There are hidden gems in every city and state. Tucked away little eateries that are super cool, fresh and free of hype. Indie bookshops that give you the space and time to select your tomes. A fabulous hairstylist who refuses to move from her home into a more hip salon. At The Established, we are beginning a series on the secret shops and outlets we've known about since years or stumbled upon only recently. We start off with rounding up the best in lifestyle shopping that we have found.
If you live in Goa, you might have heard about Ranji Kelekar and his treasure den. Stocked with vintage ceramics, opulent chandeliers, furniture, vintage borders, knick-knacks you never thought you’d ever need, Kelekar’s Moira store is patronised by the folks who design your homes. That should be enough indication of his credentials. “I have picked up vintage silver curios for my mother-in-law that she absolutely loves,” says New Delhi-based designer Mitali Puri. For Jodi’s (@thejodilife) home series, Kelekar said, “This space is an extension of my home, and to experience the feeling of walking through a home and picking up what’s around and what you see seemed exciting.”
Follow: @ranjigoa
Expect to be surprised at every turn.
In Greek mythology, Hesperus refers to the planet Venus that we spot in the evening. One of Mumbai’s best kept secrets, The Hesperus Store is run by a discreet family that understands the value of antiquities, and stock nautical knick-knacks such as ship lights, sextants, compasses and portholes. Pune-based designer Kriti Narang says, “I identified a gorgeous ship bell once for a client who insisted on having one in his home.” Their range of goods is staggering and their three-storey warehouse is packed to the gills with vintage phones, lamps, clocks, telescopes and nautical paintings which will definitely catch your keen eye. For more than two decades, the store has been patronised by interior design firms, boutiques and private collectors with a keen eye for quality.
Follow: @thehesperusstore
Schedule a couple of hours at least to browse through and don’t expect to leave empty-handed.