David's AW News: Another Gift Opportunity. Team India.

Greetings from Aerocity, Delhi.

Hope you had a great Valentine's weekend!

We have just arrived in India from Kathmandu. Toni and I took an Indigo (very short) flight down to Delhi T3, landing at 3pm. Bondhan, our man in Indonesia, braved Air India and flew from Denpasar to Delhi T3, also landing at 3pm, although a much longer flight. The plan was to meet in the luggage hall. What could possibly go wrong? Amazingly, it worked, and we easily found each other. It's Bondhan's very first trip to India. So this should be interesting, especially since later we will be going hardcore India. 

But the first evening is at an airport hotel - in an area called Aerocity.. Basically, all the hotels in the world have built a hotel here. We are staying at a Lemon Tree Hotel, a lovely, well-loved Indian brand that famously employs disabled and disadvantaged people. Recycled water in the toilets, etc. It's very woke.. Trump would hate it. We loved it.

This morning, Chatterjee (our man in India) came, and because it's Chatterjee's (big) birthday and Bondhan's first trip, I said, let's go and visit somewhere special.. So we went to a real Ancient Wisdom place, the Qutb Minar complex.. Where we took some promo shots (kind of) for our up and coming Travel Blessing Scarves..

Team India.

Bondhan (our man from Indonesia), me, Chatterjee (our man in India) and Toni (our man in Spain).

Last week I was telling you about arriving in Kathmandu. And all the great people there.. If you missed it, you can catch up here.

Kathmandu Update

Well, this week has been a rolling development of ideas, samples and redesigns.. we have been working in three main areas, and I feel quite pleased at progress.. 

Progress in Kathmandu, I have to say, there is a feeling of things happening in Nepal, a certain buzz.. in Thamel, two new smart hotels opened, lots of cool cafes and hip bars. After the Gen Z protests and the overthrow of the government, (elections will be held next month..) It seems to me they were getting on better just with an interim government, but what do I know?

Since we were last here, a new hotel opened in the heart of Thamel, twelve stories high, inside it is as traditional Nepali wood carved almost old fashioned, take the lift to the 12th, and they have a restaurant and event area built inside a four-sided glass box. Ultra modern. Mr Padam (our gentleman agent) invited us to visit.

While we were there, a local event was in full swing..  An event I have never heard of - a Weaning Party.

I mean, what the heck is a Weaning Party… Nepal Style

Flowers everywhere. Pink drapes. Bright cushions. Traditional dress.

A small child at the centre of it all — dressed like royalty — marking that cultural milestone: first solid food. Family gathered. Laughter. Photos. Pride.

In Nepal, it seems life’s transitions are celebrated properly. Community and ritual are important.

And I’m standing there thinking… It's another GIFT opportunity.. 

We talk about “storytelling” in retail all the time.

But this — this is storytelling in real life.

Every object in that room had context. Symbolism. Craft.

Which brings me neatly back to why I’m here. There’s something else here, too.

You see young people everywhere — ambitious, creative, restless. Some dream of leaving. Some dream of building things right here. It’s a city in transition.

And maybe that’s why I love it.  It’s not polished or predictable. But it’s alive. And the artisans are really on it.  All sorts of bright ideas we can work together on. 

This trip, Toni and I We have been focused on three artisan suppliers. One new Felt Supplier (cute things sell) we like.. developing more artisan Lokta paper notebooks (stationery is a growing gifting area), and with our old friend Mr Suman, our textile guy, we are working on Blessings scarves.. 

Talking about gifting opportunities.. (my theme at the moment) - here in Nepal, so many young people dream of leaving - go to work in Dubai or Türkiye - they can send money home and have an adventure. At the airport, families all turn up to see their loved ones - seems like a whole village saying goodbye to one young guy. And they drape him in a Blessing scarf. There is tremendous Ancient Wisdom in this..

Here are some guys at the airport, and here's Toni in our version. Perfect for our Nomad Sari (spirit of travel) brand. The world is actually bursting with Gifting Opportunities.. for example, sold right with a story could be a great gift for travel stores, airport shops, etc.

OK, so talking about gifting opportunities..  Valentine's Day is upon us - hope your weekend was full of love and romance!  Next up is Mother's Day - and at AW, we have the goods!

Meanwhile, by co-incidence as we arrive in India, in Europe, an India incense container arrived. With beautiful products from one of our favourite family business suppliers.. your customers are going to love this.. 

Well, Valentine’s week kinda started in Kathmandu… and now we’re continuing in Delhi.

From prayer flags to big city vibe and traffic honking. Different rhythm. Same energy.

I just want to say I’m grateful — for the friendships, the artisans, the ideas taking shape… and for your support that makes all this possible.

After all these years, I still feel lucky to be doing this. Thank you.

Stay tuned for next week’s update — India continues to unfold.

David

PS - the awesome pictures above are thanks to this nice security guard.. he knew all the best places to get a good shot.