Our
shopping spree began in Udaipur at the Ganesh Handicraft Emporium. We initially
felt like we were on a secret treasure trail when following directions down a narrow
winding alley way leading to a small wooden door. We cautiously entered what
appeared to be a workroom with numerous sewing machines dwarfed by mounds of
material and piles of threads – unbeknown to us, we had been directed to the
Emporium’s back entrance!
This
little workshop opened out onto a Pandora’s box of countless rooms and
courtyards, each one displaying a different selection of artisanal goods – from
elaborately carved wooden furniture to a multitude of colourful ornaments, together
with mountains of handwoven bedlinen, cushion covers and table cloths … plus
arrays of tunics, scarves, saris, trousers/pyjamas!
It was a true treasure
trove, as described on their brightly coloured business card adorned with
international media recommending this incredible Emporium – Condé Nast
Traveller, New York Times Magazine, Frommer’s, to name just a few. Displays of
photographs and newspaper clippings proudly presented its notable clients,
including those who were on film location in this attractive region, such as
Pierce Brosnan during ‘Octopussy’ and Judi Dench for ‘The Marigold Hotel’. And
of course clients equally included those in the world of interior design and
fashion, namely Tricia Guild and Tory Birch, together with Sarah Burton for
Alexander McQueen.
I
felt like a child in toy shop excitedly overwhelmed by the incredible selection
of merchandise, with varied patterns and designs in every colour of the rainbow.
It was easy to imagine what fun it would be working as a buyer for a store such
as Anthropology – yet another renowned client!
