Check out Baccarat’s first Indian store in Delhi

At The Chanakya, an upscale shopping mall in Delhi’s Chanakyapuri, a vibrant red storefront — associated with 260-year-old French luxury crystal brand Baccarat — catches your attention even before you head to its flagship boutique on the second floor. 

As you move closer, the Solstice chandelier greets you. Composed of hollow branches in blown cabled crystal and curved scrolls, the piece is a shining example of Baccarat’s skill in glassmaking. To celebrate the opening of the boutique, a majestic 84-light Zénith chandelier in clear and red crystal will be exhibited on the ground floor of the shopping complex beginning April 19. 

After seducing India’s erstwhile royals, like the Maharajas of Kapurthala, Bikaner, Indore, and Baroda, with the beauty and boldness of crystals, furnishings, decorative pieces, and glassware since 1886, Baccarat takes a leap with its first physical store in India. A few months later, a second and larger outpost will find its way on MG Road in Delhi. 

“Baccarat shares a long and fulfilling relationship with India. For a luxury brand that has history, it’s a strategic decision when you decide to extend a connection, especially with a historical market. You want to think twice and make the right move,” shares Laurence Nicolas, the CEO of Baccarat. “We took our time to zero in on the right place, right format and the right partner,” she adds. 

Delhi seemed like the obvious choice, says Laurence, for its blend of heritage, sophistication and a large appetite for luxury.

The boutique in Chanakyapuri, with its delicate mouldings and black-and-white draughtboard floor, leaves an impression. Octagonal niches, a homage to the iconic pendant of Baccarat chandeliers, also make a regular appearance. But it is the crystal maker’s masterpieces, imbued with a heritage-meets-modernity aesthetic that take centre stage. There is the Eye Collection created in 2001 by designer Nicolas Triboulot, who is known to have a keen interest in light, technology and material. His works are characterised by horizontal and vertical cuts. Another collection, Louxor, inspired by ancient Egypt and its architecture has barware, vases, carafes and other objects. Among some of the iconic pieces on display is the legendary Harcourt glass, commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III and most recently spotlighted in the Netflix series, Emily in Paris. 

“There’s a certain art de vivre that we want to share with our visitors. The brand is known for its celebratory spirit and joyfulness. India is a market where celebration is meaningful,” says Laurence, adding, “Each creation reflects a delicate balance between ancestral know-how and innovation, capturing the essence of Baccarat’s artistic legacy.”

The curation also highlights Baccarat’s collaborations with globally renowned artists and designers over the years, with masterpieces like Philippe Starck’s Talleyrand, Virgil Abloh’s Crystal Clear collection, Arik Levy’s Tuile de Cristal, as well as creations from Baccarat’s 260th anniversary collection, New Antique by Marcel Wanders.

“It’s a win-win approach to collaborate with another brand that values excellence and craftsmanship as much as we do. I was invited to sit on the board of Sabyasachi. I would be delighted to work with him, since he is fantastically talented and knows how to play with colour,” confesses Laurence. 

Is there an India-specific collection on the cards? Laurence shares, “Our Elephant Liquor Cabinet, presented at the 1878 Paris World Fair, was a tribute by Baccarat to Indian culture. We look forward to engaging with Indian artists to create something bespoke. There’s an interesting marriage between the French savoir faire and craftsmanship, and Indian culture,” she adds.

Besides venturing into markets like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai in the future, Baccarat also aims to bring its food and beverage experience to India akin to the Ducasse Baccarat in Paris, helmed by Chef Alain Ducasse, and a cocktail bar called Midi-Minuit. 

“It’s a direction we would envision. It’s the same kind of approach we have in Hong Kong. Offering enriching experiences is our passion, through food and beverage, and India is at the centre of it. Ducasse has also opened a school in Gurugram. Let’s see what the future holds,” concludes Laurence.