As soon as she finished high school in Paris, Marie-Hélène de Taillac dashed off to London in search of a new life. She took a job as a salesgirl for the costume jeweler Butler & Wilson. Later, she moved to public relations at the jeweler Dinny Hall, before shifting to fashion under the designer Victor Edelstein. It was her work for the Irish milliner Philip Treacy, however, that inspired her to start something of her own.

It was the 1980s, and anything felt possible. De Taillac took a sabbatical and flew to Asia. By chance, she discovered Jaipur’s renowned Gem Palace, and was moved by the craftsmanship of the stonecutters at work. She began training as an apprentice to the late Munnu Kasliwal, who is known for making Indian jewelry accessible to the West. “We had the same creative vision,” De Taillac told T Magazine in 2013. “He said we can do whatever we set our minds to.”

In 1996, she launched her first collection under her own name and has since opened boutiques in New York, Paris, and Tokyo. Because each of her simple, colorful pieces is handmade by Indian artisans, De Taillac splits her time between Paris and Jaipur. Here, she shares her guide to her second home.

The Sarvato Jaipur

A unique restaurant set in the historic Sarvato Bhadra Hall of the City Palace. It’s a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience. (thesarvatojaipur.com)

The Johri Jaipur

The most delicious modern Indian food in the city—it’s perfect for both lunch and dinner. (thejohrijaipur.com)

Polo Palladio Jaipur

A bar at the renowned Jaipur Polo Ground. It has a refined, old-world atmosphere inspired by Jaipur’s polo heritage and designed by Marie-Anne Oudejans. (instagram.com)

Bar Palladio jaipur

Oudejans’s contemporary take on Mughal-inspired décor, this bar is the meeting place for Jaipur’s cool youth and cosmopolitan crowd. Whether gathered around the garden’s firepits in the winter or in the stunning blue and white interior in the summer, this is the place to be every evening. (bar-palladio.com)

RajMahal palace raas jaipur

Have lunch in the garden of this incredible Art Deco palace, which was converted into a luxury hotel. (raashotels.com)

Peshawri

A classic restaurant located in the ITC Rajputana hotel, Peshawri serves specialties from the Northwest cooked over charcoal. They make great kababs, bread, and lentils, but you have to try the lamb, which is slow-cooked for eight hours. (marriott.com)

Idli by Thierry Journo

Now for some shopping. At Idli, you’ll find crazy, fun prints designed by a Frenchman who has been living in Jaipur since 2004. I love the distinctly 18th-century exoticism of his creations. He has a real talent for both clothing and interiors. (idlibythierryjourno.com)

The Palace Atelier

A beautifully curated multi-brand concept store in the City Palace. It’s a place where timeless crafts from Jaipur meet Indian modernity. (thepalaceatelier.com)

PDKF at the City Palace

This store sells a contemporary range of block-printed clothing and accessories made by the wonderful women of the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation. Created in 2013, it’s now run by Prince Diya’s daughter, Princess Gauravi Kumari. (thepdkfstore.com)

Rasa Jaipur

In the C Scheme district, two young designers showcase beautiful prints and high-quality fabrics. They make both clothing and homeware, with a particular focus on bed linens. (rasajaipur.com)

Ecru

A lifestyle brand inspired by the ethics and culture of Arab and Indian hospitality. (instagram.com)

Anokhi

This shop offers a wide selection of home textiles and clothing. Everything is traditionally block printed and made with beautiful cotton. There’s also a tea room where I like to order fresh pomegranate juice. (anokhi.com)

Parampara Jaipur

A multi-brand store blending Latin spirit with Indian soul. (instagram.com)

Andraab

This brand offers a remarkable selection of woven and embroidered shawls made from the finest quality cashmere. (andraab.com)

Khanoom Jaipur

A ceramics studio that collaborates with extraordinary artisans—potters, miniature painters, ceramic engineers, mould-makers, and glaze alchemists—to create pieces that blend traditional and contemporary design. (instagram.com)

Saurashtra Impex

Saurashtra Impex has two locations: the first is tiny and located on the main road, and the other occupies an entire building. It’s a fabric paradise, offering everything from cashmere and rugs to bedspreads, robes, and pillows. You have to haggle hard and search thoroughly, but are sure to find some amazing treasures. (saurashtraimpex.in)

Nila House

A non-profit organization supporting sustainable craft practices and artisan communities across India. A blend of Indian tradition and contemporary design. (nilajaipur.com)

Injiri

Inspired by traditional Indian designs, Injiri makes its exquisitely handcrafted textiles with organic cotton and natural dyes. (injiri.co.in )