What We Want This Winter: Fewer Logos, Better Craft, and Things Made to Last
What we’re lusting after, where the Amex runs warm, the haunts worth a detour, and the baubles that glint in the dark—consider this your cheat sheet to the season’s small luxuries.
Tootsies & bags
Founded by Mansi Saxena, Kāli Handbags emerged from a deep engagement with India’s artistic traditions, following her decision to step away from a career in luxury retail and travel extensively across the country. The brand is rooted in heritage craftsmanship while being designed for a global luxury context. Available for pre-order.
Bridlen was founded by master shoemakers, the late Mr Hasan and Mr Watanabe, united by a shared vision to make classic men’s shoes accessible without compromising on craft.
The brand brings together Japanese precision with a deep respect for leather, detail, and traditional shoemaking. This is what makes something truly worth buying: considered production, transparency, and products built to last, not just look good on a shelf.
Style & Living
Carved from solid mango wood, The Tiger Chair walks the line between furniture and attitude. Hand-painted stripes riff on the tiger’s natural camouflage in saturated oranges and inky blacks, while a sculpted tiger face anchors the armrest. It is eccentric without being loud, playful without tipping into kitsch.
I love Norbulingka’s museum-quality art. This Dzipak gem box is crafted by master woodwork artisans and hand-painted in traditional Kyumbur style. Consumed by greed, the grimacing Dzipak devours himself, leaving only his head, a celestial gatekeeper. Known as the Time Eater, he chews through hours and spits out an endless stream of jewels. It is finished with handmade brass corner guards and a latch.
Travelling & Feasting
The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale moves away from spectacle and towards process, imagining the Biennale as a living, breathing ecosystem shaped by friendship, exchange, and shared labour. Rooted in Kochi’s history as a port city, and curated by Nikhil Chopra with HH Art Spaces, it unfolds responsive, grounded, and very much alive. On till 31st March.
Baubles & Bling
It’s winter, and time to pin up those loose ends with joyful brooches from Azga.
The Bee colour-pop brooch is handcrafted in Jaipur, cast in brass, 22kt gold-plated, enamelled, and touched with champagne-toned American diamond accents. Forest of Chintz leans into a softer kind of drama. The Gothic Bug brooch is an easy way to add character to shirts, jackets, and blazers. Embroidered on a silk base with gunmetal studs, bullion, and fine micro beads, it feels detailed without being fussy.
Silver frame sunglasses have an enduring charm-equal parts classic and confident.
Bhavya Ramesh’s sunglasses are handcrafted by Indian artisans, balancing durability with a light, effortless fit. The sterling silver finish adds polish, while designs range from aviators to soft cat-eyes suited to varied styles. More than sun protection, they are statement accessories. I also like Anu Merton’s Ranvas glasses crafted in a gold-plated silver alloy, detailed with stone polkis and zircons. Tinted in a soft pink, they are delicate by design and meant to sit low on the nose for a considered, vintage feel.
