Singer-musician Arati Rao is all set to officially begin her innings on a new career path. The Bengaluru-based artiste, the name behind the city’s former live music venue bFLAT, has now turned jewellery designer with her label, Taar.

“Jewellery is a new body of work for me,” says the designer, adding that the shutting down of bFLAT coincided with the lockdown and that is when she took the opportunity to learn jewellery making.

“I’ve designed jewellery in the past for friends and family, and always wanted to learn how to make it. But all these years I was so steeped in music and I couldn’t showcase my handicraft.”

Jewellery at Taar
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Following a launch in Mumbai, Arati launches Taar in Bengaluru this weekend with a range of large pendants, necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets. In collaboration with Baro Market, the launch is curated by Srila Chatterjee and will also feature the work of other artists and designers across fashion, lifestyle, and jewellery. 

Taar, meaning wire in Hindi, is an ode to the very material her pieces draw from. Crafted by hand, the jewellery features intricate wire work in recycled copper, brass, silver, and gold that is blended with natural gemstones, quartz, even pebbles.

“The process involves weaving and wrapping wire until it becomes a solid piece. These thin wires are then cajoled into holding gemstones. It is tough to do this process with thin wires of different gauges,” says Arati. 

Jewellery at Taar
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Arati says she did not start crafting jewellery with commercial intent. “It was just learning another art form. I designed for my friends and family for a couple of years before making it public. I received a lot of encouragement, and decided to take it to the world,” says Arati, who adds that inspiration for the designs comes from the gemstones and minerals. “I believe they speak to me and guide me to shape them into unusual pieces. Many of my designs are unisex and therefore versatile.”

The jewellery is priced between ₹1,500 and ₹50,000. From October 16-18 at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur.