A unique concept store highlighting the best of India’s contemporary design launches at Bicester Village, Oxfordshire – 17th – 29th May, and #TeamCoco will be visiting the village to see all the Indian designs, and to sample some Indian street food.

This summer Bicester Village will showcase some of the most exciting talent coming out of India today as the country’s magical spirit and exotic charms sweep through the Village in a colourful celebration of All Things India. Whether India is one of your favourite destinations or you still dream of travelling there one day, you’ll be able to discover all the pleasures it has to offer at Bicester Village.

The Celebrating India concept store has been created to showcase the exciting new voices coming out of India today as well as celebrating established talents, curated by fashion connoisseur, businesswoman, and art purveyor Roohi Jaikishan and fashion editor Sujata Assomull. The unique concept store will welcome brands such as Manish Arora, Pippa Small, Beulah, Behno, Huemn, Dhruv Kapoor, Kanika Goyal Label, Kashmir Loom, Khosla Jani, SZ Blockprints, Tada & Toy, Tiipoi and more.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming a new wave of India’s creative talents to Bicester Village to commence the launch of our summer campaign ‘All Things India’. Collectively the designers showcased at the Celebrating India concept store are leading the charge and affirming India’s position on the international design agenda and, what more vibrant a highlight could we wish for than these six magnificent elephant sculptures honouring one of natures’ most celebrated icons. The Bicester Village Shopping Collection is proud to partner with Elephant Family in support of its valuable work in protecting these endangered creatures.” – Desirée Bollier, Chair and Chief Merchant, Value Retail Management, operator of The Bicester Village Shopping Collection.

Brands to note include:

Beluah – with an ethical ethos at the forefront of this luxury womenswear brand, its timeless feminine designs feature beautiful hand embroidery, sand-washed silks and screen printing. Through the development of ancient craft and economic independence, Beluah continues its mission to create a positive impact on the lives of the women behind its beautiful collections.

Manish Arora – one of the most celebrated and inspiring contemporary Indian designers and one of the Business of Fashion 500. Known for his craftsmanship, playful colour combinations and trademark palette of pink and gold, his eye-catching designs are not to be missed.

Behno – ‘Behno’ means ‘sisters’ in Hindi, which is how the female designers working for Behno are referred to. This globetrotting accessory hero offers modern silhouettes and its instantly-recognisable INA leather mini crossbody from £180. Choose from a palette of summer pastels, pink, saffron, sky blue or yellow.

Pippa Small – Discover the eponymous collection from sustainable jewellery designer Pippa Small, who’s known for her globetrotting adventures, artisan style and ethically sourced materials. Explore the beautiful collection of vibrant gemstones and delicate detailing of this handcrafted jewellery.

Tiipoi – Splitting her time between her design studios in Bangalore and London, Spandana Gopal creates beautiful minimalist interior accessories. Inspired by stories of modern India with touches of brass, copper and wood throughout, Tiipoi’s unique home accessories add the perfect finishing touch to any interior. Discover hand-woven rugs from £100 and quilted pattern cushions from £30.

Kanika Goyal – With its roots firmly in quality craftsmanship and refined tailoring, Kanika has established her brand as the go-to for millennials seeking chic pared-back style. Featuring bold patterns and provocative designs, her unique pieces are perfect for making a style statement.

SZ Blockprints – Seeking a modern reimagining of traditional patterns, SZ Blockprints partners with a multigenerational family printing studio based in Jaipur. Using one of India’s oldest printing techniques, each piece is lovingly handmade, making them truly unique.

Huemn – Former winners of the Indian Vogue Fashion Fund, designers Shyma Shetty and Pranav Mishra are the cool duo behind a unique collection of handcrafted, genderless garments. Discover oversized t-shirts, beautiful silk pieces, and denim staples.

“As someone who grew up in England, the heritage of Indian fashion always intrigued me. It was only after moving there that I realised there was such a cool factor to contemporary Indian fashion. It stays true to its roots yet is very trend and style driven. The fact that Bicester Village – a place where many Indians come to shop – is now celebrating contemporary Indian fashion, really is taking the story full circle. The Indian labels that Bicester Village is bringing to the Celebrating India boutique seamlessly work with international brands. I have really enjoyed helping put together the list of ‘Made in India’ fashion brands” Sujata Assomull.

As part of the Village-wide celebrations of All Things India, from 17 May to 11 June guests will be able to discover five spectacular life-size elephants, one of which will sit within the Celebrating India concept store. Handcrafted from natural fibres, the elephants will arrive in the Village to launch a partnership with Elephant Family, allowing guests from all over the world to join the fight to protect the Asian elephant.

“I am utterly delighted that Elephant Family is partnering with Bicester Village in celebration of magnificent India: the home to more than half of the world’s wild Asian elephants and immense artistic creativity. Together we will bring it all to life and raise substantial funds for the preservation of their greatest natural icon” Ruth Ganesh, Principle Trustee, Elephant Family.

Visit Bicester Village between 17th and 29th May to experience the Celebrating India concept store, and until 11th June to visit the life-sized handcrafted elephants.

www.bicestervillage.com for more info

Author

A veteran in global travel, Rachel also loves to explore hidden gems on home turf. She’s a writing connoisseur of Britain’s best hotels, luxury beauty products, and UK food and drink launches.

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