My Spiritual Home

From a European city where time seems to stand still, to the sweeping Australian outback—via a detour through one of India’s rich design hubs—six creative mavericks talk to Neville Bhandara about the places that really speak to them

- Neville Bhandara

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

FOOTWEAR DESIGNER

I recently visited Sydney with a friend, and met with the APY Art Centre Collective, a platform that supports emerging indigenous artists from the Aboriginal lands.

They took me to the APY Lands [Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara, in the northwest of South Australia]. It was a long drive into the middle of the outback; the heat was intense and we got stuck in the sand. Aside from the unimaginable landscape, I met incredible people. I was introduced to some of the artists the organisation works with, and we spent a few days discussing their art, ancestral techniques and ancient symbolism.

More and more through my travels, I am conscious of how much we need to protect our planet— the importance of being eco-supportive, rather than just ecofriendly. Being out there in the middle of Australia gave me hope, because I went in not expecting anything but instead discovered a wealth of knowledge and experience. It was humbling as well as mind-blowing.

These artists live in the middle of nowhere and fight to survive, but they are so determined and dedicated to honouring the art and craft they have inherited from their ancestors—everything is made by hand, and alludes to the gods and legends that the Aboriginals have honoured since the dawn of time. It was sublime and unique, and I found the entire experience to be incredibly spiritual.

JEANNE DE KROON

FOUNDER, ZAZIVINTAGE

There are certain places in the world where it feels like the universe has already planned it all out for you; she leaves little signs in unknown places, and presents you with situations that make you step out of your comfort zone and compel you to grow. For me, this is India and what she represents.