Only a rare few can claim a seat at the decision-making table that has changed how luxury is viewed, consumed, and understood in India. Kalyani Saha Chawla is definitely one of them. From serving as the former vice president of marketing and communications and brand ambassador for Christian Dior Couture in India to learning the ropes of luxury hospitality from the late PRS Oberoi himself to helming leading lifestyle publications, Chawla has actively shaped the modern evolution of Indian luxury. She brings that same flair to her luxury silverware brand, Rezon, which she founded in 2017.
“It’s been an adventurous eight years of Rezon”, she smiles, as Manifest catches up with her. “I’ve pivoted from one industry to another and been fortunate for the opportunities—they came with immense risk, but I think I’ve done a pretty good job.” With Rezon, she fulfilled a personal quest for high-end silverware that blends flawless quality with beautiful and emotive design.
Excerpts from a conversation:
Manifest: What would you say is your brand’s core USP that truly sets the brand apart in the Indian silverware market?
Kalyani Saha Chawla: I have always loved interiors and if Iw have to define the specifics about my brand, it really comes down to three things: aesthetics, impeccable quality, and great price points. First and foremost, a piece has to be visually appealing; it needs to be love at first sight. But beyond that initial beauty, what truly sets Rezon apart in the Indian market is our dedication to the craft. We do 10 microns of silver plating on our pieces. Nobody else does that! That level of quality is exactly why our silverware doesn’t tarnish easily, and it’s what gives each piece its clean, enduring feel. We bridge that gap by bringing genuine design sensibility and lasting value to modern gifting.
M: No wedding in India is complete without silverware. It’s an institutional investment, a locker asset, or even a rigid festive gift. But are you seeing a shift towards lifestyle-driven, functional luxury?
KSC: The mentality has shifted away from generic, token gifting where no one really cared, and gifts were just passed along. Those days are gone. Today, silverware is a central part of the wedding experience. People are genuinely thoughtful about what they are giving, and they are spending on it as well. Clients have come up to me and remarked about our silverware. “You know, this is something I will use forever because it just sits beautifully in any part of my house.” Whether it’s a box or a frame, the true value lies in the longevity of the gift; it becomes a precious keepsake, not something you want to recycle.
M: Rezon is highly sought after for weddings. Is the obsessive level of personalisation the reason?
KSC: Weddings are personal. Whether it is a gathering of 500 people or 20, each guest must feel special. Hence, our attention to personalisation and detailing is extremely important to us. Families know I’m deeply involved—they can call me at 12 am, and I will answer. From the colour of the ribbon to the font on the card, we customise everything. Come to us with a budget, and we’ll work within it, but it won’t be something you’ll find on an ecommerce site. We handle everything—silverware personalisation, lookbooks, menu cards, stationery, hotel name tags, and packaging logos.
M: What’s one memorable commission for a bespoke occasion that has stayed with you?
KSC: The grandmother of a major industrialist family came to me for a wedding, wanting a keepsake for every guest. She chose contemporary boxes featuring meenakari paired with a modern design. It’s fascinating to see who chooses what; sometimes a modern family wants something deeply traditional, while a traditional matriarch opts for clean, contemporary lines. I love that mix of client sensibilities.
M: If a family comes to you with a specific concept for a cross-cultural commission, how do you bring it to life?
KSC: I love understanding a family’s psyche—their likes, dislikes, who they’re gifting to. This is especially vital for cross-cultural celebrations, like an Indo-French or Indo-American wedding, where you want something contemporary yet subtly traditional. But ‘Indian’ doesn’t have to mean peacocks and elephants. It can be a sleek, modern piece that fits beautifully into any home across the world.
M: Have you ever had to scramble for a massive, last-minute order?
KSC: Once, I was asked to make 6,000 frames in 10 days by a very important family. They said, “We will postpone the cards going out. Please do this for us.” I said, “You have to postpone the wedding as well because it ain’t possible!” (Laughs). It was kind of sad that I couldn’t do it, because my products are very detailed. It takes time. It’s artistry after all.
M: If you had to advise a newlywed couple on their very first silverware investment, what would be that one quintessential piece?
KSC: A pair of beautiful silver candle stands. When you’re entertaining at home, they look stunning laid out on a dining table. They are highly versatile and can easily travel to your living room or a console for casual cocktails. Silver is a great investment that only appreciates over time, so you want to buy versatile, functional pieces that grow with your home.
M: How early does a couple need to get on your calendar? And what’s the best way to get in touch?
KSC: It completely depends on the product, its intricacy, and detailing. Some things are easier and quicker to make, while others take more time. I’ve produced 200 pieces in a month before, but at least three months is ideal. We don’t have a website yet; we’re going to launch it later this year, but our contact details are available on my Instagram.