25 years of Spirit of India and a new immersive new store in Delhi
Lladró's 25th anniversary in India coincides with the opening of their ninth boutique in the country.This new space is at New Delhi's The Chanakya, known to house other luxury brands such as Hermès, Tiffany & Co. and Ravissant. And as with other Lladró addresses around the world, this too is a phantasmagorical world of porcelain, where innovation and imagination have catapulted a 12th century material to brave new heights.
Meet the icons
At this Mediterranean-style 600 sq. ft. boutique designed by Puerto Rican architect Héctor Ruiz-Velázquez, meet Haute École, a glistening white purebred horse with sinewy muscles rearing forth under an exquisite Seasons chandelier with dozens of blue and white elements in porcelain and crystal. On a wall display are multiple versions of The Guest — a whimsical character by Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon — now a beloved icon of modern porcelain. While entry-level fragrance candles start at ₹6,000, a Lladró handcrafted object can cost crores of rupees.
Ever since three brothers in the Spanish village of Almàssera began their uncharted journey in 1953 to reimagine handcrafted porcelain, Lladró has captivated audiences worldwide. Creative director Nieves Contreras says, 'The creation of a Lladró piece is a highly artisanal and time-intensive process. Anywhere from five to over 100 moulds may be required depending on the complexity of the piece.' While single-firing has replaced triple, and their palette is expansive with 4,000 shades, the real 'porcelain revolution' has been about forging new paths to stay relevant, says Rushil Kapoor, marketing and PR manager at Lladró India.
The magic of India
Lladró's organised entry into India as a joint venture, Spa Lifestyle Pvt Ltd., paved the way for good fortunes. India is Lladró's third largest market. In its 70th year, its second-largest store globally was launched on MG Road in New Delhi.
2025 is also the 25th anniversary of the Spirit of India, fashioned after Hindu traditions. Ana Rodríguez Nogueiras, global CEO of Lladró, says, 'Each creation aims to become a meaningful link between Spanish artistry and India's rich cultural and spiritual traditions.' The fan following for their intricate figurines — Ram, Sita, Hanuman, the Mudras, Sai Baba and Goddess Lakshmi — is spread across the Indian diaspora in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore.
In India, Lladró loyalty goes back many generations. Take entrepreneur and art collector Pinky Reddy for instance, an avowed patron who bought a Lord Balaji figurine and had been to the Valencia factory when she was just 13. With the genial Lord Ganesha in many poses equally popular amongst westerners, Lladró's Indian footprint is firmly established. 'Revenue from India contributes to 13% of Lladró's global revenue, of which 38% comes from Spirit of India,' says Nikhil Lamba, CEO Lladró India.
An eye on sustainability
Sustainability requires not just innovative adaptation for the times, but also future foresight, along with a deep concern for the planet's ecosystems. Lladró embodies all three. The three elements of porcelain have remained constant — kaolinite, quartz and feldspar — and so has Lladró's ideal: to make collectables of lasting emotive significance. While classics are still a staple, designer-led aesthetics have captured the market. Lamba says, 'Earlier, patrons bought classic glazed sculptures with florals and subtle colours. Now, they prefer contemporary and playful designs in bold, striking colours.'
Contreras, who has purposefully steered global trends, says, 'Achieving perfection in porcelain is always a demanding task, no matter the size or type of piece. One of the main challenges is its unpredictability — it behaves almost like a living material.' Lladró's creative collaborations such as Ephemeral Treasures, with renowned Valencian artist Dulk's portrayal of fantastical animals, raises awareness about the beauty of nature, acting as a reminder of the planet's fragility.
Let there be light
In 2013, Lladró expanded into lighting. The Chanakya boutique is showcasing a wide range, including chandeliers, table and floor lamps, pendants, and wireless lamps. You can find the classic Ivy & Seed chandelier in white, as well as the 2022 NYC x Design Awards winner in the chandelier category — the Seasons Chandelier (Winter) in cool blue hues. The portable wireless Firefly Lamp is the proven star of the show, lending its glow to tablescapes, verandas, desk tops, and gifting. Contreras says, 'You can now customise your lamp at the Firefly Bar in the new boutique, putting together elements of your choice and colour.' And you can take it home in a month, after it's made in the City of Porcelain in Tavernes Blanques, Lladró's only production factory in the world.
The writer is a brand strategist with a background in design from SAIC and NID.
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