A new Arrowtown store specialising in Indian textiles is a popular addition to the Remarkables Market.

The Stitchwallah Textile Studio, found upstairs in the Coachman’s Hall, is the result of many years of worldwide travel and research for owner Hilary Niederer.

“I’m originally from Southland but have lived in the United States and India for the past 22 years being involved with movie costume work. During that time away I travelled to Mumbai for a two-month film job and met my husband. Now ten years later we have returned to New Zealand to live in Athol, just an hour’s drive from Queenstown.”

Hilary was inspired by locally made fabrics in India and used her entrepreneurial skills to launch her own textile range.

“ I was actually in Mumbai sourcing fabrics and accessories for Hollywood films and television shows like Game of Thrones and Aladdin. There were so many amazing products that I decided to start my own small home décor textile range of tablecloths, napkins, flat weave towels, shawls and scarves – it was exciting times.”

She later began exhibiting twice yearly at a trade show in New York while wholesaling her products both to the US and Europe markets. Now based back in Southland and with her new store open Hilary is passionate about sharing her textile range with customers.

“I’ve bought a large container back to New Zealand full of Indian textiles to sell instore and at the markets. I had my first experience as a stallholder at the Remarkables Market last summer and really enjoyed meeting people –it’s such a great weekly event to be involved with.”