Arm candy as smooth as butter

Handpicked by our editors, The Nod List is a fortnightly roundup of fashion, beauty, design, art and travel news, covering the newest drops, the hottest spots and everything you need to live that best life.

Minimal design, maximum impact

Designer Payal Khandwala, best known for her streamlined, colour-blocked festive-wear that combines India-modern design with a distinctly Japanese bent, has just released her first line of bags. Four distinct shapes in unadorned, butter-soft nappa leather—a triangular shoulder bag, an oversized clutch, a giant envelope-shaped tote and a half-moon crossbody—now represent a continuation of her signature aesthetic. If Kendall Jenner has taught us anything, it’s that a luxurious minimal bag can elevate any outfit. But for any upcoming summer vacation plans, we’ve got our eye on the cerulean jumbo clutch that promises to hold everything from sunscreen to swimwear to Emily Henry’s latest.—Butool Jamal

Available at payalkhandwala.com

Say ciao to your new dessert obsession

If you’re a chronically online kinda gal, you’ve probably seen reels from Mami Bombay all over your explore page. Founded by Enrico, an Italian who swapped the corporate grind and Tuscan sunsets for Mumbai heat and hustle, this delicious new dessert brand is stirring up the city, one spoon of tiramisu at a time. The first (and currently only) offering? A creamy, dreamy, proper Italian tiramisu inspired by Enrico’s childhood memories from his mother’s kitchen, which is already causing a frenzy through word-of-mouth pre-orders. Adding to the hype is their elusive ordering system: pre-orders are announced only via Instagram Stories, on random days and at random times. No website. No shortcuts. May the fastest finger win, and may it be yours.—Sheya Kurian

Available on instagram.com/mamibombay

Look up while you shop
 

When you enter a new store it’s usually what’s on the racks that gets your immediate attention. At the new Divani store in New Delhi designed by Habitat Architects, however, the brand wants you to check out their ceiling as well. The star of the Indian wear brand’s new space, among the textile artworks and paintings on the walls or the glowing chandeliers, is an opulent zardozi-embroidered tent-like tapestry on the ceiling. Think Sistine-chapel vibes, but with an Indian twist. Similarly, designer Punit Balana’s new space also offers plenty of reasons to cast your eyes upwards. The terracotta-painted space is inspired by Rajasthani design elements—think floor-to-ceiling mirrors with silverwork, bandhani sculptures, and chandeliers embellished with old coins. The perfect setting for the designer’s newest collection of luxurious saris, corseted lehengas, and kurtas.—Butool Jamal

Divani, Dhan Mill, Chhattarpur, New Delhi

Punit Balana, Qutub Gardens, G-5, Ground Floor, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi

Where every knot tells a story

Jaipur Rugs’s latest collection, Dreamers, is not your typical rug collection. It’s a bold, emotional collaboration with textile artist Gurjeet Singh that turns traditional hand-knotting into raw storytelling. Crafted by artisans across Rajasthan, each piece unpacks themes like gender, caste, queerness and confinement. From ‘Bahu Mukhiya’, which explores the many fractured roles rural women play, to ‘Black Sun’, created after the Indian Supreme Court’s rejection of same-sex marriage, these works are visual essays, not just home décor. It’s a collection for those who want their floors and hearts to speak volumes. It’s also available for viewing at Chemould Prescott Road for those who want to compare Singh’s art to the the rug pieces up close. —Sheya Kurian

Available on jaipurrugs.com. The collection is on display at Chemould Prescott Road Mumbai, till June 7

Rich-aunt energy

Got a Niffler-esque thing for shiny objects? It’s time to clear your calendar. AstaGuru is unveiling a rare trove of vintage watches and jaw-dropping jewels this weekend at its Heirloom Collectibles auction. Think elusive Patek Philippes, Breguets, and Rolexes, diamond-cloaked Art Deco brooches, Tutti Frutti-style pieces, and a whole lot of sparkle. Bidding opens Saturday. Keep your credit card handy!––Chloe Chou

The AstaGuru Heirloom Collectibles collection is available for viewing on request from May 5-11, 2025, 11:30 am-7:30 pm. Enquiries: anthony@astaguru.com. The auction will take place between May 10-11, 2025, on astaguru.com