When one is overwhelmed by choice, it can be confusing to decide what is truly beautiful and worthy of investment – especially when we live in a land of generic shopping malls of unvarying tenant mix.
This is why mum-epreneur Ms Manisha Gattani, of Linen & More, is determined to be one-of-a-kind.
Founded in 2010, Linen & More offers affordable linens, home ware and sophisticatedly simple apparel. Specialising in luxurious hand-stitched linen, the eclectic stock explores the full spectrum of the rainbow in either classic and vibrant styles.
Her quaint mom-and-pop shop in Great World City can be easy to overlook, considering the presence of a plethora of branded home furnishing giants on the premises. But once you step inside the cosy Linen & More, located in Basement 2 (directly opposite butchery The Butcher’s Dog and right next to the carpark), it would be hard not to marvel at the expansive array of quality hand stitched apparel, bedding, cushion covers, table linen and throws, as well as unique accessories and gift ware from Asia.
The Delhi-born Manisha, who has called Singapore home for the past seven years, imports gorgeous embroidered linen table runners, cushion covers, shirts, dresses and tunics from different parts of Asia. Don’t let the size of the shop fool you: you can find men’s formal business shirts and ladies’ summer dresses made from choice linen here. Everything sold here is designed or carefully handpicked by Manisha, who also takes custom requests on a case by case basis.
Alvin favours linen for its excellent moisture wicking and cooling properties, and is delighted to find a long-sleeved, Bengal-striped shirt (S$150) which drapes his ample figure quite flatteringly.
We were also pleased to find a pair of burgundy-bordered linen cushion covers (S$45 each). We are always on the lookout for whimsical cushion covers to dress up our drab sofa, and these well-sewn button-closure covers more than do the job. The digital-print one is so popular that we happened to take the very last piece, but the one with the patchwork circles is still available.
Linen, being a natural fabric, says Manisha, is cool and comfortable in warm climates. “We are one of the few boutique which carries such wide variety of colourful and hand embroidered linen,” she adds.
As the shop’s name suggests, items made of linen do take centrestage, but are by no means the only offerings. There are beaded purses, silk scarves and charity cards as well. Ostensibly, to provide for the upcoming festive seasons, Manisha has an array of richly-coloured table runners and cushion covers made with taffeta. A lustrous apricot-orange runner, with its elaborately embroidered flower pattern, catches my eye and I buy it on the spot for my MIL. (She is impressed by the quality of the material and says she loves it too.)
For more information on Linen & More, visit their official blog or facebook page for updates.
Linen & More is partnering with Alvinology.com to give away an exquisite, sequined maroon cushion cover which will undoubtedly add grace and class to any living room. To win this cushion cover, simply email [email protected] with the answer to the following questions:
1. What is the address for Linen & More
2. Name three products sold at Linen & More
Include your full name and contact number in the email.
In addition, as a special collaboration with Alvinology.com for this festive period, Linen & More is offering a 10% discount to all Alvinology.com readers till end Jan 2014. Simply mention ‘alvinology’ at the shop and you will get a 10% discount off all purchases. No minimum spend is required. Happy shopping! 🙂