Around the World with Akanksha Himatsingka
Around the World with Akanksha Himatsingka
Whether daydreaming from home or seeking new experiences with the eased restrictions, we’re keeping our imaginations bright and alive. August begins with travel memories from Himêya’s CEO & Creative Director, Akanksha Himatsingka.
Through her recommendations and inspirations, we invite you for a mini trip across the world…
If you could build a home anywhere on Earth, where would it be and why?
The English countryside with meandering country lanes, rolling hills and breaths of crisp, fresh air.
A book that magically transports you back to a place or time...
Indu Sundaresan’s The Twentieth Wife, an enchanting historical epic of passion and adventure that tells the story of the Indian empress Mehrunnisa, a woman with brilliance and determination.
Akanksha at home
A musical instrument that fascinates you…
The piano, also called “the king of instruments”. Despite being a single instrument, I love that it covers the full spectrum featured in the orchestra. This adaptability along with the capability to produce a pleasant tune is what gives the piano its royal adage.
Cities that have made your stay memorable...
It’s usually time in New York or London with friends, family and many cherished memories.
Fuvahmulah, South Province, Maldives
Favourite family vacation destination of all time…
Either the Maldives, Sri Lanka or Goa. The sea, sun, sand and a good spa!
A meal that transports you to its place of origin…
Most of my cooking is Italian: a baked parmesan with either zucchini or eggplant, or a hearty soup. Reminds me of my travels and the recipes I’ve tasted along the way.
“A family that eats together…” The dining table is a centering force in Akanksha’s home.
Design practitioners whose work inspires you…
There are many. Naming a few:
- Pieter Vanrenterghem, Belgian interior architecture studio
- Lotta Agaton, a renowned name in Scandinavian interior design, also a friend and collaborator of Himêya. Read our tête-à-tête with Ms. Agaton here.
- Bamford, for natural apparel, skincare and home
- Liaigre, interior architecture and design
- Caravane, French home decor
- Phoebe Philo, British fashion designer
- Axel Vervoordt Belgian art, architecture, and interior design practice
- Slow Roads, a studio known for its gorgeous curation of designs, fine art, vintage and found artisanal objects with a story to tell.
- John Pawson, a British architectural designer whose work is minimalist and pure.
“Inspiration comes in various shapes and forms. It’s about what appeals to you in that moment and how it vibrates with your thoughts and sentiments at a point in time.”
For example, Himêya’s next collection, Window to the Soul, stems from the concept of meditation, inspired by handmade ceramics with natural and fluid forms. The colours are earthy and we introduce the ‘good grey’, a hue created from the naturally occurring non-homogeneity of colour achieved from more sustainable sourcing or processing.
A sneak peek into our new collection Window to the Soul
On a whimsical note, what is it about Himêya that allows you to dream better?
I think it is the other way around. My ability to dream and imagine gives life to collections that are soulful and made for better living, allowing for Himêya to be the brand I’ve always envisioned it to be.
