How to dress up like a K-serial DIVA

WHAT's ON suggests you head to Kiva and check out their ethnic festive-wear, which will make you look like a character straight out of a Hindi soap

WHAT's ON suggests you head to Kiva and check out their ethnic festive-wear, which will make you look like a character straight out of a Hindi soap

Walk along MG Road and you will spot a shop window with mannequins dressed in elegant Indianwear. You have arrived at Kiva the new ethnic wear store that sells gorgeous (and expensive) sarees and lehengas that would put the saas-bahu soaps to shame.

Kiva belongs to the Mutha family, which also owns Maharashtra Stores and Themes (both located on MG Road). It is the brainchild of five women from the family Bela, Jayshree, Ekta, Kavita and Manisha. Since they had a keen interest in fashion, they decided to start a store dedicated to Indian wear. They are all married and take turns managing the shop.

Ambience: The interiors remind you of a plush Balaji teleserial set. The boutique is well-lit and you can get lost amid the rows of brightly-coloured clothes that adorn the white walls.

Kiva on MG Road. pics/ Anil Naik

Range: The clothes are ready-made and sourced from various designers based all over the country. They stock bridal collections as well as semi-formal wear. Also, on offer are cholis, tunics, salwar-kameezes as well as accessories like clutches and bags.

We liked: We loved a colourful saree (Rs 23,700) with resham and zardosi work on it. A lehenga choli (Rs 51,000) with intricate zardosi work was also eye-catching. The golden and copper clutch with sequins (Rs 1,750) and the red brocade clutch with gemstones (Rs 750) are perfect for a traditional event. We loved the multi-coloured batwa (Rs 1,400) as well.

At: Kiva, 141 MG Road, first Floor, above Themes.
Call: 26330995. Closed on Sundays.
Time: 11 am to 8 pm