Rooted In The Now, Paving Our Way Forward – Letter From Editor
“Change is inevitable, and we thrive on it—shapeshifting, expanding, and embracing new perspectives.”
- 6 Jan '26
- 11:33 pm by Esha Gupta
2025 showcased Indian artistry like never before, with highlights that spanned the globe—from the Rithika Merchant, Chanakya School of Craft, and Dior collaboration to the opening of our very own Kochi Biennale. The Venice Biennale for Architecture, Art & Bali, the city’s debut art event, Jia Curated, Frieze London, the opening of an MF Hussain Museum, and a host of fairs, exhibitions, and shows made the year feel infinite in scope and imagination.
While the world continued to spin, we at DP turned over a new page. Looking back and ahead, we remain deeply rooted in the present—reflecting, celebrating, and imagining what’s next in the ever-evolving world of art and design.
Looking Back
Our first Design Salon at one of Mumbai’s most iconic hotels brought 25 designers and 15 exceptional brands together for one unforgettable week in collaboration with the newly redesigned Four Seasons Mumbai. The event opened with a private tour of the salon, followed by a tactile workshop with Firdaus Variava of Bharat Flooring, and ended at the chic, art-deco-inspired members-only lounge, The Modernist, for a wicked night with none other than the wittiest comedian, Aditi Mittal.
We also brought to life the third edition of the DP Debut Awards 3.0 with Design Democracy, Hyderabad. This year featured 10 categories and over 350 entries. Honouring India’s rich culture, the event opened with Kuchipudi performances by the incredibly talented Sravya Manasa and her troupe, blending modernity—Ed Sheeran’s Sapphire—with the classic Bollywood track from Taal. The evening was truly unforgettable.
We dipped our toes in the Arabian Sea with ‘Stripes, Sips, and the Sea’ aboard Saijal Goenka’s beautiful yacht—an evening of sailing, great conversations, expertly crafted cocktails, and lively design-themed trivia to celebrate new beginnings. Once we got the hang of things, we threw our first Halloween party at Lower Parel’s newest bar, Drift. While cocktails and themed events are always fun, travel kept us on our toes.
We worked with the Courcheval Tourism Board, mesmerised by the snow-capped mountains and Michelin-starred cuisine. The French countryside and their impeccable hospitality left us wanting more—we can’t wait to go back!
This summer, I returned to a place I first visited as a 10-year-old: Mauritius. The island had changed so much that my visit felt almost like stepping into a distant dream. Just a six-hour flight away, I found soft white sands, rum tastings, and adventures that ranged from hikes and waterfalls to the famous Seven-Coloured Earth, a unique geological formation. Staying between the LUX* Resorts at Grand Gaube and The Residence at Belle Mare, I experienced two very different worlds, each offering its own slice of Mauritian magic.
No year feels complete without a trip to Germany. This time, we visited the brand-new lakeside retreat, Chiemgauhof, nestled in the Bavarian countryside. Every room in this spectacular property faces the lake, making each night feel surreal. With an 18-hole golf course, a luxurious saunarium, and an unforgettable radish kimchi, it was the perfect way to end our travels.
Looking Ahead
Amid all of the daily hustle bustle of media life, our team worked hard on growing DP Cult into a platform for professionals, galleries, and hotels. A COVID baby, DP Cult has been a labour of love. It’s been exciting to see it expand and take on a new life. We can’t wait for you to experience what we have in store for 2026 as we enter the new year with renewed intent and gratitude.
To quote J.R.R. Tolkien “Little by little, one travels far.”
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EG
