Nine.5

Ateliers Courbet presents Nine.5, a limited collection of sculptural seating designed in collaboration with New York-based Indian architect Suchi Reddy and Ekaya Banaras. This project emerged from a five-year dialogue involving Reddy, Shah, and Courbet. The series features accent chairs, daybeds, and stools with modern designs crafted from wood and upholstered by Ekaya’s skilled weavers, who use traditional weaving methods from Banaras along with vibrant new color dyes and abstract patterns conceived by Reddy in New York. The exhibition will be available for viewing until December 22, 2024, at the Chelsea Gallery in New York.

Initiated by the family- owned atelier’s fourth generation and first female leader Palak Shah, the capsule collection brings together two multicultural female entrepreneurs of Indian origin who have contributed to their respective industries with groundbreaking achievements, their visionary leadership and free spirits. Nine.5 is their homage to their country’s rich cultural heritage under the contemporary lens and creative direction of Reddy in New York and the global business vision and leadership of Shah in New Delhi. Inviting the master-weavers to explore new techniques with modern and abstract patterns, Reddy expands Ekaya’s sought-after textiles possible uses with a new palette of colors and graphisms.

Situated in Northern India, Ekaya’s 130-year-old handlooms atelier hails from a long lineage of master-weavers. Renowned for its sought-after Banarasi textiles, the Shah family has upheld the intricate weaving techniques of Banaras for over four generations as one of India’s most esteemed textile ateliers. Under the leadership of both Palak Shah and her father Bharat Shah, they launched India’s first handloom luxury brand Ekaya in 2012, aimed at preserving the centuries old weaving techniques of Banaras and family legacy through more globally appealing and modern designs. Equally revered by their peers and the fine textiles appreciators worldwide, the Shah family has slowly developed an extensive network of over 10,000 master weavers through generations, all contributing to the Ekaya’s rich heritage.

For the first time the torch is being passed to a woman in the family, Palak Shah. Combining visionary leadership with a deep appreciation for her country’s cultural heritage and her family legacy, Palak has brought new projects with international collaborations aimed at shifting the global perception of Indian handloom textiles. These recent initiatives seek to preserve the time-honored Banarasi techniques by developing new textile applications and expressions through the lenses of cross-disciplinary artists and designers, as exemplified by its latest collaboration with renowned New York-based architect and designer Suchi Reddy, unveiled at Ateliers Courbet this fall.

The Nine.5 collection celebrates the cultural significance of the saree, drawing inspiration from the 9.5 yards of fabric traditionally used in its creation. Each piece within the collection engages in a dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, highlighting the versatility and enduring relevance of Indian textiles.

Drawing inspiration from the concept of zero, a numeral introduced to mathematics by Hindu astronomer and mathematician Brahmagupta in 628 AC, Reddy created a bespoke textile design. This innovative fabric, featuring a contemporary herringbone pattern overlaid with an infinity motif, serves as the upholstery for her sculptural forms, seamlessly blending ancient mathematical concepts with modern design aesthetics. Each design in the collection is meticulously crafted and features intricate patterns and vibrant colors characteristic of Banarasi textiles. Central to the collection is the reimagining of traditional weaving techniques through a contemporary lens, symbolizing the evolution and adaptability of India’s craft heritage.

Through her collaboration with Ekaya, Reddy achieves a collection that bridges the gap between traditional textiles and modern design. Included in the exhibition will be eight furniture pieces, a light fixture, and a small sculptural object representing the .5 in the series’ name. Each piece showcases Ekaya’s masterful textiles in colors ranging from aquamarine blue and salmon pink to lilac, fuchsia, and wine, reflecting a contemporary interpretation of India’s rich color palette.

Nine. 5 is a celebration of India’s cultural contributions, reimagining  the saree—a garment steeped in tradition—through the lens of contemporary design. Each piece in this collection is a tribute to the artistry of Indian craftsmen, weaving together centuries of heritage with modern aesthetics to create objects that resonate with both cultural signif icance and functional beauty.” - Suchi Reddy

“This collaboration embodies our mission to push and resurrect the Indian crafts and textiles industry. By applying traditional Banarasi techniques to contemporary furniture design, we’re breaking stereotypes and making these exquisite textiles adaptable to new environments and consumer choices, ensuring the continued relevance and appreciation of our craft.” - Palak Shah

“I was particularly drawn to Palak and Suchi’s collaboration for the contemporary way in which it captures and translates the essence of India’s craftsmanship legacy and its cultural heritage. I also found it interesting how Suchi revisits and expands upon a centuries-old textile tradition that is usually specif ically tailored to the traditional saree and gives it a new application with the upholstery of her sculptural pieces. I am honored to support their endeavor and host the unveiling of their resulting edition at the gallery this fall.” - Melanie Courbet