Smita Diwan
Who would have thought that the chance meeting of two young and energetic people while studying at NIFT, Delhi will give birth to a brand named ‘RUBATO’ in the near future. They met while pursuing a certificate course in Luxury Product Designing.
The famous hindi phrase of “Chota Packet Bada Dhamaka” aptly suits Ashima Chabra and Mehak Kalra, the founders of this luxury watches brand. These young entrepreneurs have proved that talents have no age boundaries with many popular socialites, film stars and other celebrities appreciating their watches.
So we found out what inspired these budding designer to come up with the brand ‘Rubato’
1. Tell us something about the inspiration behind designing Timewear? Also when and where did this idea incept?
The desire to offer a unique story through design gave birth to the idea of creating pieces of jewelry that show time. Inspired by rich Indian tradition and aesthetic, our designs endeavor to evoke a sense of luxury and pride; and a promise that the wearer makes to herself – of finding time to dream, finding time to love, finding time to celebrate, finding time…even if she has to steal it from herself.
2. Can you share the process of crafting these marvellous pieces?
After conceptualising and weaving a story on paper, we start by carefully assembling the dials using watch movements imported from Japan. Next is the process of crafting the straps. Each piece is a unique confluence of pure Indian silks, genuine high quality leather, hand embroidery and metal chain embellishments – each passing through the hands of master craftsmen, carrying forward the Indian tradition of hand-crafting luxury.
3. What was it like to receive your very first order?
The team was stoked! It felt great to have someone identify with and appreciate our idea, design and philosophy. We found time to celebrate and then got back to work while looking forward to bigger and better things.
4. Who do you think is the most suited audience for these watches?
Rubato’s designs that incorporate luxury craftsmanship, Indian aesthetics, and fresh new twist to accessory design appeal to the connoisseurs of design world over. Our aim is to entice the hearts and minds of global women who want to wear a story around their wrists, rather than an accessory that just appeals to the eye.
5. What is the price range of your collection Rubato?
All our timepieces are priced upwards of Rs.18,000 (Rupees Eighteen Thousand)
6. What do you think about the chemistry between women and watches?
Watches are an extension of a woman’s personality. When a woman wraps a watch around her wrist, she makes it a part of her own unique story.
7. From where can one buy a Rubato watch?
In order to maintain exclusivity, our aim is to make Rubato available only at select stores across the country. While we are in conversation with several stores, currently we are only stocking at MaalGaadi in Chennai and Anantam in Delhi. NCR residents may also fix an appointment and drop by at our studio in Noida.
8. Pick the most suitable actress who can adorn this watch?
Chitrangda Singh completely rocked our Baroque Timepiece when she wore it with her beautiful Dior gown for the Screen Awards this year. It suited her perfectly.
