Handloom, Home Decor & More: This Store Sells Quirky Stuff From Nagaland, Manipur & Assam

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What Is It?

Why buy the same jhumkas from Colaba when you can wear earrings made with silk cocoon? Why buy another ghagra for a wedding when you can flaunt Assam’s traditional Mekhla Chadar? A hidden Manipuri store in Bandra called Hilli Valli has stuff dreams are made of.

From The Land Far Away

Started by Khoi Thoudam and Joy Nongthombam in October 2017, Hilli Valli is not just selling gorgeous handloom and handicraft, but also promoting a noble cause. When we entered the store and spoke to Joy {who is a delight to talk to}, he told us about how their aim is to help and support small-scale artists and workers in Manipur and provide them with what they deserve for their hard work. Each and every item in the store is handmade and is transported straight from North East.

Hilli Valli is a self-financed venture where Khoi and Joy have invested their own money to promote the primitive the traditional work. Joy, who himself comes from a weaving background, knows the amount of effort that goes into weaving a single piece of cloth and hence wants to promote the art for its true worth. His initiative has generated employment in three villages in Manipur and put a smile on several faces.

The Magic Of Nagaland

A range of fascinating products from Nagaland will definitely catch your attention. Quirky jewellery like earrings, anklets and neck pieces made with Naga Beads look gorgeous. They can also be customized based on your colour preference. What stands out about their tribal jewellery collection is the earrings made with silk cocoon {INR 350}. They are gorgeous, super light and extremely unique.

Another collection from Nagaland has hand woven tea coasters {INR 550 for six}, traditional Naga neck ties {INR 600}, traditional Naga badge, hand-woven mufflers and jackets with beautiful tribal art. Also, check out the handwoven bags {INR 800 onwards}.

The Manipuri Collection

Let us start on this with the show-stopper of the collection. The store is home to extremely rare Manipuri Moirangphee Sarees which are absolute head turners. One saree requires a relentless effort of at least three women for 10 continuous days to be completed. They start at INR 5,000 and go up to INR 20,000.

The store also has beautiful handwoven bedsheets, dupattas and stoles {starting INR 700} and shawls made with ery silk, which is the only silk made without killing the larva in the cocoon {also known as non-violent silk}.

Ladies, you will definitely amp up your wardrobe with their stunning collection of handwoven dresses, wrap around skirts and Rani Manao, which are elaborate dupattas with gorgeous woven designs.

The Charm Of Assam

Assam was the last section to be explored but it managed to surprise us the most. The traditional wear of the state called Mekhla Chadar was something that blew us away. Beautiful handwoven fabric shines like the skin of a goldfish. The three-piece outfit comprises of the bottom, the blouse and the dupatta. The technique of wearing it is a bit tricky, but once you drape it successfully, you will be the centre of attention wherever you go. The Assamese sarees which start at INR 6000 are also spectacular.

Also, check out the basket collection made with water reeds {which is much more durable than cane}. They also have dried wild-flowers and flowers made from silk cocoon which will work phenomenally as a centre-piece {paired with a great vase}.

#LBBTip

Don’t miss the fantastic collection of black pottery. Kettles, mugs, pans, bowls etc. which are safe to use on a flame will give a very classy look to your kitchen.