Each month, Voyageuses highlights a "Creative Traveler" inspired by crafts or cultures from here and elsewhere.

Sumaiya was born and raised in Mumbai, lived in Tunisia, and now resides in Paris. For the past 13 years, for her eponymous womenswear brand, Sumaiya Merchant , she has drawn inspiration from Indian and Tunisian cultures, working with artisans possessing ancestral skills to create conscious and sustainable fashion.

I met Sumaiya at a pop-up shop we both attended last February. I immediately loved her blend of cultures, especially since I find Mumbai and Tunis so inspiring, and I absolutely adored her Tunisian babouche slippers embroidered in India! They perfectly combine the comfort and effortless style of the babouche with the refined detail of Indian embroidery. The velvet is hand-embroidered in India and then crafted into babouches in Tunis.

Bombay by Sumaiya:

1. What does the city of Bombay offer you?

Living in Mumbai really prepares you to face any major city in the world. Adapting to Paris was never a challenge, but I miss Mumbai for its unique contrasts — its ability to shift in an instant from absolute simplicity to dazzling grandeur.

2. A place:

I really like the fabric and embroidery markets in Mumbai — they have a unique charm.

3. A restaurant:

My new favorite among the countless restaurants in Mumbai is called Nara , a superb Thai restaurant.

4. A souvenir to bring back:

Good Earth is undoubtedly my favorite shop in Mumbai; every visit is a unique experience, a journey for the senses.

I always have a weakness for handmade textiles — in curtains, cushions or small decorative touches.