The Art Cart’s popular pop-up sale Flea-कर is back with its Puja-special edition, this time with My Kolkata as digital media partner. “Flea-कर — Pujo Edit is all about Pujo! The brands joining in for this edit are mostly apparel and accessory brands that will cater to everyone’s Durga Puja shopping,” says Sanwayee Datta, 20, who runs The Art Cart along with Subham Das, 25. The duo also founded Hukomuko'r Hijibiji — a small business selling journals, coasters and digital art prints inspired by Bengali literature.
Sanwayee and Subham set up The Art Cart during the pandemic in an attempt to help homegrown brands showcase their unique curations. “We noticed that the pandemic had given rise to a number of small businesses and that these enterprises needed a platform. So, we began hosting the pop-up series Flea-कर,” says Subham.
The previous six editions — five in Kolkata and one in Bengaluru — have been creative, quirky and thrifty! Here’s what Flea-कर — Pujo Edit has in store for Kolkata:
Chic cuts
Nail every outfit with these fits especially curated for the upcoming festive season. There’s Label Sohini Basu’s breathy Indo-Western cuts, Vara’s minimal maxi dresses, Kathgolap’s unique hand-painted fits, Shuva Laha Batik prints, Bhaaav’s kaftans, Mrigika’s handloom sarees and more. “This festive season my line will see cottons inspired by my garden at home! I look forward to good footfall and a great experience this weekend,” says designer Sohini Basu, 33, who also participated in The Art Cart’s summer edition.
Danglers, chokers and more!
Accessories can take any look up a notch. Shop statement rings from Venii Vidi Visa and Butterfly Tree, chunky chokers from বিন্দু, BeYOUnique by Koyel and Shoii Calcutta, quirky danglers from প্রাপ্তি, Nondini and Bijaya, resin accessories from Urban Maven and unique pendants from Love, Lilo Store and A V A.
Quirky gifts
Flea-कर is a good place to stock up on gifts — it caters to a variety of tastes. If you like handmade items, try IRENIC’s line of phone cases, hair clips, bracelets and earrings or Creativity Loading’s unique crafts. Drrawerr has digital portraits on offer, Touch of Spark sports ethnic home-decor pieces and CrackPot By CPS makes boho wall hangings. Dos Sistas Soaps have the quirkiest skincare — you’ll spot bath bombs and body butter in the shape of cheesecakes and doughnuts.
The pop-up will also see fun sessions of slam poetry, stand-up comedy and music performances each evening, 5pm onwards.
Hop over to: Haldiram Food City, Ballygunge (24 Ashutosh Chowdary Avenue, Ballygunge Park, Kolkata 700019)
When: September 2, 3 and 4
Pocket pinch: Rs 20 to Rs 3,000 (approximately)
Look out for: Open mics!
