LBB has always believed in the power of local. At the core, we've always loved shopping and eating local. And why not? Indian brands have a lot to offer — in terms of quality, variety, and we surely see more value too. So, if you've been waiting to shop locally, there's no better time than this.
On that note, here's a list of Made In India brands from our Little Black Book. You can shop for most of these local brands online on LBB.
In Kannada, Bili Hu means a white flower that signifies the bloom during the harvest season. Regarded as every coffee fanatic's favourite coffee — once you try Bili Hu's Monsooned Malabar, there's no going back. But don't let that stop you from sampling their single estate coffees and blends. Of course, there's cold brew if that fancies you. What we really like about Bili Hu is apart from selling a range of coffee makers like Aeropress, Dripper, Siphon, etc. they also teach you the brewing methods. Just go to their website and get a whiff of it.
When we say Neemli Natural's Hyaluronic & Vitamin C Serum is a life changer, we really mean it. Please take our word for it. This Bombay-based brand is 100 per cent vegan, organic, and sustainable. While its stark clean packaging catches your eye, products like Four Clay Gentle Face Mask, Charcoal & Kokum Butter Bathing Bar, and the aforementioned serum will keep you hooked to the brand.
If you've been waiting to adopt that all-natural skincare lifestyle, start with Neemli.
Hemis is India's first hemp-based store and we really dig their skincare range. Run by a group of committed individuals, Hemis works with artisans and weavers who believe in a sustainable future and slow fashion. When you're done gawking at their skincare goods, move on to their home furnishing and footwear section. In fact, if you're someone who loves experimenting with fashion but prefers keeping it minimalistic — Hemis has a lot to present.
Also, Hemis collaborates with diverse designers and brands that you can spot under their Collaborations.
Zia is a clothing line founded by Aswekeepsearching – an Indian band. This label crafts sustainable and gender-neutral clothing using Indian fabric. One look at their ikat crop top and unisex shrugs and we're sold! Every bit sassy, Zia's outfits are perfect for every individual who appreciates slow fashion and western outfits made from Indian fabric. Two-tone colours and classic blacks — it's safe to say we're not getting over this label anytime soon. Also, did we mention these outfits are made by homegrown tailors? Yup, no middlemen involvement, and only fair payments.
India's first organic makeup brand Ruby's Organics is one of our preferred makeup brands. And for excellent reasons. Whipping its products with 100 per cent organic produce (yup, no chemicals at all), their lip gloss oils and concealers are worth hoarding. Their range is loaded with almond oil, Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, shea butter which is great because you won't wake up the next morning with dramatic pimples or blackheads.
While you're at it, don't forget to check out their foundations, lip balms, and eye makeup.
Now that we're talking about all things made in India — have you tried Stranger & Sons? Conceived and created in Goa, this London dry style of gin has everything from India, apart from juniper and angelica, and we love the spices. Loaded with Gondhoraj limes, coriander, black pepper, and cassia bark, you'll feel all warm and fuzzy with pepper, nutmeg, and a hint of citrus with every sip of this one.
In case we forgot to mention — Stranger & Sons involves the local communities in its making. Plus, the peels are used to make jams and pickles so that all the ingredients are utilised to the maximum.
Whether you are a tea pundit or not — No. 3 Clive Road will turn you into one. Known for their handcrafted and select blends, this luxury tea brand has more than just tea to offer. For starters, their scented candles and gift boxes are bae. We're also eyeing their mango chutney. But let's get back to their chai — start with their Malabar Blend, Kashmiri Kahwa, or Maheshwar Blend Limited Edition. You can also go for their Tea Blend Sampler to get acquainted with more variants.
Remember with No. 3 Clive Road, you are not signing up for just tea. You get aromatherapy too.
From the girl next door to a filmstar — Fizzy Goblet has made fashion accessible to everyone. And that's what we love about it. Not to take away the fact that their footwear is drool-worthy. In fact, we can't imagine a wedding without their stunning juttis and limited edition heels. Their sneakers and sliders are a class apart. They are ultimate pick me ups on those boring outfit days.
While you're at it, do check out their collaborations with Payal Singhal.
We can spend hours browsing Brio Art House's website, and we're not even exaggerating. Known for its iconic art installations and wall plates, this Lucknow-based brand is all about art inspired by nature. Their pieces are handmade and handpainted and they also curate a few select pieces. Wondering what you must look for? Decoupage Wooden Coasters, Ceramic Handpainted Wall Plates, Antique Handpainted Gramophone, etc.
Don't forget to check out their art installations. Some sculptures are gorgeous!
Run by an all-women team, Bangalore-based Bare Necessities champions zero-waste lifestyle. Their range of handmade products includes bamboo toothbrushes, make-up removers, body scrubs, beeswax lip balms, and even natural, aerosol-free dry shampoo. Their spa bars and face washes will make you skip those salon trips too.
What's worth noting is that Bare Necessities also offers online courses and ebooks on zero waste education. You can access these from their website.
It is amazing how Berserk caters to different women. Whether you like Boho designs or minimalistic pieces — Berserk has something in its kitty for you. This brand handcrafts its accessories range and you will find a lot of tribal and nature-inspired pieces. We've got a thing for their gold-plated earrings and we really like how they're not overwhelmingly golden in colour. You know what we mean? They look vintage and if that's what floats your boat, hoard them.
Mason & Co. calls itself craftsmen of chocolate. We fully agree. Their stuff is so damn fine that we can totally live on their Cacao & Nut Chocolate Spread for years. This bean to bar concept brand hails from Auroville and they work with farmers and artisans directly. Apart from their spreads and drinking chocolate, here's what you must try — Zesty Orange Dark Chocolate Bar, Sourdough & Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Bar, and Cacao Butter.
Fans of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory — Mason & Co. offers its chocolate factory tours also. Perhaps this is something to look forward to when the pandemic ends.
You don't need LBB to tell you how stunning Madiha Jaipur is. This Jaipur-based brand upcycles wooden scrap, brass and works with Indian artisans (especially women) to craft unconventional pieces. Their elaborate collections include Zodiac, Cleopatra, Primavera, etc. You will find a lot of geometry-inspired pieces and otherworldly designs. If you are all about gentle and pleasant (and sometimes moody) colours like blues, greys, and classic golden — Madiha has a sweet sweep for you!
It is often said that home isn't built in a day. If you believe in this theory, you must check out Ellementry. This Jaipur-based brand specialises in handmade and luxury decor and kitchenware. Their decor range includes paper mache lanterns, wall art, lamp sets, and even doorknobs. The colour palette is quite pleasant but if you're seeking a pop of colour, their mugs, coconut bowls (painted on the inside), coffee pots are great picks. Ellementry also crafts furniture and these are made-to-order.
If you're someone who's particular about minimalistic designs and patterns, you know where to look.
Straight from the valley of Kashmir — Himalayan Cheese is founded by a Dutchman in India. So the brand follows both Indian and Dutch traditions. This artisan cheese brand believes in fair trade and strongly promotes socio-economic development. If you love cheese (and who doesn't), do try their Cheddar Cheese, Garlic Nettle Gouda, and their specialty — Kalari Cheese. They've got aged cheese that's around 12 months old.
Indus People is a work of art. Inspired by the Indian subcontinent, this lifestyle brand has minimalistic tableware. Everything is handcrafted by Indian artisans and at the moment, they have three collections — The Source, The Confluence, and Dip In The Ganga. If you notice, their colours and textures are quite pleasing and elegant. Quirky customisations are right up their alley — just check out their website.
Apart from all these, they also have stationery and tea.
Doodlage is a testament to the fact that you can be fashionable but also responsible. Founded by Kriti Tula and Paras Arora, this sustainable brand makes use of industrial waste. They recycle and craft eco-friendly clothes. If you're someone who loves to wear breathable outfits in easy-to-eye colours, Doodlage has to be on your radar. No, seriously!
As firm believers of zero-wastage, they convert scraps into accessories like scrunchies, notebooks, and bags.
Juicy Chemistry has us hooked to it with its scrubs and face masks. This all-organic and vegan brand is India's only eco-certified brand. Founded by Megha Asher, this brand uses ingredients like Kakadu Plum, Hemp, Tea Tree, Saffron, Matcha. You can shop for products based on your skin and concern. Also, they are super active on Instagram so hit them up for product recommendations.
Juicy Chemistry also recycles its packaging.
We couldn't take our eyes off The Burlap People's bags when we first spotted them at a pop-up. Eco-friendly and handcrafted — these bags can add a certain (and perhaps vintage) style statement. Made from a natural or vegetable fibre that comes from jute plants, these bags are great for the ones who are always on the go. You can carry your world in it and if you are an earth crusader, you'll make a switch to Burlap. Because it's 100 per cent biodegradable too. What joy!
And oh, you can get your bags customised too.
