Diwali lands soon, and with it the annual scramble to find something better than a box of sweets. What's On Dubai has pulled together a shortlist of Indian brands aimed squarely at the hard-to-please person on your list — and it doubles as a useful crop of designers and makers to know if you're travelling in India or the UAE this festive season.
Fashion leads the list. Deme by Gabriella is the pick for anyone who likes contemporary silhouettes with intricate draping, while Kartik Research caters to the other half of the wishlist: hand-loomed textiles, tailored cuts and prints, with an ethical, sustainable sourcing story behind it. For full-blown Desi glamour, there's Anita Dongre, whose label — founded in 1995 and inspired by her summers in Jaipur — has been worn by everyone from Kate Middleton to Beyoncé. A Banarasi silk set is the editor's suggested splurge.
Beauty gets a look in with Ranavat, a luxury Ayurvedic skincare and haircare brand founded by first-generation Indian-American entrepreneur Michelle Ranavat. Its formulations are brewed in India by local artisans over stretches of up to ten days, and you'll find it at Sephora or online — handy if you need a gift at short notice.
For the home, two names stand out. Jaipur Rugs has a store at Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, Dubai, worth visiting for the interiors alone, with handwoven pieces that anchor a whole room. And Sabyasachi — the designer famous for bridal lehengas and Bollywood wedding wardrobes — has partnered with wallpaper house VRSA on maximalist Art Foundation wallcoverings, plus Mughal-inspired tableware, all shipped globally online.
Rounding things off is jewellery designer Pavit Gujral, dubbed the 'popstar of high jewellery'. Her pieces skip the traditional mould in favour of modern, architectural statement designs — a good route if classic gold sets feel too familiar.
Why does this matter to travellers? If you're in Dubai during Diwali, several of these have physical footholds — Jaipur Rugs in Al Quoz, Ranavat via Sephora — and the festive season brings the city's Indian community out in full force, with decorations and celebrations across the emirate. If you're heading to India instead, these names make for smarter souvenir hunting than airport trinkets, and the Diwali period itself is one of the most atmospheric times to be in cities like Jaipur. Either way, it's a credible cheat sheet for gifting to a billion people's favourite festival.
