We visited the 42nd IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn 2016 and got up close and personal with international lifestyle designer, PJ Aranador, who was responsible for the look, feel and theme of the trade fair.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Sensible, contemporary and responsible.
What is the best advice you were given when you were young?
I was told to look [at what’s around you], read and travel.
What advice would you give someone just starting out in the industry?
Go where the materials are.
What was the theme for the show and why?
The theme was all about connectivity, we want to connect the rural with the ‘real world’. We support our local craftsmen and make sure they are represented at the fair. This fair the focus was on north-east India, which is where, for example, yak [wool] comes from.
What is your favourite TV program?
I don’t watch TV; as a matter of fact I haven’t owned a TV in about 30 years!
How do you relax?
I like to listen to classical music and I am also very active, I swim and walk every day.
What is your favourite movie?
I love the Italian movie Paradiso and French movie Amelie.
You are known as PJ, what is your actual first name?
My first name is Percy, which means keen eyed…. My eyes are very sharp and I see things, especially details, that others don’t, which is what you need when you are a designer, so the name suits me perfectly.
How do you start your day?
I wake up around 6-7am, but I am always staying in villages, as that’s where all the natural resources are for my designs, so I just go with the flow of those villages. They are usually up very early and go about their day.
How do you end your day?
I actually start preparing for the next day, not just work-wise but also with my clothes, what am I going to wear tomorrow? It’s very important to me.
You travel a lot, what is your favourite country to visit?
I have two, I love Kenya, especially the sunsets are spectacular, and of course India.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what is the one thing you would bring?
Probably a book… I love reading books but I don’t have much time to do this, so I buy new books but don’t get the chance to actually read them, so I guess on a deserted island I should be ok!
By Marion Gerritsen
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