Punit Jasuja is no ordinary designer. He is now recognised as one of the country’s premier creative entrepreneurs, with two companies—Punit Jasuja Productions, an events and interiors company, and Second Floor Studio, a retail space in the capital city. He continually impresses with his unique ability to turn a personal or individual aesthetic into an immaculate interior, impressive wedding or elegant party—whatever you may need.
Growing up, Jasuja spent his childhood years studying in Chicago, returning to India during his summer vacations. He then went on to study at the London School of Economics, before dabbling in luxury branding, styling events and photoshoots and eventually even opening a jewellery store in Manhattan, New York. It was in 2010 that he returned to India for good, and founded Second Floor Studio.
The creative’s personal flamboyance was an indirect pathway to the industry he is now revered in. Known for throwing extraordinary parties, he was eventually roped into planning a wedding, and that’s how the incredible journey began. With destination weddings in Italy, USA and even France, visual merchandising for brands such as Good Earth, collaborations with the likes of Tarun Tahiliani and JJ Valaya, and a clientele that features the powerhouses of Indian high society, Punit Jasuja has carved a unique niche for himself in an oversaturated market.
Here’s what we learned about Punit Jasuja when we decided to go beyond his incredible wedding planning portfolio and personal style, to see what really makes a trendsetter like him tick:
Which television series are you currently watching?
I am currently watching Queen of the South – a hard core series with very strong female characters fighting in the Mexican Cartel.
A designer who inspires you?
Tom Ford, Pierre Balman, Olivier Rousteing
Instagram accounts that you would recommend?
Designbooom Magazine (@designboom) and Matthew Shlian (@matthewshlian)
The one thing in your studio that you absolutely cannot function without?
I cannot function without my artwork – paintings, artefacts, antiques, photography and sculptures. I need inspiration of subject, colour and composition constantly. They fill my heart and guide me
If you were not a designer, what do you think you would have been?
Before I started earning money as a designer I was a art historian/curator and a management consultant for fashion and luxury. I still have a desire to be a psychologist. I think the way people think and arrive at decisions very interesting.
Tell us about a project that you are currently working on.
I am currently working on the interiors for a hotel in Hong Kong. The hotel is being designed around the theme of music. For example, we are creating two premiere suites influenced by Freddy Mercury and the Beatles. It’s a super fun project!
What are you looking forward to the most this year?
We have a brick and mortar store, and an interiors and events business which always keeps me motivated. This year however, we are going to launch a website that ties all these verticals together. We want to offer tips, techniques and design solutions to our customers, so that they can access a little bit of Punit Jasuja in their lives, all over the world.
Words of wisdom from a mentor that you live by even today?
Be nice. We have a long way to go in life, and there will be problems, remember to be nice along the way.
If you had to summarise your design ethos in not more than 2 sentences, what would it be?
To create understated luxury with a sense of individual personality and style.
Your next travel destination and why you would like to go there?
Marrakech – it’s been on my bucket list for the longest time. I am huge fan of Yves Saint Laurent. His home there has been turned into a museum. I can’t believe its taken me so long to get there, but I’m finally going!
