Jaipur is a sensory overload of fabulous things—a haven for weavers, artists, printers, and designers. Its ancient palaces, sprawling temples, and historic bazaars burst with colours of leheriya, bandhej, and block prints set against the monochrome pink walls. These patterns look just as striking on an Anita Dongre couture dress as on an unbranded dupatta; in a quest to distil its charm into works of art, architecture and design, creative minds packed their bags to make Jaipur their base or even their second home.

We spoke with interior designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, textile designer Rosanna Falconer, and artist Shan Bhatnagar. Though none are originally from Jaipur, each has fallen in love with the city that has shaped their creative journeys.

Rosanna Falconer is a textile designer based in London and a lover of all things colourful. Her tablescapes started as a New Year’s resolution in 2017 to hold more dinner parties. Her whimsical aesthetic caught the attention of brands, and she soon found herself designing tablescapes for Jo Malone London, Habitat, and Ferragamo.

However, it was her honeymoon in Jaipur in 2018 that gave her the creative space to consider designing, along with introductions to world-class artisans who helped translate her paintings and drawings into homeware.

“We live between London and Jaipur nowadays, but we had the privilege of living in Jaipur for a long period in 2022. It was a serendipitous happenstance of job moves and a London house renovation. Jaipur was calling,” says Falconer.

For the textile designer, the contrast with London’s muted greys makes Jaipur’s vibrant colours feel even more saturated each time. “Jaipur is so alive with artistry that I’m constantly compelled to explore more,” she shares. Jaipur, the beating heart of block printing, has become intrinsic to her designs. Considering the struggle to sustain handmade art forms today, Falconer says, “It’s important to me to help them survive for another generation. I like to delve deeper by documenting the arts on my social media.”

Her tablescapes are an amalgamation of peonies in full bloom or garden roses from London, blended with the colour palette of Jaipur. The cobalt blue of Chhavi Niwas at City Palace and the rich, earthy terracotta of Jaipur Pink has featured on her moodboard in the last year. Beyond tablescapes, she has launched bed quilts, and for spring 2025, berries will be the latest addition to her tableware collection.

Interview by Shalbha Sarda

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