippo Carandini, the Mensa dining table is made of hand-painted wood with a high-gloss polyester finish. The ceramic Artichoke candle holder on top is designed by Lola Montes.

BH: What are you looking forward to experiencing in India on this trip?

NY: In this trip, I hope to find new talent because as I said I admire the craftsmanship here and I am very curious to discover who is doing carved wood or metal. I want to explore the country’s artistic and architectural heritage, immerse myself in the vibrant culture, colours and energy that make India unique, and shop for fabrics. I also want to meet designers, artisans, and creatives shaping India’s contemporary design landscape.

 

Photography by Prachi Damle

Flora chaise lounge by Lebanese designer – Beautiful Homes
The Flora chaise lounge by Lebanese designer Khaled El Mays features striking patterns in evocative colours.
Palmea Cabinet – Beautiful Homes
The Palmea cabinet from Lebanon is made of brass, wood, rattan and takes its design inspiration from nature and architecture.

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