Lizzie & Tanni’s Guide to India

January 8, 2019

This fall we decided to take a hop, skip and jump (or rather just a few lengthy flights) to India to check in with some of our favorite vendors and discover new ones. I traveled with Tanni, the jewelry and leather goods designer on our team and we reveled in textile heaven, markets full of stones, and big hotel breakfasts. We started in Delhi where we caught-up with an embroidery vendor that has been making Lizzie Fortunato bags for years. Headed by a mother / daughter team, we love finding international partners who value female leadership, small batch production and immaculate attention to detail just like we do. In Jaipur, it was all about stones and block printing. We spent hours pouring over beautiful textiles that will soon launch on Fortune Finds and picked out some amazing gemstones for new one-of-a-kind and fine styles. Mumbai was our last stop and is such a cool, international feeling city. In addition to finding major inspiration at another (female run!) embroidery house, we loved soaking in views of the harbor and discovering the city’s interesting and diverse architecture. 3 major cities packed into two super quick weeks with a LOT of design and development along the way. . . here’s our bite-sized India travel guide!

Looking up at Hawa Mahal from our rickshaw in Jaipur

In my SZ Blockprints pants (handmade in Jaipur) in the courtyard of the City Palace

Delhi:

How to get there:

I flew Delta via Paris…but Air India does offer a direct flight!

Where we stayed:

The Crowne Plaza in Okhla is just minutes away from our vendor and has a spa with a foot massage offering that should not be missed after long hours of travel.

Where to eat:

Sagar Ratna: A restaurant serving delicious South Indian fare in Delhi’s lovely Defense Colony neighborhood. Tanni went here with Nitya, a long-time vendor of ours, and loved the traditional, silver-plattered Thali meal they shared.

What to do:

Visit the Chandi Chowk market — one of the oldest and busiest in Delhi. The market is almost endless, so give yourself plenty of time to explore and shop! Putting this on your “do not miss” list is almost mandatory!

"...we loved the colorful buildings and grassy gathering spaces. The rooms, while minimal, have amazing paint jobs!"

Friends in the fountains at Hotel Narain Niwas

Prism Earrings in Rainbow:
$230

I'm thinking my apartment could use a new coat of paint! Epic decorative work on the exteriors of Hotel Narain Niwas

Our rickshaw driver Bhagwan gave us marigolds for our ride into the old city. Tip - take an auto rickshaw if you want to beat the traffic during rush hour!

Jaipur:

How to get there:

We took an easy, under 2-hour flight from Delhi.

Where to stay:

Upon a brilliant suggestion from our friend Sarah at SZ Blockprints we stayed at Hotel Narain Niwas. It’s on the same property as the very instagrammable Bar Palladio and we loved the colorful buildings and grassy gathering spaces. The rooms, while minimal, have amazing paint jobs!

Where to eat:

We loved checking out the Baradari Restaurant in the City Palace: a sleek, modern space in the midst of an ancient, traditional setting.

What to do:

Shop! The markets, with all their gem and textile purveyors, could keep you busy for days.

"We loved checking out the Baradari Restaurant in the City Palace: a sleek, modern space in the midst of an ancient, traditional setting."

Memento Necklace:
$425

Obsessed with this pale pink and perfectly placed borders above the beds in our rooms at Narain Niwas

Glowing hues at The City Palace create my perfect palette

We spent hours sifting through textiles so we could bring the best assortment home for YOU!

Mumbai:

How to get there:

Another easy, speedy flight from Delhi. Side note: Such a nice airport!

Where we stayed:

The new Four Seasons is close to our vendor and oddly has a Physique 57 in it. Not to mention a very happening rooftop bar.

Where to eat:

Golden Dragon at The Taj Hotel. Fancy, incredible Chinese food! Also, be sure to check out Trishna (which was voted #11 on Conde Nast’s Top Restaurant awards in 2017). The most popular place to eat seafood in Mumbai. The decor is old school but the cooking is amazing.

What to do:

Walk around the Kala Ghoda district and check out the art galleries, boutiques, and wine bars. While you’re at it, make sure to check out the designer concept store Le Mill and the nearby Bungalow 8.

"Shop! The markets, with all their gem and textile purveyors, could keep you busy for days."

Engraved and inlaid walls at Jaipur's City Palace

Never met a jug I didn't like

Pronto Purse in Crystal Flower:
$425

Just can't get enough of the doorways at The City Palace

What To Wear:

From the monument to the marketplace, here’s what they wore.

Woven Day Tote:
$85

Long Kurta in Blue Padra:
$118

Ridge Cuff in Redwood:
115

The patio at The Caffe Palladio in Jaipur is the best place to chill after a day of shopping (and dodging rickshaws!) in the markets. Don't forget to stop in Hot Pink, the beautifully curated homewares and clothing stores just a few steps away