‘Green’. It seems to be a unifying force across
countries today with environmental consciousness taking the forefront of
discussion in manufacturing, industry, fashion, food, and pretty much all
aspects of lifestyle. In a climate where actors are using Oscar acceptance
speeches as a forum to help save the earth (read: Leonardo DiCaprio), individuals
are taking it upon themselves to bring in ‘eco’ to their respective
professions. One such inspired young entrepreneur is Alifia Shabbir and her
heart-made brand, DesignMint that fuses her passion for design and the
environment with thoughtfully sourced materials.
When
a work of art comes with a message, it speaks louder than words. And that is
what DesignMint achieves with its every creation.
“I think it was in 3rd standard when I
wanted to ‘save the environment’,” enthuses Alifia, adding, “Despite whatever I
was doing in life, I somehow always found myself browsing through interior
design magazines and stores. So basically, Designmint is a combination of my love
for design and mother earth!” And that love shines brightly through her eclectic
range of candlestands, space savers, wall art and objèt. What’s more,
DesignMint takes up custommade orders that promise to transform mundane spaces
through ‘sustainable, affordable, stylish and earth-friendly products’.
A
space-saver that serves many a purpose while still carrying a strong design
value is sure to make a mark in any home.
Graphic design is the modus operandi of
Alifia and her all-women team that often find their inspiration in contemporary
design and geometric forms. Another over-arching factor in their design process
is lending utility to everything they create. So, whether it’s a 3D rectangle
made from recycled metal that can move from being a book-holder to a planter in
the garden, or shelves that can be used as space-savers indoors and pot-holders
outdoors, at DesignMint, design is sure to serve a purpose.
These
3D rectangles are one of their best-moving products for the diversity of use it
offers.
Sleek
and compact, these metal shelves fit comfortably in any corner both indoors and
outdoors.
“I love all things to do with design and
how products can impact our lives while having a heart,” says Alifia, who
believes that innovative design can be achieved through sustainability. “We try
and collect as much material by sifting through metal scrap heaps. Then we
combine it with other metal and take it through various processes of
construction like welding, bending and cutting, and finishing it off with
grinding and polishing,” she explains. The laborious process takes place in
their factory in Bangalore under watchful supervision and quality-checks.
Starting at Rs. 299, DesignMint can be
reached through their facebook page.