FLO Chennai hosted a learning and networking session titled “Rooted Modernism: Weaving Traditional Elements into Modern Indian Design” on the afternoon of July 11th at Rare Lily, Chennai. The event was an elegant celebration of Indian tradition through the lens of contemporary design.
The session featured guest speaker, renowned architect Varsha Menon, founder of VM Design Works and an alumna of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design. With a design philosophy that balances international precision with Indian soul, Varsha shared how memory, material, culture, and craft come together to create spaces that are both modern and meaningful.
Her thought-provoking statement, “The future of design lies in looking inward—with a global gaze but a rooted soul,” resonated deeply with the audience. The event was hosted at Rare Lily, a luxury home decor and furniture store, which exemplified the very essence of the session. The setting, surrounded by handcrafted pieces and Indian aesthetics, provided the perfect canvas to discuss the seamless blend of heritage and innovation.
A total of 35 attendees were present at this session, witnessing an afternoon where heritage met contemporary thought. This inspiring afternoon reminded everyone that the most powerful design stories are often the ones that begin at home—with culture, tradition, and a sense of belonging. The session was a heartfelt tribute to Indian design reimagined for the world stage.