My Spiritual Home
Elle India|April 2019

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
My Spiritual Home

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.

Denne historien er fra April 2019-utgaven av Elle India.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra April 2019-utgaven av Elle India.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA ELLE INDIASe alt
Bridal Trends, 2024 Edition
Elle India

Bridal Trends, 2024 Edition

Bralettes, corsets and mermaid skirts emerge as the new must-haves when it comes to wedding dressing

time-read
4 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
All The Feels
Elle India

All The Feels

Maahi Shah takes a deeper look at the big little moments in a bride's life as she prepares for her wedding day

time-read
5 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
ISLAND ESCAPADE
Elle India

ISLAND ESCAPADE

Here's why Fiji is the ultimate destination to celebrate your love.

time-read
1 min  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
ROMANTIC ESCAPES
Elle India

ROMANTIC ESCAPES

Wondering where to head for a honeymoon getaway? Isha Mayer recommends five luxurious destinations for your honeymoon

time-read
3 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
The Taste Of Weddings
Elle India

The Taste Of Weddings

What goes behind planning those extravagant grazing tables and indulgent bites at weddings? Top gourmet caterers let Isha Mayer in on their processes

time-read
4 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
Challenging Convention One Ritual at a Time
Elle India

Challenging Convention One Ritual at a Time

Maahi Shah speaks to five female priests who have been breaking new ground while upholding faith and pursuing a passion for learning

time-read
6 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
FIJI: A TROPICAL FOR INDIAN HAVEN WEDDINGS
Elle India

FIJI: A TROPICAL FOR INDIAN HAVEN WEDDINGS

From pristine beaches to cultural familiarity, discover why Fiji is the perfect destination for Indian weddings.

time-read
2 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
MAKE YOUR WEDDING FANTASY A REALITY
Elle India

MAKE YOUR WEDDING FANTASY A REALITY

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace offers luxurious venues, exquisite dining and unforgettable moments

time-read
3 mins  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
SHINING BRIGHT EVERYWHERE
Elle India

SHINING BRIGHT EVERYWHERE

Lab-grown diamonds for every occasion—luxury and affordability

time-read
1 min  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
BRIDAL BEAUTY, REDEFINED
Elle India

BRIDAL BEAUTY, REDEFINED

Christine Ko, CEO of Moira Cosmetics, shares her insights on makeup for brides and the art of achieving radiant skin.

time-read
1 min  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024