Think of a fantasy trip to India, and the captivating city of Jaipur likely comes to mind--amid dreams of scaling the 17th century Amber Fort, via elephant, or whiling away your afternoon over a champagne tea at the Taj's Rambagh Palace in the garden. Cool factor, though? That's what the design mecca of Stockholm or the eccentric fashion scene of Tokyo is for.
Which is why on a recent trip to the iconic Pink City I was surprised to discover a burgeoning scene of cool boutiques, boutique hotels, and modern cafes worthy of a visit to the city all on their own.
Here, a few of my favorites that aren't to be missed.
1. Hot Pink
On the hunt for locally made, traditional, Indian garb but in rainbow bright colors, and cut in modern shapes? Look no further than Hot Pink, located at Narain Nlwas Palace. Not only is the store picture perfect (it's hard to pay a visit here and not take a photo like you were visiting some kind of a shrine to shopping) but you'll also be hard pressed to leave the store empty handed thanks to a curated selection of clothes, bags, and scarves from the hottest local designers. The men's collection is particularly stellar, as are the selection the scarves, and interesting jewelry.
Narain Nlwas Palace, Narayan Singh Road, Kanathoa Bagh, Jaipur
2. Bar Palladio
Next door to Hot Pink is Bar Palladio, owned by Swiss-Italian expat Barbara Miolini. The work of interior designer Marie-Anne Oudejans (formerly the Creative Director of cult brand Tocca), this lounge's painted blue ceilings, gorgeous embroidered furniture and pillows, and its garden that includes tented banquettes, is the ultimate place to unwind. After a few dynamite cocktails, you'll undoubtedly leave wondering why on earth your home isn't this chic, I know I did.
Narain Nlwas Palace, Ground Floor, Singh Road, Kanathoa Bagh, Jaipur
3. Idli
One final stop while you are on the grounds of the Narain Nlwas Palace should be Idli run by the charming French expat Thierry Journo. Not cheap by India standards, so keep in mind while your browsing how much this store's wares would cost in a fashion capital like London or Paris. It's no wonder this spot is favorite of the jet-set crew who can't get enough of the chic caftans and glamorous maxi dresses on offer.
Narain Nlwas Palace, Narayan Singh Road, Kanathoa Bagh, Jaipur
Housed in the cool concept shop Jaipur Modern occupying a restored 1940s bungalow now done up with dramatic black-and-white marble flooring you'll find one of the best lunch spots in Jaipur for ordering a salad and freshly squeezed juice--all taken from the restaurant's own organic garden. After lunch, peruse the wares at the adjoining shop that includes furniture, home goods, clothing, and accessories. Their shibori and tie dyed cushion coves and ikat quilts are about as swoon-worthy as it gets.
51 Sardar Patel Road, Dhuleshwar Garden, Hathroi, Jaipur
5. Teatro Dhora
Searching lesser-known Indian design labels? Teatro Dhora, started by designers Aavriti Jain and Siddhartha Daspan, should be your first stop. Besides clothing, quirky and affordable jewelry, and leather bags, you'll even find artwork for sale here. Check out Jain's Instagram account to get an idea of just how cool her merchandise is.
9 Yashwant Place, Ajmer Road, Madrampur, Civil Lines, Jaipur
--Leah Bourne
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