Introducing the city to a host of designers for the first time, Chennai-based entrepreneur Shahin Ansari will debut her multi-designer retail label, MaalGaadi, with a pop-up in the city. Curated alongside Coimbatore-designer Shrivyshnavi Annush, the one-day event will see a selection of ensembles, accessories and fine jewellery from 21 brands. “The city is slightly conservative with its style sensibilities. We are introducing new silhouettes hoping that the supply would give people the push to experiment with different styles,” explains Shahin.
Colour and drape
Of the host of labels debuting in the city, the 26-year-old tells us that she is most excited about Soup by Sougat P
aul from Mumbai. The silhouettes from the label though inspired from India have a western-leaning in terms of its prints. “The ensembles from the brand are classy yet quirky. A feature that is inherent in all the labels that we work with” shares Shahin. With apparel like dhotis paired with peplum tops, gowns with dupattas, dhoti-inspired jumpsuits with jackets and stitched saris, Shahin believes that the brand will find many takers in a city that loves its ethnic wear.
Rs 8,000 onwards.
Let it flow
A collection of silk, linen, cotton and crepe, Puducherry-based designer, Naushad Ali’s S/S ’18 line, When a dot took a Walk, sports a colour palette of shades of green mixed with indigo, yellow, black, white, grey and red for perfect for a bright and cheery summer. The designer’s relaxed and breezy silhouettes that come together as ensembles or separates make an appearance as capes, summer coats, long tunics, wrap around dresses, long jackets, skirts and linen pants.
Rs 4,000 onwards.
For a more laid-back look, Jaipur-based label Ritu Jain Singh’s resort wear collection offers vintage Indian chintz prints in a delicate earthy hued colour palette on tunics and flowy summer dresses mostly in silks.
Rs 6,000 onwards
Gold rush
On the accessories, front look out for trinkets made by New Delhi-based jewellery label Zariin. Gold-plated and made of semi-precious stones we love the boho chic look of their collections. Look out for their Indus Roots collection that includes earrings, pendants, cocktail rings and statement necklaces and features intricate floral lace metal detailing with freshwater pearls. Rs 500 onwards.
Around the block
Also on our radar is Ahmedabad-based designer Bhoomi Dani and her label Vraj: Bhoomi whose brand of clothing and accessories are an organic expression of her romance with the Ajrak block prints of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Her collection includes jackets, capes, layered tunics, asymmetrical dresses, yoke dresses in organic cotton, with accessory and footwear sections including bangles, peep toes, wedges and oxford shoes. Rs 2,500 onwards.
At 15, GD Street, Race Course. On March 2. 10.30 am to 6 pm.