India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (291 page)

Clothing & Housewares

Anokhi
This company was created in the 1960s by a British designer who had items made here for export to the U.K. and elsewhere. The combination of Eastern and Western influences has resulted in flattering designs that have become hugely popular around the world. Anokhi is part of a growing design movement that taps into the skills of local craftspeople and gives those crafts a modern twist. Hand-blocked prints, hand-woven fabrics, and natural dyes are the hallmark of Anokhi’s products, which include gorgeous garments for men, women, and children, and a wide range of feminine home furnishings—anything from duvet and cushion covers to napkins. Prices are significantly higher than those in the bazaars, but the quality of design is in another league. After stuffing your shopping basket, eat a healthy lunch at the
Organic Cafe,
which serves daily specials, salads, desserts, and fresh juices. Open daily 9am to 6pm. 2nd Floor, C-11, K.K. Sq., Prithviraj Marg, C-Scheme.
0141/400-7244.
www.anokhi.com
.

Gem Palace
When the maharajas of Rajasthan were suddenly deprived of their privy purses in 1972, many were forced to sell off the family jewels. Gem Palace, whose owners had been serving their needs for four generations, was a discreet place to do so. Today you can admire these priceless items, now owned by the Kasliwals and displayed in this beautiful store, along with antiques from the Mughal period. You can also view the craftspeople here creating new pieces, destined for the necks, wrists, and fingers of the privileged all over the world; its celebrity customers have included Princess Diana, Bill Clinton, and Paul McCartney. This is arguably the best and most exclusive jewelry shop in Jaipur, but it’s not the place to pick up a bargain. Open 10:30am to 7:30pm. Closed Sundays. M.I. Rd.
0141/236-3061
or 0141/237-4175.
www.gempalacejaipur.com
.

Hot Pink
We love the small, cool, stylish space of this designer boutique in the garden of Narain Niwas Palace. Browse for beautiful garments, fashion accessories, and textiles from 25 hot Indian designers; look for gorgeously stylish clothing by Rajesh Pratap Singh or the almost avant-garde designs of Manish Arora (who’s branded as “Fish Fry” internationally). The menswear is highly desirable too, and there are some fantastic, bright, daring cushion covers that you’ll want to cram into your luggage. If you’re particularly interested in Indian fashion, this is a great place to strike up conversation with western designers who base themselves here because of great local innovations (Thierry Journo is the French in-house designer). Narain Niwas Palace, Marain Singh Rd.
0141/510-8932.
www.hotpinkindia.com
.

JewelryAmrapali
In 1980, two young entrepreneurs, Rajesh Ajmera and Rajiv Arora, saw a gap in the market and started adapting traditional jewelry styles to appeal to a broader international market. Conveniently situated near Panch Batti and the city gate that leads into Jauhri Bazaar, Amrapali is famous for its tribal silver jewelry, but the gold showroom also contains some rare examples of
kundan
jewelry, a technique in which each gem is set by pressing fine strips of highly purified gold around it. Depending on how much you spend, you may be able to negotiate a discount. Open 11am to 6pm. Closed Sundays. M.I. Rd.
0141/237-7940
or 0141/236-2768.

K. S. Durlabhji, Emerald House
When a new emerald mine was discovered in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in the 1920s, Mr. M. S. Durlabhji got on the very next boat and traveled south. Once there, he took one look at the deep-green quality of the emeralds and purchased the entire consignment, then continued to purchase every stone until the mine ran dry. Today his son Yogendra has a collection of emerald jewelry that makes jewelers across the world green with envy, and their buyers include a who’s who of the world’s top jewelers: Van Cleef, Harry Winston, Tiffany, Cartier, and Boucheron, to name a few. Subhash Marg, C-Scheme.
0141/237-2318
or -6044.