My first journey to India: The beginning of a passion

By Thom, Co-Owner of House of Cashmere

In 2015, it finally happened: my first trip to India. A dream that had quietly lived in the background for years. The colors, the scents, the vibrancy… something about this country always drew me in, even before I had ever set foot there.

Thanks to a friend at KLM, I was able to go on a spontaneous adventure. It was a short 48-hour journey, but what an impression it left. We traveled from Delhi to Pushkar, on to Agra, and ended in Jaipur. In just a few days, I got a glimpse of everything India is: intense, colorful, and overwhelming.

India immediately showed me the beauty of contrasts. Poverty alongside grandeur, chaos beside silence, rawness next to beauty. It was a culture shock, but in the most wonderful way. One thing I knew right away: I had to return.

And I did. Again and again.

With every trip, I became more deeply connected to the country, especially Rajasthan. The nomadic tribes there wear clothing that feels like wearable art, rich in color, covered with mirrors, beads, and handwoven fabrics that tell their story. It was here that my love for Rajasthan textiles truly began to grow.

I found friends in Jaipur and New Delhi, wandering narrow streets for hours, discovering bustling markets, and stepping into hidden ateliers. One of my favorite places was Chandi Chowk, the oldest part of Delhi, where women choose their wedding saris, a sea of silk, color, and shimmer.

In December 2015, I received my very first self-designed bags under my label Foshh. I remember unwrapping them: the colors, the fabrics, the textures… it felt almost magical. In the spring of 2016, Foshh was officially born. I sold my creations at markets, sharing my story and my passion for India, its people, and the gypsy culture of Rajasthan.

The bags were a success, and it left me hungry for more. Designing clothing became the next step. I’m not a fashion designer by training, but with a creative heart and a head full of ideas, anything is possible. I kept returning to India to source fabrics, gather inspiration, and collaborate with friends to create something truly unique.

For me, India feels like coming home, time and time again. The stories you hear in Europe about danger? I never experienced them. The people I’ve met are open, warm, and curious, so long as you arrive with open arms.

Today, Benthe and I work together on our new adventure, House of Cashmere. Preparations for the next season are in full swing, and maybe next time, we’ll travel to India together. Some journeys, especially those that inspire creativity and passion, are meant to be shared.