Designer Nishtha Vashist Delivers a Respectful Reinvigoration to La Galerie  

Nishtha Vashist has created a reputation as a designer gifted in her ability to gracefully establish a modern sense while retaining a strong sense of tradition. Her project for La Galerie is not the first time she’s been retained to achieve this, but it is the most recent. Concerning her approach Nishtha advises, “Transforming a client’s vision into a tangible reality is undeniably a nuanced process that requires more than just technical skills—it demands a deep understanding of the client’s aspirations, preferences, and the essence they want to capture in their space. With each new project, I embark on a journey of creative interpretation, where establishing a common language with the client is crucial.” In an industry where skill and creativity are equally paramount, Nishtha has continually proven herself a master in manifesting vision into reality. Ms. Vashist’s design for La Galerie was recognized with a FOAID (Festival of Architecture and Interior Designing) award in 2018.

A combination of creative intuition, meticulous planning, and a willingness to embrace experimentation while remaining flexible and open to feedback throughout the design process; that’s how Nishtha describes her approach as a designer. As she has been called to do so many times, La Galerie’s owner/founders aspired to possess an environment which paid homage to their history while being imbued with the excitement of a modern day physical space. A design for a space such as this is a representative but also demands a functionality. In the case of La Galerie, this meant highlighting cultural roots which hold great importance to its owners while serving a purpose to customers. It was crucial to strike a balance between creating an immersive shopping experience that engaged customers on an emotional level while also providing practical solutions for product display and circulation within the store. 

A feeling of timelessness and warmth is manifested at La Galerie through Nishtha’s use of Browns, beige, and khadi as the foundational palette, communicating heritage and craftsmanship. Khadi, in particular, holds cultural significance as a fabric woven by hand, infusing the space with authenticity and tactile richness. Additionally, the use of these factors in the design provides a rich backdrop for products to stand out. A sense of luxury and exclusivity is infused with accent colors like copper, stone, and antique brass. These materials reinforce the narrative of timeless craftsmanship and enduring quality. Authenticity is the overarching theme communicated in the design Ms. Vashist’s created for La Galerie. One can actually sense that there is no need to boast of their achievements and relevancy because you can feel it by experiencing this space. 

While there is a necessary practicality to her designs, Nishtha considers her work as cultivating emotion as much as anything else. She reveals, “For me, the true reward lies in knowing that I played a part in creating a space that not only serves as a showcase for exquisite craftsmanship but also fosters moments of joy, inspiration, and connection for all who enter its doors. It’s these moments of human connection and shared appreciation for beauty and creativity that fuel my passion for design and remind me of the profound impact our work can have on the lives of others. In the end, La Galerie isn’t just a store, it’s a testament to the power of design to elevate the human experience and enrich our lives in meaningful ways.” She adds, “The grand reveal of the store to Ms. Tabassum and Mr. Omar was a meaningful moment for me. As they stepped into the space, their eyes alight with anticipation, I could sense the palpable excitement and emotion in the air. It was a moment of validation, where the culmination of our shared vision materialized before us in all its glory. Their expressions of awe and delight as they took in the intricately designed interiors, the carefully curated displays, and the immersive ambiance were immensely rewarding. It was a testament to the power of design to transcend mere aesthetics and evoke genuine emotional responses. In that moment, I knew that we had succeeded in creating more than just a retail environment; we had crafted a space that resonated deeply with the essence of the brand and the stories behind its handcrafted products.” 

Writer : Calvin Hooney