12 Unique Shopping Experiences in Jaipur

Clothes and fabrics in myriad hues. Block printing. Indigo dyes. Artisan jewellery. Unique shoes. Traditional motifs and colours of the desert.

These are some of the things that pop up in your head when someone mentions shopping in Jaipur.

The streets of the old city are filled to the brim with all these and so much more, every shop outdoing each other in trying to sell you their wares.

But for the discerning traveller looking for quality and uniqueness of the product, we bring you 12 indigenous brands of the city where you will find authentic yet quality products, keeping the delicate balance between traditional technique and modern functionality.

1. RASA - Run by husband-wife duo of Manish and Madhu, RASA is known for its contemporary block prints on silks, linens and specially woven fabrics. With stores across the country and now also the world including US, Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan and South East Asia., they have kept the designs rooted in tradition while at the same time keeping in mind that the final product bears a universal appeal.
2. Polo Factory - When two friends turned their love for Polo and horses into a business, PoloFactory was born. Started in 2012 by friends Jai Singh and Vikramaditya Barkana, PoloFactory is the last word in quality Polo Equipment. The brand has now also expanded to include luxury lifestyle merchandise including clothing, accessories and luggage. Polo Factory today caters to different polo clubs, teams and patrons and also organises polo holidays across UK, New Zealand, Argentina and India. The team also provides consulting support on team management, tournament organisation, off-site polo events and polo infrastructure development.
3. Kesya - Derived from the word “Kesariya” meaning saffron in the Rajasthani language, Kesya aims to reestablish the interest in traditional local arts and crafts through its bespoke accessories for men and women. Started by Divya Shekhawat and Shivangini Singh, the motifs for the brand are inspired by the frescos and paintings of the local havelis and palaces. Each detailed piece is handcrafted by artisans incorporating rich Rajasthani landscape and old colonial hunting scenes, and fusing modernity, tradition and history in their design.
4. Kannbar - Inspired by the 'land of gods', Kannbar represents Rajasthan's colourful concoction of culture, royalty and history. It is a perfect example of what can transpire when traditional art meets contemporary fashion and how it creates luxurious products. Friends Abhimanyu Singh Rathore and Barbara Kosiorek, wanted to marry their passion for the traditional arts with contemporary style and thus was created Kannbar - handbags and women's accessories representing timeless luxury and urban style whilst staying true to heritage and local craftsmanship. Every handbag is made of handwoven fabric that takes artisans thirty days to create!
5. Amorio - Bringing Italian quality to Indian shoe designs is Amorio. The brand is a unique creation which seamlessly stitches the best of both worlds in shoe-making – the traditional handmade Italian knowledge of shoe-making and the intricate embellishments that adorn the embroidered Rajasthani ‘Jutis’ which are famous the world over. Each shoes is handmade after detailed discussion with the customer on his need and comfort. Bespoke shoes don’t get fancier than this!
6. Crazy Heart - The brand that made it to the Conde Nast Magazine cover in just one year of starting! Crazy Heart is contemporary womenswear brand catering to women who are individualistic and experimental with their clothing while staying comfortable. Designer Ruchi Jain, incorporates traditional Rajasthani tie-die techniques of colouring cloth with her experimental designs to create clothes for the new woman.They are also consciously making a shift to alternative and sustainable fabrics with their new collection being made in 100% organic Banana & Bamboo fabrics.
7. Tokree - Before starting her own label ‘Tokree’, Sanyukta Singh was working with the celebrated designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Started in 2011, Tokree specialises is Home Decor, Handicrafts and clothes. The label exemplifies Indian minimalism with their restrained use of hand-embroideries and gota patti, and an overall relaxed and fluid way of cutting silhouettes.
8. RituJainSingh - Started in 2012, this namesake brand of Designer Ritu Jain Singh is inspired from heritage Indian art, craft and architecture. With its unique combination of vibrant colour and subtle serenity, the label captures the essence of modern India, coming alive through the interplay of fabrics and embroideries. Integrating traditional techniques, elaborate embroideries, modern Indian and global silhouettes, the label works towards encouraging quality craftsmanship and revival of lost traditions and techniques.
9. Amaya - Amaya Jaipur is a lifestyle brand offering chic accessories, décor and a whole bunch of fun things. 
10. Kichu - Featured by Vogue India, this brass jewellery brand draws from traditional designs that have been part of the culture for ages and weaves it with modern designs for the new age woman. It is helmed by Kichu Dandiya, who completed her B.A in jewellery design from London and thereafter returned to Jaipur to develop a close working relation with artisans and have a first hand experience with the trade.
11. Diane Singh - Born and raised in France, Diane Singh fell in love with the myriad hues of the gemstones that are synonymous with Jaipur, mesmerised by their beautiful colors and textures. She launched her signature label ‘Diane Singh Jaipur’ along with her flagship store 2012.. Diane has a strong bond with local artisans which allows her to respect the traditional designs while creating jewellery for the modern consumer.
12. Parampara Jaipur - A multi brand concept store by Virginia Borrero De Castro, Parampara houses the 25 year old’s own brand De Castro Moda too. Colombian by birth, Virginia took inspiration for everything she saw around her in Jaipur, like the filigree architecture that translated to integrate borders embroidered on the trousers in her collection. Hoping to showcase the traditional fabrics of India like cottons and khadis, De Castro is tying up with artisan families for that authentic design for the urban buyer.

For more information on these stores or shopping in Jaipur, write to us at info@thethingstodoinindia.com