Collecting memories rather than collecting things is what is most meaningful for Akanksha Arora, CEO, Tribe Amrapali. A recent trip that the family took to Bali is an example of this thinking. “We took a private yacht to Komodo Island [in Indonesia] and spent the entire day there. Later, we went snorkeling before returning to our hotel,” she says. Tarang agrees. “Luxury is more about experiences; about the memories you make. I think experiences that cannot be repeated define luxury,” says the CEO and Creative director of Amrapali Jewels.
When asked about their jewellery brand that is founded on Indian craftsmanship, Tarang says that the intention behind every piece is that it will someday become a family heirloom. Time is a key consideration when it comes to their preferred luxury brands. Says Akanksha about Chanel, “They have managed to stay timeless and classic.” Jaques Marie Mage, Schiaparelli, and Cheval Blanc also make it to her list. “Closer home, [there’s] Pero, Anamika Khanna, Gaurav Gupta, Forest Essentials, and Sujan,” she adds. For Tarang, brands with a strong design philosophy stand out. “Loro Piana is outstanding in this respect,” he shares about the Italian luxury fashion house. “If a brand stays true to itself, I think that is the main thing.”
Tarang, who returns as advisory board member with Akanksha, says that witnessing how rapidly the definition of luxury in India has changed has been a learning for him. “It has also reinforced my belief that India has a very distinct luxury narrative of its own,” he says, adding, “I’m looking forward to seeing Robb Report India continuing to build that voice and creating a stronger platform for how Indian luxury is represented both at home and globally.”