MaalGaadi’s festive pop-up, titled Artisanal Rendezvous, offers a curated collection of apparel, skincare, chocolates and bags. However, there’s more here than mere retail therapy. “Each brand will have an interactive station set up, where customers can connect with the respective founders and get to know about the brand’s concept and evolution,” says Shahin Ansari, co-founder of MaalGaadi. As we put the spotlight on the four interactive stations, visitors can also expect to see the new collections of the Hyderabad-based Mishru and the Mumbai-based Soup by Sougat Pauls.
Enchante
This three-week-old brand, run by Chennai-based L Nitin Chordia and Poonam Chordia, will be launching an exclusive range of 13 varieties of chocolates along with bonbons and chocos. They will be serving a 200-year-old Mayan recipe of a ceremonial health drink called Cocoa for guests, and have interactive tastings of their latest range of chocolates. “We think it is relevant for a place like MaalGaadi because people who are fashion conscious are also fitness conscious,” says Nitin. Expect flavours like cranberry and pink salt, English raspberry, coco mint and Ethiopian coffee, besides single origin bars. Apart from Himalayan pink salt, the cocoa is sourced from South America, Madagascar, Peru and Venezuela. `250 upwards. Details: cocoatrait.com
Teabox
Arunima Ray’s Bengaluru-based Teabox will bring tea blends, gifts and tea accessories. They have options of sample tasting as well as buying. The five-year-old brand has a factory in Siliguri and is coming to the city for the first time. Expect two varieties from them — Mountain rose and Kashmiri kahwa. “We will set up an interesting tasting table for guests,” says Arunima. `250 onwards. Details: teabox.com
Arture
PETA-certified vegan and eco-friendly Chennai-brand Arture will display its teal collection of bags and wallets made of cork. Inspired by a species of duck — called the common teal, the palette tilts more towards blue. “This is the first time we are launching a bright colour for the festive season and we have an interactive session where people would have something in teal to take back home,” says Shivani Patel, co-founder of the two-year-old brand. `800 onwards. Details: myarture.com/
Astrea
After a long research on skin properties, Sharon Natrajan’s Astrea will come up with a range of lip balms, moisturiser, body scrubs and face masks. “Our mask, plump blush, made of cinnamon and honey, is something we are introducing for the first time. It is known for its anti-skin-aging properties,” says the Chennai-based Sharon. They are doing an on-the-go mini face spa, which guests can indulge in. 200 onwards. Details: facebook.com/astreacosmetics/ On October 6. At MaalGaadi.
