Why Sarita Handa gifts differently

Can you describe the journey of how an idea moves from inspiration to final creation within your team, especially with handcrafted pieces?

Inspiration often begins with observing our artisans at work. The rhythm of their hands over the addas, the quiet focus, and the mastery they bring to every stitch. Their skill and way of life spark ideas that guide our designs, shaping pieces that are beautiful and functional. For our gifting collection, this connection is at the heart of every creation. Each piece is a tribute to the artisans’ craft, carrying their story into something that can be cherished and shared.

The collection spans multiple traditional techniques like bronze casting, hand embroidery and silver thread work. How do you maintain authenticity while scaling these artisanal processes?

We believe scaling doesn’t mean dilution. Our approach is to work in partnership with artisan communities. That means adapting timelines to their rhythms, involving them at every creative stage, and holding firm on our standards. Every batch is small-run with quality over quantity, and each artisan’s input shapes the final design. Technology assists only in documentation and quality checks- never in the craft itself- which helps us grow without losing the authenticity of each piece.

What personal memories or experiences have shaped your understanding of meaningful gifting and influenced your vision for this collection?

My years traversing India as an army wife exposed me to the incredible generosity and thoughtfulness embedded in India’s regional gifting traditions: a hand-quilted throw given during a wedding in Kashmir, a simple, hand-embroidered handkerchief exchanged between friends in the South. These gestures- so intentional, so full of emotion- always stuck with me. The true value of a gift lies in its intent and the story it carries, a lesson I pour into every Sarita Handa piece.

How do you think cultural heritage plays in keeping meaningful gifting alive?

Every traditional craft was created for a purpose- ritual, celebration, blessing. By embedding these techniques and stories into modern gifting, we ensure these skills and emotions endure, adapting them to contemporary needs while honouring their origins.

Is there one item in the collection that particularly resonates with you, and why?

The Echelon wall art. It celebrates many textiles and techniques in a subtle and impactful way.

What is the best gift that you have ever received?

The greatest gift I’ve ever received is my passion for hard work. It’s something the universe bestowed upon me, and I treasure it deeply. Perseverance, the ability to keep going and never give up, has shaped my journey and continues to be the most valuable gift I hold close.

Let celebration carry into daily life is the mojo Sarita Handa’s latest collection encapsulates. Crafts protected through small-run production, close partnerships with artisan communities, and respect for origin. Repurposed textile packaging extends the life of each gift, cultural storytelling is credited to craft clusters and traditions like hand embroidery and taar nakashi are kept relevant through thoughtful design. She names perseverance as the greatest gift she has received and that resolve is visible here. The most memorable gifts feel personal, purposeful and lasting. Sarita Handa’s collection checks all boxes.

Discover more of Sarita Handa’s designs here!