It’s a brand luxe day

Eclectic and uber chic couture, designer brands and accessories from India and overseas find a classy new address at Shray

It's a brand luxe day

Eclectic and uber chic couture, designer brands and accessories from India and overseas find a classy new address at Shray

An icy strawberry daiquiri, a David Rosenfelt thriller and a bar of dark chocolateu00a0-- our recipe for a perfect summer Sunday. Shopping doesn't factor in. The idea of having to browse through racks of clothes on a Sunday morning is enough to invite a migraine. So it is with some trepidation that we shove the absurdly-heavy door open.

There's a vacant chair by a mirror at the entrance, where, we're hoping, an attendantu00a0-- ideally, of the John Cena variety, usually hangs around, to lend customers a hand. A glance around the roomu00a0-- simple yet stylish. With beige stone and white tiles dominating the space and loosely hung spotlights, the decor at Shray space spells luxury yet ensures that nothing steals the attention away from the apparel and accessories.

Uber luxe on call
Jamini Ahluwalia (of Bungalow 8) has a line of interesting bangles showcased hereu00a0-- we loved her young range of printed plastic bangles (Rs 355 each), a Gota-mesh-work collection (Rs 960 each) and another black and white range of snaky bracelets (Rs 405 each).

Eye-catching slippers crafted out of interestingly textured leather, and embellished with sequins and crystals are Pakistani designer, Nadiya Kassam's contribution to the store's collection, while Kolkata-based Radhika Poddar's contribution and Jaipur-based Lala Tholia's range, comprise gorgeous, ethnic-influenced metal jewellery.

Delhi-based Vasundhara Mantri's ornate silver-accessories dotted with bright semi-precious stones were charmingu00a0-- we particularly loved her peacock earrings (Rs 6,370).u00a0u00a0The store also boasts a range of St Erasmus accessories. Designed by South African talent, Pieter Louis Erasmus, who has been associated with super-brands Givenchy, Roberto Cavalli, and Alexander McQueen to name a few, this collection typically combines African influences and Indian crafts.

We loved the fact that timeless saris by Cherie D and Anita Mody (who designs for Kali, one of Kolkata's leading fashion boutiques) were priced moderately (saris with heavily embroidered blouses and generous splashes of sequins and beads were priced between Rs 17,000 to Rs 35,000). Payal Pratap Singh's romantic Angrakhas with delicate Ari work and sequins were evocative of a bygone era and if you favour tradition, there's also a range of cotton Maheshwari saris to pick from (Rs 5,800 each).

Art for keeps
Western-wear was limited with the store's Summer collection due to arrive at the end of April, but we loved an embroidered blouse from Namrata Joshipura's range (Rs 9,975) and Rriso's flowing cotton and chiffon tunics, all dressed up with stones and beads. Even the chain of a zipper was woven interestingly into a pattern on a layered white cotton dress from this range.

But here's what really pushed that threatening migraine into remissionu00a0-- Garo. Designed by Priyangsu Maji, some pieces from this line are brilliant works of art. Priced at Rs 10,500, a deep purple Garo churidar kurta that we loved was a bold and bizarre fusion of diverse prints and fabrics where, ordinary metal rings (some, wrapped with thread), had been clasped together and then, around knots to reinvent the accompanying dupatta.u00a0
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At 1st Floor, Raghuvanshi Mansion, Raghuvanshi Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel; Call 40047800; Time 11am-7.30pm, all week