#INTERVIEW: Harrishma Kapur on the Art of Meaningful Gifting

It is a well-established fact that true elegance lies in the elegance of the little details. For Harrishma Kapur, founder and creative director of House of Eleganza, a gift is so much more than something you present to a person, it is an expression of your personal narrative. Since launching the Dubai-based brand in 2021, the Richmond University-trained designer has carved a niche for herself by blending the rigorous discipline of European silversmithing with the soulful depth of Eastern traditions.

Her creations are well known to anchor a home with history. By partnering with master artisans across Europe, Harrishma ensures that every silver frame, tray and bespoke keepsake box is built to outlast trends, and become a cherished heirloom for generations to come. As the festive season approaches, L’Officiel Arabia speaks with the visionary designer to discuss the emotional weight of silver, the importance of "gifting with intention," and her exciting future plans.

Delna Mistry Anand: Your designs are celebrated for their ability to merge European craftsmanship with Eastern sentiment. Could you tell us about the core philosophy that defines the House of Eleganza design language?

Harrishma Kapur: At House of Eleganza, every piece carries a dual soul, the discipline of European craftsmanship and the emotional poetry of the East. I’ve always believed that the most meaningful objects live at the intersection of cultures. The West gives us structure, refined silhouettes, and centuries-old silversmithing techniques; the East brings symbolism, warmth, and a sense of intimate storytelling. Our ethos is simple: create pieces that feel both timeless and deeply personal. Each design is meant to resonate emotionally, something familiar, yet elevated… something you instantly connect with.

What is it about this specific material that draws you in, and how do you ensure it remains modern and relevant for today’s discerning luxury consumer?

Silver is a material that carries memory. It reflects light, but it also reflects sentiment; the touch of a hand, the passing of time, the legacy of a moment. That emotional richness is what drew me to it. To keep silver relevant today, we focus on purity and simplicity in form, subtle textures that feel contemporary, and functional elegance that suits modern living. We collaborate with artisans who understand both heritage and innovation. Today’s luxury consumer values authenticity, permanence, and craftsmanship. Silver, when designed thoughtfully, embodies all three.

You founded House of Eleganza on the principle that gifting is a profound personal expression. In your view, how can we make gifting more meaningful during the busy festive season?

Festive gifting becomes meaningful when it reflects the heart, not just the season. I always tell clients: gift with intention. A gift should say, ‘I thought of you,’ not just ‘I remembered you.’ Meaningful gifting happens when you choose something that mirrors the recipient’s personality, customize or personalize the piece, and curate the entire presentation from the wrapping to the note. You must prioritize sentiment over scale. During the holidays, emotions are heightened. A thoughtfully chosen silver piece becomes a memory, not just an object.

When selecting a festive gift, which element do you believe is the most vital: the design, the sentiment or its longevity?

For me, sentiment leads, and design and longevity follow naturally. A perfect gift is one that touches the heart today, lives beautifully in someone’s home, and becomes part of their celebrations for years to come. When sentiment, craftsmanship, and durability come together, the gift becomes a keepsake.. a chapter in someone’s story.

Behind every great design is a story. Can you share a particularly personal memory from a commission that captured the spirit of the holiday season?

One story stays with me. Last year, a family commissioned us to curate their wedding gift. The client was emotional about creating something that embodied their celebration of matrimony. We not only designed their gift from scratch, but we ended up providing them with a unique masterpiece that they felt proud giving back to the attendees. Our team went above and beyond to even prepare all the other elements that are within the gift, from little customized chocolate pieces to the elegant velvet bag and the customized sugar-coated almonds that had their names on every piece and the date of their marriage. When the family saw the final gift hamper fully prepared and wrapped beautifully, they were beyond joyous. We knew we had delivered a smile on their faces; this relationship that extends beyond client and business is what we love doing. We share our clients’ emotions and we enjoy surpassing expectations.

For those looking to elevate their festive tablescapes or find the perfect gift this year, what are your must-have recommendations from the current collection?

For a refined tablescape, I love our Chessboard, our Candle Stands, and customized keepsake items that tell a story of love and respect. Our customized Pure Silver Frames, which can also be used as invitation cards, are particularly special. For gifting, our most requested festive pieces include bespoke keepsake and jewelry boxes, classic frames that hold both memories and design, miniature silver accents with seasonal motifs, and timeless serving trays that blend beautifully into any home. These pieces bring elegance without overpowering—they elevate a space while telling a story.

Looking ahead to 2026, what new horizons are you excited to explore at House of Eleganza?

The year ahead feels incredibly inspiring. We are expanding our creative universe in two powerful ways. First, a Bespoke Gifting Atelier - a personalized design service where clients can co-create their own pieces through custom engravings, finishes, and meaningful motifs. Second, a Limited Edition Heritage Collection - a line inspired by Middle Eastern artistry, interpreted through European craftsmanship. It’s a tribute to the region that embraced us and elevated our vision. What excites me most is the idea of creating heirlooms, pieces that outlive trends and become part of families, traditions, and stories. That is the heart of House of Eleganza.

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