Adding style, attitude and finesse to life

RETAIL & LIFESTYLE

The Custom Officers

You know them by: Their ability to point out a crooked picture, pick on a frayed edge, find beauty in colour schemes and choose the correct flower arrangement for the occasion. From planning events, image consultancy, graphic design to interiors and cars, the customiser brigade helps make life in Mumbai more personal with a heightened sense of the aesthetic.

Usual suspects: The guru of customising is undoubtedly Dilip Chhabria, with his ability to redesign or adapt a car according to your personal style. And among others, wedding planner Gurlein Manchanda, grooming diva Rukshana Eisa, and Divya Thakur whose hedonistic design style has glossed over many a campaign and book.

Most likely to say: “Our style adds life to luxury and finesse to edge,” is how Divya describes her work. “Very simple, chic, elegant, minimalist, yet over-the-top without it looking garish,” is Gurlein’s mantra and when it comes to creating the right image, Rukshana believes, “I can be a role model together with my total commitment to and my enjoyment of my work.” Dilip states simply, “Radical is my signature style.”

Tribal future: When it comes to success and the future of the customising lot, they are unanimous: “In due course of time, people will come to depend more and more on such specialised services.” -Shalinee Chowdhury

KNOW MORE

• Divya Thakur named her firm Design Temple because her mantra is ‘work is my religion.’
• Gurlein Manchanda believes that no party is complete without the use of at least 500 candles.
• Dilip Chhabria will complete his 520th car in August 2006.

SPEAK UP

• “Earlier, I’d just wrap gifts in wrapping paper or place them in gift bags. Now my husband and I have personalised stationary, which really does add a touch of class. It’s great that there are so many designers, most of them operating from home, who offer such services.” –Deepanwita Chowdhury, housewife
• “Given a preference between customising cars and owning an original I would opt for the latter. Even though customised cars are beautiful, you lose out on the warranty of the car.” –Riyhad Kundanmal, architect/model
• “Given a preference between customising cars and owning an original I would opt for the latter. Even though customised cars are beautiful, you lose out on the warranty of the car.” –Riyhad Kundanmal, architect/model

The Lush Puppies

You know them by: That peaceful easy feeling you get when you enter them - erm, their spas that is! When their therapists get their hands on you, you’re transported into the realm of bliss and the day’s stress is a dim memory in your peace-drunk brain.

Usual suspects: Dr Aneeta Arora of Abydoss (a passionate therapist whose approach to relaxation is holistic), Lovina Gidwani Jha of Franck Provost India (who knows just how to soothe frayed nerves), Amith Dholakia, proprietor, Rudra (who turns workaholics into putty) and spa regulars like TV anchor Maria Goretti, actor Arshad Warsi and socialite Mariam Khan who ‘knead’ their strife away.

Most likely to say: “People have woken up to the idea of pampering. The number of working hours has increased and hence the need to slow down,” explains Aneeta.
“Health and well-being are being prioritised. After stress burnouts, body care is the call of the hour,” agrees Amith. “Tranquility is a basic need. A spa experience rejuvenates the body and the soul. It brings me to a happy place, ready to face my trials and tribulations with a smile,” laughs Mariam. Maria enjoys pampering herself whenever she can, given the fact that she’s also a mother to a boisterous baby boy. “I’m a spa freak! I just wish I could devote more time to them,” she rues.

Tribal future: With stress levels on the rise, the need for speed is being replaced by the need to soothe. But if you thought spas were the domain of the pampered elite, think again. “Spas are mushrooming in suburbs like Chembur, Goregaon and Kandivali. And they’re becoming more economical,” says Aneeta. To that, Amith predicts, “Multiple ayurvedic, herbal and international concepts will flood the market and more and more people will make use of them.” -Nisha Kundnani

KNOW MORE

• Barely two-months-old, Rudra has sold out all its 150 memberships and has a six-month waiting list! Their special draw is the therapists from Bali, Thailand and China.
• Franck Provost has exciting couple offers like chocolate body scrubs and oriental foot massages.

SPEAK UP

• “My work stresses me out completely, so I love visiting spas. They are the best stress-busters. Unfortunately, I’m too lazy to even spare 2 to 3 hours just to relax!”–Arshad Warsi, actor
• “I travel extensively, so I make sure I hit a spa every month. I enjoy the sea body wraps as they’re refreshing and relaxing.” –Sandeep Patnaik, software developer
• “It’s strictly ayurveda for me. I’m against spas using chemical products and prefer the ones that only use herbal and natural products only.” –Prajakta Datar, media planner

The Serial Mall-ers

You know them by: They have changed how the city shops and also what Mumbai does on weekends. From groceries to high-end jewellery, shopping has never been so much fun! And, if you don’t want to lighten your wallet too much, you could catch a film, grab a bite or just hang out. After all, malls have gaming zones, food courts, and multiplexes and just about anything else your heart desires.   

Usual suspects: From Crossroads (the city’s first) to Eternity in Thane (one of the newest), Mumbai has gone mall crazy. If Inorbit and Infiniti rule the roost in the Andheri-Malad segment, Nirmal Lifestyle and Phoenix Mills receive mind-bogging footfalls too. 

Most likely to say: According to the men behind the ‘shopping fever’, the reason for their success is simple. “Malls offer an international ambience, a wide variety of shops and competitive prices. There is something for everyone,” explains Kishor Bhatija, VP, K. Raheja Constructions (Infiniti mall). Dharmesh Jain, CMD, Nirmal Lifestyle, compares malls to town centres or city squares of the past. “Malls are the new convergence points in a locality,” he explains. Though the perception a couple of years ago was that malls are more expensive, Devang Sampat, GM, Eternity, mall differs. “With each passing day people are realising that malls offer competitive pricing. Shopping at a mall gives customers more value for both time and money.”   

Tribal future: While many believe that speciality malls is where the future lies, others like Manoj Motta, GM, Inorbit, thinks it’s still early days. “Everyone’s learning by trial and error. I don’t think anyone can make any predictions yet,” says Manoj, cautiously. -Karishma Upadhyay

KNOW MORE

• Covering 65,000 sq feet, Nirmal Lifestyle boasts of the largest glass dome in South East Asia.
• Housed at Infiniti mall, Cinemax, with 1,671 seats, is second largest multiplex in the city.
• On January 16, 2005, Inorbit mall received 65,000 footfalls.

SPEAK UP

• “I usually go to the mall in the evenings, around 4 pm. But don’t ask me how long I stay there because time just flies by and before I know it, the day’s over!” –Alina Chevala, homemaker
• “The best thing about shopping at a mall is the variety on offer. They have the best brands and the merchandise is all top quality. Moreover, it’s all under one roof! It makes for the perfect shopping experience.” –Pradnya Dindorkar, student
• “Usually on weekends my family and I just roam around the malls and check out the recreation areas. Mostly we always eat our meals at the food court instead of a restaurant as it has a variety of cuisines to choose from.” –Michael Fernandes, government service

The Unconventionals

You know them by: Their ‘against the grain’ style statements and gender-bender laissez faire mixed in with an original bent of mind. Moral police beware, they’re every conformist’s worse nightmare!

Usual suspects: The occasionally skirt-clad artist Julius Macwan, body art-loving stylist Sapna Bhavnani, textile designer Krsna Mehta who’s made orange chappals famous and hip fashion designer Arjun Saluja, among other trendoids.

Most likely to say: “Unconventional, to me, means looking like a housewife. I guess it’s how you look at it, ‘cause I’ve always been around people who dress like me,” says Sapna whose grandmother also had tattoos. Adds in Krsna, “The idea is to innovate, not stay stuck in a loop. Unconventionals are those who don’t dare to be different but are different.”

Tribal future: “Those who like the idea of men wearing skirts and are comfortable with it, forget that I’m even wearing one when they’re with me,” says Julius. “And those who’ve never liked the idea continue to get even more negative about it.” He adds, “But it’s all about personal freedom; about being true to yourself.”  “Eventually, it’s something that’s inside of you. I used to wear short skirts and ride my boyfriend’s motorcycle when I was 14! At that time they used to call girls like that ‘hookers’; now they don’t anymore,” laughs Sapna. “So we’ve progressed a lot.” —Farhad J. Dadyburjor

KNOW MORE

• Sapna has over 90 tattoos on her body, each representing a different time in her life. She calls them her “time capsules.”
• Internationally, Gwen Stefani is considered an unconventional dresser. In India, Bappida (Bappi Lahiri) is still considered a true original of the bling brigade.

SPEAK UP

• “Most people dress unconventionally to make a statement, but one person who’s truly cool  is Milind Soman. He just doesn’t care — he’ll wear the same obnoxious t-shirts over and over again till his mom literally has to throw them in the bin.”—Ayaz Khan, model
• “In our society, anyone who expresses themselves innovatively is termed ‘an unconventional dresser’.  To me, conventions are for people who lack a sense of adventure!” —Yakuta Sarkari, fashion consultant
  “I think Usha Uthup could be called truly unconventional because she’s made the bindi and bangles look famous. And she has never changed her style; she’s always maintained it.” —Sanea Sheikh, model

The Tiny Tots

You know them by: In a jungle of synthetic fabrics and lycra, they seem to be the only ones breathing — and looking damn good doing it. From block prints to hand-embroidered textiles, they’re the industry giving the designer brigade in the city a hearty run for their money. From easy-to-wear to easy to maintain, they’ve quietly become the ‘easy to look stylish in your comfiest gear’ i.e. Western wear in Indian fabrics.

Usual suspects: Every handloom store in the city. The more discerning can head to Deepa and Papia’s Barefoot, Arti Shantakumar’s OMO, M’Zuri Sana, Cottons, Ashlyn Jane, Fabindia, Anokhi, and Seema Upadhyay and Sheela Gupta’s Peppertree.

Most likely to say: Each store credits Mumbai’s ‘dare to be different’ attitude to be their biggest source of sustenance: “Where else would you find a size 44 wanting a backless choli?” asks Seema effectively. They all break ground with the most off-beat designs, cotton corsets, asymmetrical skirts teamed with racer back kurtis. “Our focus is making cotton posh,” explains Deepa. Some don’t deny that it’s a fad that’s being sported in almost every shop around the corner. “Our personal rapport with our clients is our USP,” says Arti.

Tribal future: The fact that a family walked in and stocked up for daddy, mommy and baby from Barefoot has egged Deepa and Papia to start a maternity line called Bun in the Oven. Peppertree is contemplating both a men’s and a formal line and OMO is now retailing a more expensive range. “We stock new designs almost everyday and customise client orders in styles and colours,” adds Arti. —Rituparna Som

KNOW MORE

• If you’re up for high couture, pick up U2 Bono’s wife’s Edun jeans (‘nude’ in reverse). This range of organic cotton doesn’t retail cheap at 200 dollars.
• Most of the accessories you pick up at these ‘tiny tots’ are made of recycled products.

SPEAK UP

• “I love these kinds of clothes — they’re stylish and comfortable. My mum’s constantly picking up such outfits for me.” —Raima Sen, actor
• “What the city is missing in terms of small scale shops are second-hand stores like the Salvation Army ones abroad. You can pick some great vintage furniture, paintings, books, curios and the proceeds all got towards a good cause.” —Rohini Sen, student
• “I would like to open a store called Eye Spy, and it will have EVERYTHING to do with eyes — eye make-up, medical stuff, eyelash curlers...name it and you’ll find it here.”—Delna Wadia, teacher

The Kurti-Kaftan Inc.

You know them by: Their innate ability to make the good ol’ desi tunic look incredibly chic — be it thigh-high, knee-length, sequinned, printed or exploding with embellishments. Look for ladies who pair kurtis with jeans, funky skirts or stroll nonchalantly down St Tropez in a see-through kurti over a tiny ‘kini!

Usual suspects: Monisha Jaising who immortalised paisley prints, Manish Malhotra — the prime instigator of ‘kurti fever’, Tina Tahiliani-Parikh of Ensemble who sold them by the truckloads and Surily Goel who added a touch of the scenic and old lace.

Most likely to say: “The kurti is now a classic,” says the high priestess of kurti couture, Monisha Jaising. Adds on Tina, “Monisha’s kurtis with paisley prints were the rage. I can’t remember how many designers we turned away who had blatant copies! It was the best example of imitation being the biggest form of flattery.” Newcomer Surily feels that, “The kurti has lasted because of its wearability. Plus, it lends to innovation — colours, prints, shells, coins, belted, collared…the list is endless!”

Tribal future: “Asking the future of kurtis is like asking the future of jeans,” laughs Tina. “They’re never going to go out of style.” Chimes in Surily, “The kurti is eternal — it’s always going to be in.” —Shabana Patker-Vahi

SPEAK UP

• “I really like short kurtis. I’m also very fascinated by straight-cut, satin kurtis with embellishments, especially Manish Malhotra’s. I think they’re very fashionable.”—Rupali Talwe, marketing executive
• “The kurti is really flattering to the female form. I wear them all the time and I have no idea how many I own!” —Michi, self-confessed kurti-obsessed foreigner
• “I wear the cotton kurtis which I pick up from Fabindia. But the recent trend of cleavage revealing kurti’s for men didn’t catch my fancy at all. I like the longer, Chinese collared ones.” —Aditya Roy Kapur, VJ

The Home Improvement Folks

You know them by: Their perennially ‘in’ fashion sense, posh addresses and uber-chic homes. Not to mention that their lifestyle emerges from their personal passion for design, style and everything aesthetic.  

Usual suspects: Mustafa Eisa of ME: Furniture and Beyond, designer-architect Rajiv Saini of Rajiv Saini and Associates, Malini Akerkar of Palate and Maithili Ahluwalia of Bungalow 8.

Most likely to say: “We still have a long way to go in terms of accepting cutting-edge design. But we are headed in the right direction,” says Mustafa, adding that a designer must constantly innovate or else will “get stuck in a design warp.” Maithili tends to agree. “In terms of contemporary design, we are about a decade behind countries like China and Thailand. Instead of aping the West, we really should look in our own backyard for inspiration,” she says. Rajiv says the one thing that sets a good designer apart from the rest would probably be the integrity of approach. “You can’t classify what makes a good designer. But with a willingness to experiment, more and more designers are proving their worth.”

Tribal future: “In the next five years, you are going to see great changes, more experimentation and acceptance of great design,” states Mustafa, while Rajiv insists that the future of design lies in returning to one’s roots. “I was at a design show in Milan and it was obvious - inspiration for design comes from one’s tradition and roots, which is then packaged in a global manner,” ends Rajiv.-Sandhya Menon

KNOW MORE

• Rajiv Saini is a self-taught architect and designer. His toughest assignment is a house he's building in the Himalayas on the seismic zone 5.
• Mustafa Eisa designed a custom couch for Salman Khan. Made of stainless steel, it weighs 600 kilos and costs Rs 5 lakh.

SPEAK UP

• “The fact that these stores have opened people up to the world market is great. When you have style pieces from all over the world, it is really interesting to do up a home.” –Vijay Chaudhury, software engineer
• “I’ve been to stores like Bungalow 8 and Good Earth and like their merchandise, but personally I wouldn’t buy stuff from there because I simply can’t afford it.”
  –Anuja Gosalkar, film researcher/lecturer
• “For people who want to do up their own homes and have a sense of style and design, specialised lifestyle stores that sell unique pieces is a good idea. These stores guide you in the right direction when shopping for the home.” –Anu Phadke, entrepreneur

The Queens of Ka-Ching

You know them by: Their enviable lineage…and of course, their elitist bling-brand/party quotient. But these ain’t no ‘ladies who lunch’ or rich, bored housewives. Behind the impeccably turned out exterior are women with steely determination and successful careers.    

Usual suspects: The quintessential Page 3 guest list - jewellery designers Farah Khan, Neelam Kothari, Queenie Dhody and Saba Ali Khan, interior designers Twinkle Khanna and Renu Chainani, fashion designers Nandita Mahtani, Haseena Jethmalani and Delna Poonawalla to name a few.

Most likely to say: “Diamonds are forever; it’s the only indestructible luxury product that outlives its owner,” says Farah, known for her bold and dramatic designs. Neelam agrees, “Classic is the way to go.” For her, workmanship and quality are most important. As far as being ambitious, Haseena offers, “I’ve always been creative and restless - I need to keep myself occupied all the time.” Adds Renu, “I don’t take on any work unless I’m personally involved.”

Tribal future: Promising, to say the least. “Indian women are no longer doing what they are ‘expected’ to do. We’re finally expressing our individuality, so it’s just the beginning of bigger things to come,” asserts Renu. Farah believes work is therapeutic. “Financial independence makes one feel self-confident and worthy. Besides, women are better at multi-tasking.” Talk about woman power! -Sheree Gomes-Gupta

KNOW MORE

• Designers Tom Ford and Karl Lagerfeld have visited Renu Chainani’s interiors’ exhibitions held abroad.
• Farah Khan signed up for a gemology course in LA with the sole purpose of living life on the wild side, but ended up topping her class.

SPEAK UP

• “I get a huge high from earning my own money and having my own bank account. It’s not because we need the money; it’s about doing something I love.” - Maheep Kapoor, jewellery designer
• “It doesn’t matter how financially well-off my family is; we’ve all been taught to be independent.” -Pooja Ruparel, model/actor
• “The wants and desires of women have increased drastically. I am already financial independent, which makes me a confident woman.” -Diana Hayden, TV anchor