Pilli Taxi’s Deepavali edit brings handcrafted labels to Hyderabad

Pilli Taxi is returning to Hyderabad, with more than 25 Indian craft-led labels. The Deepavali edit will showcase jewellery, handcrafted bags and accessories, heritage textiles, home décor, and more. 

Here are a few labels to look out for:

Winglore: For those who love to dress up without any occasion, there’s plenty in store. Built on the idea of slow fashion and storytelling, the label blends quirky motifs with traditional embroidery: think of clouds swirling across a collar or a fish winking from a shirt. The label is known for its embroidery and colour palette.

Rewind by Sanjana: Garments in contemporary silhouettes are designed to defy fickle seasonal trends. With embroidered shirts, dresses, co-ords, kaftans and overlays, Rewind explores feminine silhouettes through intricate floral cross-stitch and artisanal detailing.

Kullvi Whims: A social enterprise from Naggar, Himachal Pradesh, the label brings products made using indigenous Himalayan wool by artisans from the Kullu Valley. From sourcing wool from nomadic shepherds who traverse the Himalayan ranges, to natural dyeing with local flora, spinning, knitting and weaving, each stage reflects the region’s landscape and rich cultural heritage. Founded in 2012 by Nisha and Brighu, the label is backed by the artisans’ knowledge of spinning, weaving and knitting. While these skills remained deeply rooted in the community, access to wider markets was limited. The intent to explore a wider market for these artisans led to Kullvi Whims.

Nia Studios: This artisanal jewellery brand creates pieces inspired by endangered flora, fauna, and ecosystems. The collections draw from nature, aiming to foster a deeper connection between people and the environment. Founder of Nia studios, Aishwarya Sultania also says their collection is a conversation starter.  She said, “When someone buys a piece from us, they’re not just buying jewellery. They’re taking home a story, a piece of art, and something that can start a conversation.” The jewellery is primarily crafted in brass and finished with 18K to 24K gold plating. Khoj - The Lost Mangrove, their new collection, is inspired by Sundarbans and its mangrove roots, wildlife, and the spirit of coexistence embodied by Bonbibi, the forest guardian. Easy to find buyers? “I think that relatability makes it quite easy for people to understand what we’re trying to do. A lot of our customers actually come to our pop-ups after discovering us on Instagram. They already know about the brand, have connected with the story, and come in wanting to see the pieces in person.”

Siara Women: This brand foregrounds the craftsmanship of rural artisans across India. Founded in 2023 by Surabhi Jain in Mumbai, it promotes sustainable fashion in contemporary designs. The collection includes textured, printed, and soft breathable fabrics. Look out for organic linen, cotton, soft silk, Chanderi silk, and Pashmina.

Rimil - A design studio: Founded by designer Supriya Sahoo in Kolkata, the label is known for its contemporary interpretation of traditional textiles and craft. The Bengali gamcha is reimagined through a modern design language, into sarees, dupattas, stoles, apparel and bespoke pieces. Supriya explains the design philosophy, “In the checks and colours of the Bengal Gamcha lives our tradition. I reweave it with new yarns and fresh ideas, so that what I make is effortless to wear, simple to care for, and a joy for everyone.” The label also works with grassroots craftspeople across India, bringing together traditional knowledge with experimental techniques such as extra-weft fusion, hand painting, patchwork and hand Kantha embroidery.

(The Pilli Taxi exhibition will be at Imli Sarai, road no 10, Banjara Hills, lane opp Taj Krishna for two days (October 24 and 25)11 am to 8pm.