Covetables in the Capital

Rooted in centuries-old Oriental and Persian craftsmanship and a history of trade. Breathtakingly detailed and exquisitely embroidered. Wise investment, undoubtedly heirloom, and pure art. What are we talking about? The Parsi gara sarees, scarves, and wraps by Ashdeen Lilaowala that create and recreate a quiet yet powerful elegance.

Alongside curated collections such as The Grand Bharuch Hotel, Bombay Talkies and Wildflower,ashdeen invites you to step in and explore bespoke pieces woven and embroidered specially for you. They have expanded their offerings to include embroidery on weaves such as Kanjivarams. Shawls and menswear have also made an appearance. Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Oprah Winfrey and Madhuri Dixit have worn Ashdeen, each garment a testament to a rich cultural heritage.

Clean, bright, still quite shiny. Purpose-built for books and bookworms of the human kind. And a cat curled up on one of the many cane chairs.

The Bookshop Inc. is a special bookstore in a city with quite a few iconic and quite a few more uniquely appealing ones. And one of the reasons is the staff – who were all trained at the iconic ‘The Bookshop in Jor Bagh’, once described by the New York Times as “the cosiest bookshop in the country”. The Bookshop Inc. opened its doors two days after The Bookshop in Jor Bagh downed its shutters and is both a homage and a new home for the quality curations that made The Bookshop a quiet favourite. Even if the selection of literary fiction, biographies, graphic novels and rare titles don’t tempt you in, drop by for a chat with the cat.

 Each pair of shoes here begins as a quiet conversation between hand, leather and time, crafted by artisans who follow the traditions of English shoemaking. From classic Oxfords and monk straps to boots and bespoke designs created from reference images, every shoe is patiently cut, stitched and finished, allowing for customisation, comfort and personal fit, comfort tweaks and even discreet height elevation.

warewoodshoemakers offers the rare luxury of individuality, craftsmanship and shoes that are made just for you. Don’t forget to sneak a peek at their bags, wallets and accessories, with premium Italian leather bringing your vision to life.

A calm Himalayan lodge where the earthy colours, natural textures and subtle symbols of the mountains come together effortlessly. Clothes whose lines flow with ease, whose colours mimic a Tibetan landscape, and whose silhouettes draw from traditional mountain costume forms. Jewellery such as the exquisite Na-gyen Akor earrings, the delicate Lotus-Pema necklace, or the striking Trin-pa hoops reinterpret traditional Tibetan symbols.

The ‘Carousel in Tibet’ reimagines the revered six-syllabled Sanskrit mantra on a vintage tin carousel. And how can we forget the endearing little yak miniatures with formidable personalities that observe you beadily from the shelves?

If you can’t get on that flight, take a trip to the hills with merchandise that whispers of mysticism and mountain magic at the mapcha Store.

Magical Meghalaya and its extraordinary stories. A slow life where rains kiss the hillsides and dawn mist curls through valleys. Black clay pottery that reflects an ancient dialogue between earth, water and flame, and indigenous teas and spice blends whose lineage can be traced to hill farms and forest clearings. The exclusive Lakadong turmeric, Ahimsa silk, wild forest honey, and handwoven Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia bamboo and handloom crafts.

Rare books from the region and artefacts sourced directly from local artisans are offerings that are virtually impossible to find elsewhere. With each sip, pinch and artifact weaving a tale, the meghalayanage brings to the capital truly exclusive products from this beautiful state up in the dreamy hills.