Check out Baccarat’s first Indian store in Delhi

260-year-old French luxury crystal brand Baccarat opens its first Indian store in The Chanakya, an upscale shopping mall in Delhi’s Chanakyapuri

At The Chanakya, an upscale shopping mall in Delhi’s Chanakyapuri, a vibrant red storefront — associated with 260-year-old French luxury crystal brand Baccarat — catches your attention even before you head to its flagship boutique on the second floor. 

As you move closer, the Solstice chandelier greets you. Composed of hollow branches in blown cabled crystal and curved scrolls, the piece is a shining example of Baccarat’s skill in glassmaking. To celebrate the opening of the boutique, a majestic 84-light Zénith chandelier in clear and red crystal will be exhibited on the ground floor of the shopping complex beginning April 19. 

After seducing India’s erstwhile royals, like the Maharajas of Kapurthala, Bikaner, Indore, and Baroda, with the beauty and boldness of crystals, furnishings, decorative pieces, and glassware since 1886, Baccarat takes a leap with its first physical store in India. A few months later, a second and larger outpost will find its way on MG Road in Delhi. 

“Baccarat shares a long and fulfilling relationship with India. For a luxury brand that has history, it’s a strategic decision when you decide to extend a connection, especially with a historical market. You want to think twice and make the right move,” shares Laurence Nicolas, the CEO of Baccarat. “We took our time to zero in on the right place, right format and the right partner,” she adds. 

Delhi seemed like the obvious choice, says Laurence, for its blend of heritage, sophistication and a large appetite for luxury.

The boutique in Chanakyapuri, with its delicate mouldings and black-and-white draughtboard floor, leaves an impression. Octagonal niches, a homage to the iconic pendant of Baccarat chandeliers, also make a regular appearance. But it is the crystal maker’s masterpieces, imbued with a heritage-meets-modernity aesthetic that take centre stage. There is the Eye Collection created in 2001 by designer Nicolas Triboulot, who is known to have a keen interest in light, technology and material. His works are characterised by horizontal and vertical cuts. Another collection, Louxor, inspired by ancient Egypt and its architecture has barware, vases, carafes and other objects. Among some of the iconic pieces on display is the legendary Harcourt glass, commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III and most recently spotlighted in the Netflix series, Emily in Paris. 

“There’s a certain art de vivre that we want to share with our visitors. The brand is known for its celebratory spirit and joyfulness. India is a market where celebration is meaningful,” says Laurence, adding, “Each creation reflects a delicate balance between ancestral know-how and innovation, capturing the essence of Baccarat’s artistic legacy.”