We’re suckers for homegrown talent, and we found just that in Grain. Art school graduate Avinash Bhalerao is the man behind Grain, a new leather brand that blends of form and function, while satisfying all our vague preferences about buying locally-sourced products. Many of the bags feature a gorgeous buttery tan leather, and many of the styles mix leather and canvas. The bags are all hand-dyed and stitched by local craftsmen in an effort to promote local artistry. Grain’s aim is to provide quality, high-end bags that are entirely produced locally.  Success!

Avinash believes in simplicity.  His bags are unlined to give them that raw, natural look.  No bells and whistles here, no embellishments or tacky branding – these bags are just clean, elegant, and practical (and we mean that in a good way, not a sensible-nurse-clogs way). We particularly like the classic Tan Tote bag and its cousin, the Tan Pocket Tote bag, which has an additional outer pocket for items you need to access immediately (hello, rooting around in your giant bag frantically while your phone rings?  Just us?). Almost any of these bags beat those hideous diaper bags on the market – in fact, these would make a good gift for a mom-to-be who is about to need a lot of storage but won’t be caught dead with pacifier-print nylon.  Another standout for weekend trips is the Country Backpack. Grain also has messenger laptop bags (15.5 to 16 inches width) and mini iPad bags that would make great gifts for men or women.

Although Grain doesn’t have a website or e-store yet, you can browse the selection on the brand’s Facebook page and get in touch at +91 98678 40439 or info@grainindia.com for a full catalogue. Pick a design, and place an order by phone or email. Your bag will be shipped to you within a week, and you can make the payment online or upon delivery.