Chandni Chowk

I was dragged into this store by my Mum; we were wondering up Park Street and so I played the dutiful son. I was never entirely sure what it was — a fabric shop, a charity shop, a clothes shop?
Well Chandni Chowk sells clothes and fabrics and homewares — including amazing rugs. Everything has a unique print and is very ethnic in style, lots of great ideas for loose fitting and cool summer cover-​ups that my Mum absolutely loved.
I left with lots of gift ideas for my Mum and Aunty and really wanting one of the amazing printed rugs for my house — they were beautiful and a reasonable price — not cheap — but what you would expect for a high quality rug.
Give Chandni Chowk a look; they have some stunning and truly unique pieces for the home and some great gift ideas with a difference. I’m glad I was dragged in and I’m glad I finally know what they sell!

This shop feels a little out of place in the student territory of Park Street, and there is never a lot of traffic in and out of its rather dour blue front doors. However, inside it really is a lovely shop selling high quality, gorgeous clothes and furnishings made from fair trade cotton in India and Bangladesh. I only wish it could be moved to Clifton Village.
As it happens, I used to work here as a shop assistant a few years ago. I used to get first look at the new stock and try on some of the garments, and then create colourful window and shelf displays using the brightly dyed and patterned scarves. The shop is huge, much bigger than it looks from the street, and there is a vast stock of rugs, cushion covers, pillow cases, quilts, in the basement section of the shop.
It’s definitely one for the wealthier, older Bristolian lady with a penchant for draping fine linens and cottons over herself and her home. Even if the clothes are out of your price range, you might pop in here to look at the selection of affordable silver earrings, gift cards and small accessories; fair enough, you can get those things anywhere, but here you know you’re paying for fine craft and your money’s contributing to an ethical business.

Chandni Chowk is full of high-​quality, fair trade textiles, hand made in India and Bangladesh using natural fibres. Alongside these are ornaments, trinkets, decorative wall hangings, greetings cards, and a small range of ethical silver and gemstone jewellery.
The designs aren’t for everyone, but you’ll get an idea of whether it’s your cup of tea just by glancing at the window displays.
The textiles — using organic cotton, gleaming silks and other natural materials — include patterned scarves, tops, dresses, sarongs, shoulder bags, slippers, bed throws, rugs, cushion covers and other textiles. While the clothes are a bit too middle-​aged for my liking, the global-​style homeware range isn’t — and I particularly love the silk cushion covers and soft Indian throws.
This is a lovely shop to pick up a unique present or something for your home, particularly if you like Indian-​style designs. And while it’s hardly cheap, at least you can shop here with a clear conscience knowing that those who crafted the items are being given a fair wage.

Ethically speaking, this shop is as sound as they come. Boasting a range of fair trade fabrics and home furnishings, all handmade in India, Chandi Chowk is the place to go if you’re looking for quality textiles produced in a just fashion. However, the shop’s market is very limited. Bohemian middle class is the most apt description of its produce I can think of. The clothes here are not exactly hip, despite their ethnic charm. If you’re looking for funky Indian garb, I’d suggest you head to St Nick’s Market. To put it crudely, if you’re a middle aged, middle class woman who possesses an Aga and listens to radio four religiously, Chandi Chowk will probably float your boat.

Chandni Chowk is a wonderful shop midway on Park Street. I love the fact that everything is really authentic and there are some hidden gems tucked away if you are prepared to search around. There is so much in this shop that you could easily let a good half hour slip by without you realising it. If you are looking for something a little different to decorate your home, or even an original present then make a beeline for Chandni Chowk.
It’s not for everyone but I reckon it’s worth a look.

Inspired by the ancient Chandi Chowk market in Delhi this fair-​trade home ware and fashion shop in Park Street will transport you to India and Bangledesh as soon as you walk through the doors. With beautiful ethically sourced materials used to make bags, scarves and blouses it really does give you food for thought as to where you should shop for your clothes.
Sadly, try as I might, I cannot bring myself to love the designs at Chandi Chowk, despite loving their principles. I do find that their accessories, such as their pashminas, pillows and throws make excellent ethical presents for homes that need a colourful pick-​me-​up. The staff are passionate about what they sell too, so don’t be shy in asking questions!