R5 A passage to India—via Port Chester

In the market for the fabulously intricate, handmade personal and home accessories popular in India (think silk scarves or embroidered pillows) but don’t want to board a plane to get them? Then head to Port Chester.

There, for the past five years, Parviz Batliwala, a native of India who now calls Westchester home, has been importing everything from tablecloths and napkins to shawls and evening bags through her company, Echo. “Every time I went to India, I would come back with something—table linens or a piece of clothing,” she says. “People would always say, ‘Next time, get something like that for me.’ One year, I tried it, to see if people were serious, and I sold out.”

Today, Batliwala travels to India once or twice a year for weeks at a time, visiting rural villages to find unique products. Her inventory includes handbags made of silk and embellished with embroidery and mirrors, hand-dyed silk jackets, and cushion covers created by tribal women in Western India. “Everything is handmade,” says Batliwala, “be it woven, printed, or embroidered—and it’s all done using traditional methods.” Batliwala sells her products by appointment only, (she holds an open house once or twice a year) with prices starting at about $20 and going up to around $250. To make an appointment, call (914) 935-0053 or visit echohandmade.com. //MI

Our Best of Business event is October 30!

Our CEOs & Business Leaders Golf Outing is August 5!

Our Best of Westchester Party is July 24!

Our Westchester Home Design Awards event is June 26!

Our Wine & Food Festival returns June 4-9!

Our Wunderkinds event takes place on May 23!

Our Best of Business Ballot is open through May 15!

Our Healthcare Heroes Awards event takes place on May 9!

Our Westchester Home Builders Awards take place on April 4!

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum is March 14!

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 25!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.