Every time she wore a sari, her family and friends would compliment her sense of style. So, Bhanu Srichandra decided to start a boutique at her home last year. Bhanu has brought some of her saris and salwar sets to sell in Coimbatore. Aparna Hundekar of Fairy Designs, Bangalore, also started her outlet from the basement of her house. “I love children and designing clothes for them, especially girls. I enjoy my work,” she smiles. The ninth edition of Fashionista features 45 such vendors from across the country. Some are novices and yet others home-based entrepreneurs.
But, a few are managing business that were started by their great grandfathers. Paresh Vanza is the eighth generation member of the Vanza family to head their century-old Bandhani clothes business in Ahmedabad. He, his wife and daughters greet you with colourful saris, kurtis and dupattas in blues, reds and yellows at Vanza Nanji Khimji. “We have a weaving unit in Ahmedabad. The dupattas and saris are tie and dye,” says S. Devisha Vanza, Paresh’s eldest daughter. Dupattas with zari borders and saris make a good choice for parties and weddings. There are kurtis priced at Rs. 450 to Rs. 1,400.
Afghan satin pants, printed trousers, jeggings, shrugs and overcoats are on display at Gugu, a Coimbatore based boutique. Mugund and Annie Vanjinath, the owners of the outlet, say their collection features the latest fashion trends in Europe. “These are sold at other showrooms at exorbitant rates. But, we sell them at a much cheaper price,” says Annie. Printed pants are priced between Rs. 500 and Rs. 600.
Bags turn into canvasses for colourful, earthy paintings at All Things Sundar. “We click pictures of paintings created by some of the finest artists in the country. Then we emboss the digital prints on the bags,” says Hemal Shah, the manager. The clutches are priced from Rs. 800 and mobile pouches are priced at Rs. 300. Jhumkis and chokers studded with glimmering white stones sit pretty inside the glass cases at Caesar Jewellery. The price is upwards of Rs 100.
“Oh… that’s a nice mobile pouch,” I say as I enter Takla Makan, Puducherry. “It’s not a mobile pouch, maám but a foot accessory,” Adyah, the manager, corrects me. Made in silk and decorated with zari, these are the latest haute accessories for your foot. It is like an anklet, yet looks like slippers…
“One can wear them in pooja rooms and during traditional events,” says Adyah. Takla Makan also comes with belts, hair clips and pure silk kurtis. The funky belts look tempting. I might just come back again…
(Fashionista is on today and tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
