Interview: Baccarat: Where French Light Meets Indian Splendour

At New Delhi’s The Chanakya, light now dances in crystal. The French Maison Baccarat, a global symbol of art de vivre since 1764, has unveiled its flagship boutique in India, a radiant continuation of its 260-year legacy of craftsmanship, refinement, and artistry.

Baccarat has been more than a name; it has been a declaration of elegance. Its crystal creations have adorned royal palaces and grand salons across Europe. With its arrival in India, this storied heritage finds a natural resonance in a culture that worships light, celebrates ritual, and elevates everyday living into poetry.

“Expanding our presence in the region allows us to connect more closely with our Indian clientele,” says Laurence Nicolas, CEO of Baccarat. “The flagship will be an immersion into Baccarat’s art de vivre, delivering a harmonious and memorable experience for our guests.”

In conversation with The Gourmet Edit, a Baccarat spokesperson reflects on the Maison’s deep-rooted bond with India — one built on shared appreciation for beauty, tradition, and the joy of celebration. “Baccarat’s legacy as a symbol of French art de vivre resonates deeply in India. Just as the French celebrate refined living, India has always embraced grandeur — from its palaces to its festivals.”

The relationship between Baccarat and India dates back to the 19th century, when the Maharajas of Kapurthala, Baroda, and Indore commissioned bespoke Baccarat pieces to illuminate their palaces. “Our bond with India has always been one of admiration,” they add. “The symbolism of light in Diwali mirrors Baccarat’s own ethos of beauty and celebration are inseparable.”

At the heart of every Baccarat creation lies an alchemy of the four natural elements like earth, air, fire, and water and each contributing to crystal of unmatched clarity and brilliance. “At Baccarat, these elements aren’t just part of the process — they’re poetry,” the spokesperson reflects. “Each piece is a celebration of light and life.”

Baccarat’s cultural relevance continues to be shaped by visionary collaborations — from Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders to Virgil Abloh. “It’s never about trends,” they say. “It’s about audacity and imagination. Abloh’s Crystal Clear collection proved that crystal can be as bold as it is elegant.”

For today’s collectors, Baccarat is not merely luxury, it is legacy. “Every piece carries memories of celebrations, milestones, shared joy. It isn’t just purchased; it is inherited.”

And when asked to sum up Baccarat’s experience in India in one word, their answer is instant: Resonance. “Because Baccarat doesn’t just arrive in India,” they smile. “It belongs here.”

Baccarat Rapid Fire 🔥

  • Legacy in one word:
    Boldness
  • First Indian royal that comes to mind:
    Maharaja of Kapurthala
  • A Baccarat piece every connoisseur must own:
    Glassware from the Harmonie or Harcourt Collection
  • Crystal best enjoyed at:
    Everywhere — from palaces to penthouses
  • India’s most Baccarat-worthy celebration:
    Diwali, the Festival of Lights
  • Personal favourite Baccarat creation:
    The New Antique vase by Marcel Wanders
  • French joie de vivre or Indian art of celebration?
    Both — they coexist beautifully in Baccarat’s universe
  • One collaboration that redefined Baccarat:
    Virgil Abloh’s Crystal Clear collection
  • Ultimate icon — chandeliers, glassware, or décor?
    The Harcourt and the Zénith
  • The one emotion Baccarat always evokes:
    Generosity — the art of feeling, sharing, and illuminating life

Also Read:
Interview: Neha Gupta: Designing Stories, Serving Experiences
Spain Meets Ayodhya: Lladró and Arun Yogiraj’s Spiritual Collaboration

Naomikah

Founder & Editor

Naomikah is the voice behind The Gourmet Edit, where food, lifestyle, fashion and travel come together in curated harmony. With a sharp eye for detail and a love for storytelling, she uncovers what’s fresh, refined, and worth experiencing.

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