ABOUT THE FOUNDER
An economics graduate from Delhi University with no design school background, lends his unique design sensibilities and penchant for storytelling through his works.
“My turning point came when I was offered a job from a leading shoe company where I designed and manufactured footwear for the brand. The range I designed was called 'Rugsac', a stylish yet urban take on the 'Work boot'. I Spent 5 years following ‘leather fairs’ in Italy and Germany to explore the techniques and aesthetics. “As a young college graduate in 1980s with big dreams, one of which was to own a café much like the Irani restaurants I frequented, in Mumbai (with their unique character, juke boxes and casual dining experiences) remains a dream - though nevertheless I had a name for it! Only now it’s the name of the brand of furniture and accessories that I create!”- BOBBY AGGARWAL!
ABOUT BRAND & FACTORY
PortsideCafé Furniture Studio, founded by product designer Bobby Aggarwal, is an award-winning design house known for furniture and home accessories that balance material innovation with traditional craftsmanship. Leather is at the heart of what we do, and we explore it in unexpected ways to create pieces with depth, character, and longevity. All made possible by our incredibly talented team of designers,karigars,workers and last but not the least the management.
Our work is shaped by everyday observations, personal memories, and cultural references. Over time, this has evolved into a distinct design language—often featuring distressed, hand-finished, vegetable-tanned leather in rich, earthy tones.
The studio’s philosophy is rooted in a slower, more mindful approach to
design and making—valuing process, detail, and the relationship between objects and the people who would eventually live with them.
Now in its 17th year, PortsideCafé works with clients in more than 10
countries, including Italy, the United Kingdom, India, France, and the United
States, and has franchises & collaborations in Bangalore, Hyderabad & Mumbai.
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
We are headed towards emerging as a ‘Design house’ instead of a design studio.
Know more about our latest features and stories!
SOCIAL COMPLIANCES & LICENCES
In pursuit of excellence, we have the following compliances, certifications and testing protocols, mainly for the export market. This reflects in manufacturing practices that we follow in our factories.
UL License for fixed and portable lightings.
Law label registration.
Social Compliance certification by "Fair Working Conditions"
Well versed with the requirements of manufacturing upholstered furniture as per California's Flammability Standard technical Bulletin 117.
We use TSCA title VI certified wood composite raw materials for manufacturing.
UL License: We hold a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) license, underscoring our dedication to upholding stringent safety and quality standards across our product range.
CARB Compliance: Our plywood and MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) products strictly adhere to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations, ensuring minimal formaldehyde (A chemical which has been classified as a known human carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO)'s International Agency for Research on Cancer and was designated as a toxic air contaminant (TAC) in California by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions and promoting indoor air quality).
Upholstery Standards: Our upholstery materials meet the California Technical Bulletin TB 117 standard, prioritizing fire safety without compromising comfort or quality.
Social and Ethical Compliance: We are committed to ethical manufacturing practices. Our factory undergoes periodic audits by QIMA for Banana Republic, ensuring adherence to social compliance standards. Additionally, Restoration Hardware monitors our facilities for fair working conditions, confirming our commitment to ethical labor practices.
These initiatives reflect our ongoing efforts to not only meet but exceed industry standards, ensuring that our products are safe, environmentally responsible, and ethically produced.