The good folks at By Hand From The Heart have had the same ethos for the past eight years — that the participants must own their brands and also be the makers of their products. Now in their 25th edition, the bi-annual exhibition has 43 makers showcasing and selling. What makes this year different, we ask Deepa Sekar who along with her partner Kshiti Davey started this market in 2011.
“To have a narration, is very important. We feel that besides selling, these makers have the potential to do other things as well. So this time, we are going to have conversations about food and create a new experience for the city,” says Deepa, adding that one could expect five Chennai-based food brands — Beachville Coffee Roasters, Kase (cheese), Abhas’s Probiotics, Wholesome Rhapsody (specially curated desserts) and Zitter (chocolates). After hosting 24 editions, Deepa feels that one thing that has constantly stayed is Chennai’s aesthetics, and how particular they are of a product. “They are well-travelled, well-rounded and now we have a lot of men and children joining too.” With 14 vendors showcasing for the first time in Chennai, they have city-based brand Auragami who offers origami lampshades. Meanwhile from elsewhere, we have sustainable clothing brand IHA from Delhi, Hyderabad-based Pellipoolajada that offers wedding essentials, Indore-based Studio Vam, Rhea Hirani of Aaharya from Mumbai and Bengaluru-based designer Shreya Lohia, among others.
The market generally addresses categories like food, lifestyle, art and fashion. Deepa explains what sets the designers apart at By Hand From The Heart. “They’re all champions of slow fashion and sustainable clothing and our learning is that at the end of the day, it’s all about silhouettes and sizes.” Among the slow fashion labels is Palakkad-based Ela, who is bringing their latest collection The Birthday Edit for the market. Bindu Nair, the designer ,will be bringing close to 100 pieces approximately, with over 45 new designs. “There is a lot of colour play in our new line, with contrast cuffs reused from our fabric waste. Watch out for new silhouettes that we are launching at the market, like our popular wrap dress,” shares Bindu whose label is all about comfort fits and understated chic. Find boyfriend shirts for women, formal tailored jackets, dresses, open jackets and formal shirts for women at Ela. From` 1,500 onwards.
We also chat with Mrunmayee Namjoshi of Indore-based brand Studio Vam, which offers mixed media jewellery. Her latest collection is the Blue Pottery collection which takes its inspiration from the rich and colourful culture of Kuchi nomads and their lifestyle. “I started my brand in 2017 and my idea is to learn from the traditional, and try to marry it with contemporary aesthetics for today’s global wearer,” says Mrunmayee, who is presently at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, in Mumbai. The 27-year-old will be bringing around 150 earrings, 50 neckpieces
to the market. From `800 onwards.
Today and tomorrow.
From 10 am to 9 pm.
At Crowne Plaza Chennai
Adyar Park.