Popular makers' market By Hand From The Heart, which features a mix of established 'returners' and up-and-coming brands, is returning to the city for its second year. Curated by Deepa Sekhar and Kshitji Davey, the event will feature a wide range of brands, including apparel brands, furniture and decor studios, wellness players, board game makers, ceramicists and more. “We always love to mix new and old brands as our customers want classic brands but also want to explore new things,” says co-founder and curator Deepa, adding that the process of curating brands from over 300 requests is time-consuming.
Ashta Shirts, Coimbatore | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
The apparel selection features brands from across India, including Hustkar, Notch Above from Hyderabad, Padma, Tiny Fluff and Zari Thali from Chennai and The Khan Trail from Mumbai. Ashta from Coimbatore, known for its bespoke dresses, unisex shirts and upcycled apparel using natural dyes and hand block printed fabrics, is gearing up to showcase its creations at the market for the first time. Founder Samyuktha Rajaram says they will be bringing in “saris inspired by Tamil songs, shirts inspired by actor Rajnikanth, patchwork dresses and shirts made from the brand's upcycled fabrics.”
Apart from fashion, look out for jewellery brands like Aarika and Umang Beads from Chennai, beauty brands like KindSkin and Nivarana from Chennai, Last Forest from Kotagiri and Samah from Hyderabad.
Artwork by House of Thinai | Photo by Special Arrangement
Deepa also touches on the changing tastes of buyers. There are many who are passionate about home décor and furniture. Perhaps that's why the lineup includes several brands in this category. Two of them are Studio Kanchakala and House of Thinai, which are participating at the event for the first time. The latter will be selling teak chairs, cabinets, Jamakaram wall hangings, and more. Founded by Savita Iyer, Nandini Muralikrishnan and Archana Gupta, Studio Kanchakala specializes in creating bespoke décor items and installations using mirror mosaics. “We will have wall frames, wall mirrors, tealight holders, name boards and trays. Every mirror is meticulously placed and every tile is meticulously grouted with cement paste,” says co-founder Savita.
The popular food and stationery sections will feature brands such as Thaen, Purple Brewery, Cavasa chocolates, Mahaxarts and Paper Garden. Prashantini of Ink by Prashantini Raj, a regular at the event, will be bringing her handcrafted products such as keychains, pins, notebooks and coasters. “I've also experimented with mixed media like clay and embroidery. I'm also looking forward to DIY kits for keychains, magnets and trinket trays.”
Artwork: Ink by Prashantini Raj | Photo courtesy of Special Arrangement
Deepa feels that the common thread between all the brands is that they represent modern India beautifully. “We look at the brand's products and consider if it is in line with the current season, what is the pricing etc. We also consult relevant industry players who can tell us if a particular brand fits into our range or not,” the curator adds. “Be it the city or across India, designers are embracing this aesthetic. They are not dictated by internet trends, they are not influenced by Instagram but rather by social media trends,” she concludes.
July 27 and 28, 10 am to 8 pm at Welcom Hotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram.
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