Some of the most iconic bed brands in the world are now available in India and are being snapped up eagerly by super-rich Indians. What is it about these beds that makes them so special?
THE MERCEDES OF BEDS
What, if anything, justifies paying Rs 54 lakh for a bed? No, the Hästens Vividus isn’t made of gold — which in any case wouldn’t serve you well. It is made, instead, entirely by hand and with natural materials such as horsehair, cotton and wool. Such is the pernickety attention to quality that the horsehair used is taken only from the mane and tail of horses and other cattle and then boiled, rinsed thoroughly, and finally “scorched at a temperature of 140°C at four times atmospheric pressure, while retaining the high moisture level” to rid it of allergens. Cushioning the appeal of these beds, encased in blue-check cotton, is the romance of a continuous 150-year-old history of ownership by a single family and the distinction of being the beds that the Swedish royalty sleeps on. These exclusive beds, which have a waiting list, come with a 25-year warranty.
Price: Rs 54 lakh
Where: Hästens, Cadell Road, Near Hinduja Hospital, Mahim West, Mumbai
SAVOIR FAIRE
Savoir is a British brand that traces its history to 1905 when it made beds for Savoy Hotel. The mystique surrounding Savoir Beds began when actress Ema Thompson bought one, claiming that she, an insomniac until then, never spent a sleepless night since. Savoir Beds has other celebrity endorsers such as Liza Minnelli, Kylie Minogue, the Aga Khan and Prince Hassan of Morocco. What makes these beds so exclusive is the fact that they can be made entirely bespoke — besides, of course, the fact that only natural materials are used to make them; every part is made by hand. Each bed can take around 60 hours to finish; and they are proven to improve Rapid Eye Movement, which determines the amount and quality of sleep. So a salesperson will actually measure you up, make you lie down on a mattress, slide his hand in to check fit and then make the bed as you like it.
Price: Rs 37 lakh
Where: The Gallery on MG, Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Delhi
STYLED IN ITALY
The Italian luxury houses have a well-deserved reputation for plush and a design aesthetic that is streamlined, modern-looking and epitomise uber chic. Fendi epitomises this with its accent on leather and fur, a penchant that continues with Fendi Casa, its home collection. This one, from the Diamante collection, has the large-padded headboard, a common feature, which has LED lights fixed on it. Fendi is a brand that Indians readily recognise, which explains its popularity here. Within a month of Fendi Casa’s setting up shop in Mumbai, says Samit Tara, director of International Furniture Brands which got the brand to India, it had sold out nearly all its stock. The price-tag below is just an indicative one, says Tara. His clients often ask for customisations which drive it up more than half.
Price: Rs 16.09 lakh
Where: International Furniture Brands
BOLD AND GOLD
Henredon is a very high-end American brand, one of several such as Theodore Alexander, Ferguson Copeland, Christopher Guy and Hickory Chair which have come to India in recent years. Henredon specialises in the heavy furniture that is ornate looking, a style, say marketers, goes down very well in Delhi which has large houses. The bed above is made of rich mahogany wood, robustly carved and with filigree detail edged with gold patina.
Price: Rs 7.75 lakh
Where: International Furniture Brands at The Gallery on MG, 13 Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Delhi; also at D Block Basement Shivsagar Estate, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai
