The Sarita Handa store at Delhi’s Khan Market is where comfort and opulence delicately reside. Tucked away at one end of the store is a sauna-styled bath with towels made from fine Egyptian cotton, and bathrobes from Turkey. French mists, soaps, and bath oils fill the other side of the shelf. In another corner, a delicate hand-knotted pillow cover made in Normandy with old Indian adda work reflects the signature style of the store. From rich needle work to appliqué embroidery; it’s a perfect blend of traditional Indian handwork and luxurious French textiles.
The store also has a variety of French-inspired cushion covers, quilts, lampshades, fabrics, wall arts, chairs and antique lights. “Our designs and colours are influenced by 18th century French textiles, ribbons and embroidery, with a contemporary touch,” says Sarita Handa, founder and creative head.
In the export business for past 25 years, Sarita caters to international design houses and retailers such as Pottery Barn, Macy’s, Zara Home and Bloomingdales. “Quality is what our brands reflect. We value Indian artists and aim to provide them an international platform,” she says.
Luxury comes at a price obviously, and Sarita reasons, “Most of the works are handmade, and only pure fabrics are used.” Quilts start at Rs 12,850 and go up to Rs 29,000; cushion covers start from Rs 1,500 each, and the ones with more detailed embroidery go up to Rs 5,000 each. Fabrics start at Rs 1,100 and go up to Rs 8, 500 per metre.
