Crystal gazing

Lalique, the French company that specialises in handcrafted crystal, has opened its third outlet in India (after Delhi and Kolkata) and first in the South, at UB  City,  Bangalore. The  store is designed in glass, with clean, minimalist lines, and lets its range of handmade figurines, perfume bottles, Hindu deities, and installations do the talking. Each exhibit is  highlighted with subtle lighting. The shelves hold coloured crystal vases moulded into flowers, old-fashioned perfume bottles encircled with cherubs, galloping horses and figurines.Animal instinctWhat caught our eye though, were the Hindu deities — Ganesha and Nataraja figurines crafted from coloured crystal. The animal theme is also dominant in the collection — from sea anemones to fish, birds and  horses. We especially liked a bookend with two rearing horses.A century in glassThe brand was founded by French artist and industrialist, Rene Lalique, in the early 1900s, who became known for his perfume bottles, jewellery, clocks, chandeliers and installations.Limited editionLalique also stocks a small selection of colognes and perfumes — but in glass bottles instead of vials and spritzers. They have about 28 limited edition fragrances in collaboration with French perfumers. We liked the woody and spicy notes in a men’s perfume that was dabbed on our wrists.  From the makerDon’t miss the memorial edition, Hommage a Rene Lalique, sculpted on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of the founder last year. In this collection, Lalique reinterprets some iconic creations of the man often called the ‘Rodin of transparencies’. The most distinctive piece is a crystal parakeet which has been inspired by a fragment of a parakeet motif. From `10,000 upwards.