Celebrated for her distinctive approach that masterfully blends Indian heritage with contemporary design, Mumbai-born, London-based designer Nipa Doshi has been named the recipient of the 2025 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission.
This esteemed annual series invites renowned global designers to create innovative works for the NGV Collection. Doshi’s creation, titled A Room of My Own, will debut at an exclusive presentation at NGV International in Melbourne, Australia, on 25 September 2025, before becoming part of the NGV’s permanent collection.
“A Room of My Own” is a conceptual piece that merges personal history and memory with functional design. The handcrafted, multidimensional cabinet serves both as a shrine and a dressing table, drawing inspiration from portable Indian shrines known as Kavad. This intimate space represents personal rituals and care, while honoring the multigenerational women who have deeply influenced Doshi’s life and career.
Inside the cabinet, abstract portraits evoke the spirit of women who have shaped Doshi’s journey, including an avant-garde 1970s Indian actress, a revered elderly matriarch from Doshi’s childhood neighborhood, and a compassionate nurse who cared for her during a vulnerable time. When the cabinet doors are opened, these portraits are revealed, inviting viewers into the designer’s personal world.
This piece strikes a balance between utility and a deeply personal narrative, demonstrating that design can be both functional and poetic. Throughout her career, Doshi has drawn inspiration from a diverse range of influences, from Bollywood films of the 1970s and Indian textiles to Le Corbusier’s architecture and her grandmother’s traditional Indian jewelry.
As co-founder of the acclaimed Doshi Levien studio, established in 2000 with her husband Jonathan Levien, Doshi’s work has been recognised globally, earning the prestigious Designer of the Year award at the 2015 Elle Deco International Design Awards. Her creations have been exhibited at renowned institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Art Institute of Chicago, and MoMA in New York.
Doshi is the fourth recipient of the MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, a five-year initiative made possible by MECCA’s generous contribution. The commission is supported through MECCA’s M-POWER social change initiative, which champions gender equality and supports women and girls in the arts and design.
This groundbreaking series provides a platform for women in design to showcase their world-premiere works of international significance.
Of her selection, Nipa Doshi MBE said: “I am truly honored to receive this prestigious award. This commission offers me the creative freedom to craft something exceptional that unites all aspects of my design practice. A Room of My Own is a deeply personal piece, and I am excited to share it with the world.”
Tony Ellwood AM, Director of NGV, expressed: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Nipa Doshi on this new, ambitious work for the NGV Collection. Her global reputation as a leader in design is well-deserved, and we’re grateful for MECCA’s support in making this groundbreaking commission possible.”
Jo Horgan AM, Founder & Co-CEO of MECCA, added: “We are excited to bring Nipa Doshi’s work to Australia, allowing Australians to experience her incredible designs firsthand. Nipa’s work is a celebration of cultural identity, women’s voices, and craftsmanship—values that align with MECCA’s commitment to beauty in all its forms.”
In celebration of Doshi’s appointment, NGV and MECCA will host a free event on International Women’s Day, Saturday, 8 March, at NGV International. Doshi will participate in an in-conversation talk at 11:00 am, followed by a live Q&A session moderated by Simone LeAmon, NGV’s Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture, at 1:30 pm.
Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to design their own hand-printed silk scarves in an interactive workshop developed in collaboration with Doshi. The Great Hall will also feature a panel discussion on the rising influence of design, DJ sets from DITA, and complimentary refreshments from Allpress Espresso and Monforte Viennoiserie patisserie.
The MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission represents MECCA’s largest commitment to an Australian cultural institution, significantly strengthening the NGV’s Collection of Contemporary Design and Architecture by women. Through this partnership, MECCA is helping to address gender imbalances in the art and design world.
Over the next five years, this annual commission will showcase one designer each year, culminating in a major exhibition to celebrate the collective works and highlight the invaluable contributions of women in design.
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