For Mumbai’s first Sofitel, “I instinctively brought out what was part of my own background,” says French interior designer Isabelle Miaja, founder of the Miaja Design Group in Singapore. “Being the daughter of a jewelry designer in Paris, stones, shapes, and geometry are part of my inner vision. The fact that I was both subconsciously and consciously aware that we were in the vicinity of the biggest diamond and stone center in the world had triggered images in my mind that now reflect in the design.”
The hotel boasts an East meets West concept with alacritic oomph where modern contemporary French design flair meets endearing Indian artistic nostalgia. The result is a fascinating showcase of avant garde visual and functional hospitality spaces. “Each detail is carefully balanced. Harmony in the colors, shapes, and the décor was essential. We chose spaces to be more influenced sometimes by French styles and sometimes by Indian culture,” says Miaja.
All 14 levels of this luxury hotel spell sophistication with flashes of edgy, sharp boldness and permeating confidence, thanks to the dexterous use of angular glass, natural marble, intricately crafted chandeliers, gold, diamonds, regal, custom-made furnishings, and several bespoke interior elements.
The svelte Le Bar Diamantaire in the lobby lounge sports an impressive floor-to-ceiling mood-lit wine tower. The Pondichéry Café has an exclusive central area for private dining encapsulated in a glass structure inspired by the raw mysterious form of uncut diamonds. Signature dining at Jyran has an eclectic feel with palace-style windows, informal timber seating, and an imaginative blend of materials in an Art Deco-inspired dining area. And the über chic business lounge, Club Millésime, located on the highest floor, radiates sophisticated elegance with touches of royal purple, an open-air terrace, and glass columns with fibre-optic lighting. “The careful balance between French and Indian cultures is achieved with elegance and mischievousness-French impertinence with Indian reverence,” explains Miaja, adding that the hotel also features pieces from French and Indian artists.
The plush bedrooms continue a balance of French elegance and Indian culture. Varying textures, patterns, and tones are inspired by paisley motifs mingling into French baroque to recreate a whole new classic look. The color purple gives a contemporary feel with a hint of royalty. “As a child, I’d seen my grandmother’s Indian paisley shawl-in colors of earth and gold-which would always remain on her favorite chair. A prized possession now passed on to my mother. She revered it, calling it mystical and regal,” Miaja recalls.
