Catching the eyes of those passing by with its subtle white exteriors and pretty sunshades, is the new multi-designer retail store in Hindustan Park, Twine Tales. From clothes to decor picks, the store houses it all while making sure all the choices made are conscious. For a mother, a former educator, and now owner of Twine Tales, Sanhita Moulik, the concept was and will always be ‘to give back to the earth’.

“Covid has thrown challenges in every arena of life, and as an educator, during the lockdown, I could witness it first-hand with schools being shut, education turning digital, and the challenges faced by those who did not have the means. We had been planning but the lockdown scene hastened it. Post-lockdown, I had met with some weavers of Phulia, who with their large production and no demand post-Covid, were in distress. Since Twine Tales stands for slow fashion and giving back, we decided to give a platform to these weavers while upholding our slow-fashion policy by showcasing and selling their handloom saris. Twine Tales is a bazaar or a souk where each product emphasises the indulgence of material and diversity of forms envisioned in simplicity and silence of the products through which the viewer is invited to pause and ponder with each instance separate yet linked,” says Sanhita.

The store is currently housing two collections from Raffughar — Parvaaz and Tarakh-Maal. Both the collections match the fashion aesthetics of Twine Tales, featuring colours that are easy on the eyes. “The store Twine Tales has a minimalist vibe and that is what even Raffughar believes in. We definitely find Raffughar a fit for Twine Tales,” says Wajahat Rather of Raffughar .

The store is done up in white and gold tones, has a calm vibe to it with sweet aroma surrounding the interiors. The subtle tones are also visible in some of the clothes on the shelves. The store is also a one-stop shop for wellness and beauty products.

The store has recently collaborated with the label Raffughar, an independent design label that is inspired by the famous Darners of Kashmir. “Raffughar’s philosophy of sustainable fashion and zero-waste policy and its belief that traditional crafts can be adapted to contemporary context is very similar to the aesthetics of this city where people know their fashion right. The union between Raffughar and Twine Tales results in providing products that are all handmade, handcrafted, and handwoven, offering an array of apparel, saris, scarfs, ceramics, beauty, and self-care products supporting the cause of vocal for local,” says Wajahat Rather, founder, Raffughar.

Twine Tales is also working with an NGO called Apon, which works for the upliftment of the weavers. “A percentage of our sales goes to Apon and we have put together Apon’s board, too, as we believe in fair trade where we are empowering one another,” says Sanhita.

Twine Tales’ handmade soap collection ‘made with care’ will make for a great gift. Devoted to self-love, the soaps are all made using natural products and smell great. “Loving yourself isn’t vanity its sanity!” is what Sanhita believes, and we couldn’t agree more.

What: Twine Tales
Where: 8/1 C Hindustan Park, opp Akar Prakar Gallery
Timings: Open all days, 11am to 8.30pm

Done up in white with touches of subtle gold, the store spells calm, peace and elegance. Minimalist design has been maintained throughout, with even the lights matching the ivory decor.

Simple and beautiful, these oil containers with decorated brass leaves will add an elegant touch to your kitchen shelf.

Raffughar’s Parvaaz collection, which stands for ‘unhindered flight’, brings this beautiful Haae’r Dress that is perfect for summer. Made from handwoven cotton-silk fabric, this gathered dress has block-printed birds on it. “This collection is a tribute to human freedom,” says Wajahat.

Guests at Twine Tales

Sanhita Moulik (centre) with Shreevats Goswami and Payal Jugroop

Rita Bhimani and Gautam Bhimani at the store

Wajahat Rather and Sanhita Moulik

Sanhita with (l-r) Nil, Bhaichung Bhutia and Dev