It was the year 1983. The quiet charm of a traditional Kerala Christian wedding was coming alive. As the preparations were in full swing, Asha, the bride-to-be, was searching for the perfect bridal trousseau. Asha didn’t find the conventional jewellery then available in the market interesting. She was in search of body ornaments like waist chains, armlets and anklets, which were found nowhere with the jewellers of the time.
So, she took a leap of faith and designed her own wedding jewellery to create designs that resonated with her dreams, spirit, and identity. She then approached karigars (artisans) to bring her design to life. The result was an extraordinary bridal set that turned heads and sparked conversations. It marked the beginning of a jewellery designer’s journey. Perhaps it was some metaphysical force or serendipity at play that Asha had married Devasiachen Mattathil from the Mattathil family, a household rooted in a five-generation legacy of fine jewellery.
Memoirs of Design
What began as a deeply personal expression soon grew into a professional passion. With encouragement from her new family, Asha gradually began contributing to the family’s business. Over time, her signature style took shape. Her designs celebrated individuality, heritage, and the aesthetics of a modern Indian woman. Thus, M.O.D signature jewellery was born. A boutique label that offers fine, handcrafted signature jewellery for those who long for something meaningful. What started as a quiet, family-rooted venture in Pala soon transformed into one of India’s most favourite destinations for bespoke designer jewellery in Kochi’s upscale Panampilly Nagar
As her son, Akshay Sebastian Mattathil, stepped in to shape its business vision and scale, M.O.D continues to carry forward Asha’s creative spirit.
The Designer’s Thought Process
Over time, Asha’s intuitive approach to design has blossomed into an organic artistic process. On asking her about the inspiration, Asha says, “I just close my eyes, and designs, floral patterns, shapes of leaves, they come floating.”
With no formal background at the start, Asha relied on instinct, sketches, phone calls, and even kitchen tools, like a chapati roller, to communicate curves and tapers to her karigars. Over time, she formalised her training.
Asha’s deep respect for craftsmanship is evident in how she works with artisans. She believes regional traditions hold unique value. “A Rajasthani Kundan piece,” she insists, “must be made by someone who has lived and breathed that aesthetic.”
Her design palette reflects that diversity: from antique Mughal gold and brocade textures to minimalist reinterpretations of Kerala’s heirlooms like the kasu mala, manga mala, and kilimala. Her love for Meenakari enamelling adds a vivid layer to the jewellery, breaking free from the typical maroon and green into unexpected hues. She elevates it with aquamarine, coral pink, ivory, and peacock blue. Asha is also known to incorporate unconventional gems like malachite, watermelon tourmaline, and cornelian, adding an element of surprise to every piece. Be it from heritage kadas to pastel chokers, statement kundan earrings to square gemstone necklaces.
A Holistic Sense of Aesthetics
For Asha, designing is not just a craft, but a divine process. It begins in prayer, a moment of stillness, and then the concepts channel through her mind, heart, and sketches, and then to gold. She believes true artistry is spiritual, and each piece carries an energy and a blessing. She also believes every piece of jewellery should hold meaning, and every design should serve the woman who wears it. Conventionally, gold has been seen more as a tradition and an investment rather than an expression. Asha changed this notion by giving her pieces a personality, playfulness, and soul, making it relevant to modern women.
Asha believes that beauty is not about ornamentation alone; it is the way a woman carries herself. Her confidence, grace, and individuality are what truly elevate her appearance. “The way she walks into a room, the tilt of her head, the confident sparkle in her eyes, that’s beauty,” she says.
That is why every piece is tailored not just to the outfit, but to the wearer as well. Skin tone, body frame, occasion, personality, and even posture are all part of the design consideration. A rich Kanchipuram saree may call for a delicate gold pendant, while a bold, gemstone-encrusted choker might transform a minimalist gown. Whether it’s reshaping a bangle for comfort or adjusting a necklace to suit the neckline better, every step refines the piece so that the woman shines, not just her jewellery.
A Boutique That Whispers Luxury
You can find M.O.D located in the serene Panampilly Nagar, Kochi. This space is a sharp contrast to glitzy, overfilled conventional jewellery showrooms. A different world, one of calm elegance, warm lighting, and quiet conversations. The boutique is to reflect both global aesthetics and Indian heritage. Ambient lights set a relaxed mood, while carefully positioned spotlights accentuate the intricate details of each handcrafted piece. Then there is a private bridal lounge, a thoughtfully designed area that replicates the lighting of a wedding stage, allowing brides to preview how their jewellery will look on the big day.
Stars and Stories
Over the decades, Asha Sebastian Mattathil’s artistry has found its way into some of South India’s most iconic weddings. Her designs have graced celebrated brides like Surumi, daughter of superstar Mammootty, and Aishwarya, daughter of legendary Rajinikanth. Names like Kavya Madhavan, Bhavana, Keerthy Suresh, Amala Paul, and Bhama have all trusted Asha to design the jewellery for their most cherished day.
But even as she designed for celebrities, her boutique remains a haven of calm and craftsmanship. Here, brides from all walks of life, not just stars, come in search of something truly personal. Yet her clientele is united by one desire, jewellery that is an extension of their identity. Or simply put, signature jewellery.
