The first Black Taxi Design Exhibit scheduled to be held this week gives debutant designers the chance to offer Mumbai's shoppers summer dresses, handmade stationary, furniture and crocodile finish sling bags
The first Black Taxi Design Exhibit scheduled to be held this week gives debutant designers the chance to offer Mumbai's shoppers summer dresses, handmade stationary, furniture and crocodile finish sling bags
On the Facebook page of Black Taxi Design Exhibit, created by Black Taxi Creative Concepts, 204 people have confirmed their attendance.u00a0 Entrepreneurs Radhika and Parul Gupta hope that by the time the exhibition, scheduled for April 22 and 23, rolls around, the numbers will rise. 
The design exhibition that will be organised at a Bandra hotel will bring together first-timers and established designers of handmade stationary, decor products, jewellery, furniture, bags, shoes and clothes.
"Art will meet food and fashion," says 24 year-old Radhika, a graduate of London Institute of Fashion, who set up Black Taxi with sister-in-law Parul Gupta, in February. The duo say they launched the venture to provide a platform to upcoming artists and designers who were keen to showcase their work. "Most stores work on consignment basis and that doesn't hold any profit for new designers," says Radhika. 
While this is a first, the two plan to make this a regular affair, and have planned another exhibition in June.u00a0For 27 year-old Baroda-based designer Tosha Patel, it is an opportunity to showcase her new spring/summer collection. Patel launched her label last December with a collection of wedding bags crafted from brocade, silk and velvet with leather trimmings.
Her new collection includes sling bags inspired by the colours of Indian summer.u00a0 "I am not a businesswoman, I'm an artist," says Patel. "I could never hold down a shop. An exhibition space suits me perfectly, because I can get in touch with boutiques in Mumbai to sell my products." Patel's bags are available in Ahmedabad-based design shop Nautanki.
Last month, the MS University of Baroda graduate completed a range of hand-painted canvas bags. That will also be on display at Black Taxi, with hand-painted key chains and leather wallets as add-ons. Inspired by the World Cup and the nationalist fervour rippling through the country, Patel gave in to her "butterfly moments" and painted prolifically. She is one of 23 designers who will be part of the exhibition.
Spring/Summer collections by designers Tina Khan and Rita Rawail, jewellery by Riddhika Jesrani and furniture by Livelihood will share space with Patel's range.
"We look forward to suggestions and feedback from designers on what they would like us to host for them," says Radhika.
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At: Executive Enclave, Bandra (W), April 22-23, 11 am to 7 pm
What's cool: Discount coupons from Yogurt Bay, Bliss and Aura spas. Free cupcakes whipped up by Sharmeen Merchant will be served between 12-1 pm and 4-5 pm.
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