The last time Raseel Gujral Ansal, Creative Director and Founder of design houses Casa Pop and Casa Paradox, took a long, luxurious break from work were never. She sits pretty in her palatial abode, not showing a trace of exhaustion from the family wedding she has been occupied with. Maybe it is the high from Opium, that she’s taken to recently. The intoxicating rush has Ansal completely sold out. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever tried,” she says, smiling. The opium she’s addicted to is her new collection of home decor collectables called Opium, which her brand Casa Pop has introduced.
The seed of the line finds roots in the Mughal tradition of consuming opium. Because opium is an extract of the poppy pod, the flower has been used as a central motif throughout the product line. Cushions, bed covers, lanterns, vases, carved candles, trays, table top boxes, tissue boxes, coasters, clutches, rugs and dry flowers, all have the poppy impression on them.
Ansal has always been intrigued and inspired by history, especially the Mughal era. Opium being a commonly consumed drug by many emperors—whether it was Shah Jahan who had it with his wine, or Jahangir, who loved his opium so much that the responsibilities of running his empire fell on the shoulders of his wife, Nur Jahan.
“The art, architecture and the way life was back then, has always encouraged me to use the elements from the time in my collections,” she says.
Functionality was the most important aspect when she started designing Opium. It had to be relevant from the perspective of fashion and home. It is meant to be a lifestyle reflection of one’s personality, she believes. “As Indians, we are very house-proud, and many of us take a lot of pain in making our homes look beautiful,” she says. No surprises then that her home is an integral part of her own identity.
At age 23, she saddled herself with the entrepreneurial responsibilities and galloped away to become a design expert. Before she got married at the age of 18, she would take a lot of pains to decorate her home. “My father being a pioneer of contemporary Indian art, brought those sensibilities into the house. My mother contributed traditional taste with her ceramics,” she says, adding, “I’ve got the best of both worlds.”
The last few years have been particularly demanding for Ansal. Extremely satisfying too. Her architectural practice took wings. Her brands are doing well and she feels grounded, but the compulsion to create drives her senses crazy. It’s an indispensable part of her life. The wonder and miracle that comes with the process is similar to giving birth to a child,” she says. “I love it.”
It’s been a chaotic last five years for Ansal. Multi-tasking has become second nature. Even as Opium celebrates its time on the racks, the brand is preparing for The Amazon India Fashion Week from March 15-19 in Delhi. “We’re bringing you totes, wristlets, messenger bags, handbags, backpacks, clutches, wallets, iPad sleeves, scarves, belts and trunks,” she shares joyfully.
On completing 30 years in India with her brand Casa Paradox, that brings architecture, interior décor and more, it will be launching a new showroom by the end of this month. “It’s the most creatively full-filling time. I just hope I never have to halt in this beautiful journey,” she says.
Design is her destiny she’s proudly living that out.
Available at the brand’s exclusive boutiques at Select Citywalk, New Delhi, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad and various shop-in-shops across India.