Bejewelling the nose

Chennai-based nose ornament makers Mookuthi bring south Indian history, culture, and craftsmanship to Delhi this weekend

- RACHI SATRAWAL

TO me, a nose ornament is a very, very personal piece of jewellery," says Sarath Selvanathan, the founder and creative director of Mookuthi. The brand, which specialises exclusively in bespoke nose ornaments, is set to host an exclusive, invite-only show in Greater Kailash, from October 11 to 13.

Mookuthi, founded in 2015, is a platform that tells stories through a nose ornament, a tradition rich in cultural meaning. “Previous Mookuthi events have been held in private locations across Delhi, including Mehrauli and Gurugram.”

Selvanathan's personal story is intertwined with the brand's evolution. A mechanical engineer by training, his unexpected foray into jewellery design began during a period of personal upheaval. “Truth be told, it was a breakup that threw me off the engineering track and led me to design,” he says candidly. What started as curiosity led him to engage with women across the country, hearing their personal stories about nose ornaments.