Raseel Gujral’s Casa Paradox and Olive Bar & Kitchen have collaborated on a design project that has interior designer, architect and practising artist, Raseel Gujral Ansal adding her touch to Olive Qutub, one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city, with her nature-inspired series of wall art, larger than life paper lanterns and table décor elements.
An initiative led by two power women: Raseel Gujral Ansal and Sabina Singh, Design Director of the Olive Group of restaurants. The project is an extension of the CASA PARADOX pop up that opened at the One Style Mile earlier this year aside to the celebration of 15 years of Olive in New Delhi.
A cordon blue bohemian, Raseel lives through her art and has conceptualized this design project as an extension of her belief that design can breathe fresh energy into any space. And for her, it has been an absolute delight working on Olive Qutub that has always been a trendsetter and also happens to be her personal favourite. “I see every space through an imaginary lens. Fashion, art, life – everything is a stimulus. I look forward to such hospitality projects as they embark one on a memorable experiential journey” opined Raseel.
The first restaurant which came upon a delightful Mediterranean haveli turning it into a mogul mansion set in the shade of the majestic Qutub Minar, Olive brings together style, art, culture and music.
For Raseel as well this historic region is home to her eclectically designed pop up that showcases the entire universe of design that thrives under the umbrella of the brand and its founders (Raseel and Navin Ansal).
Sabina Singh, known for her design aesthetics, is the creative brain behind the distinctive vibe of Soda Bottle Opener Wala, The Grammar Room, Serai, Olive Bistros to name a few. She is a designer of great repute who enjoys an insider’s perspective on the space and has worked closely with Raseel in perfecting this project. She feels that the most important aspect while designing a restaurant is ensuring that the audience connects with the product.
Indeed the result of this creative alliance is breath-taking as Raseel’s designs and powerful graphics provide a new visual dimension to Olive Qutub and Serai. She blends her Sunderban Mahal wall-paper with the luscious brushes of frescoes that already graced the arched walls of Serai; green palms becoming the leitmotif of this space. Meanwhile, in the splendid courtyard outside, Raseel revs up the white canvas with generous inclusions of blue through her Urban Jungle series. By adorning Olive with her art, she has not only set a unique backdrop for customers’ culinary experience but also provided inspiration for Chef Dhruv Oberoi to create a complimentary mini casa amuse bouche along with a special cocktail, The Gin Paradox, by mixologist Harish Chhimwal keeping the colour scheme in mind. Come on over and Sip on Style!
