New sensations

The boutique looks pristine and pure with the array of 'fresh' garments strewn all around. The Spring-Summer 2006 collection that has designers like Raghuvendra Rathore, Nisha Jamvwal and Nisha Merchant is now showing the works of two fresh designers – Kanika Mehra and Chhaya Akshit Mehta, who will launch their collections today.

"There is a retail boom and I think fashion is getting organised," says store owner, Gayatri Ruia. Giving a platform to fresh talent is something she enjoys doing. "I have gone through the whole cycle of going independent myself and I know how difficult it is. Besides, you know a Sabyasachi is a sure sell but promoting new designers is always a challenge."

The enthusiasm in both the designers comes across while they animatedly discuss their work. "My theme is 'Portal of the Eternal Present'. It is a blend of cultures, from the Victorian to the Bohemian era, including the modern millennium lifestyle," says Kanika who assisted Hemant Trivedi earlier. Her target clientele is women between 20-40 years. "I want women wearing my clothes to feel good besides looking good. It should be like a second skin," she says. With the competition and pressure, Kanika feels what Indian fashion lacks is the minute details which are being overlooked. "I want to bring about a revolution. It's not only about glamour but quality as well."

With an interesting theme of teaming up t-shirts with jewellery embedded on them, Chhaya's collection is all about looking trendy with a few embellishments on casuals. "It's cotton, and perfect for the summer. It's a very chic look," adds in the commercial artist, who also owns her own ad agency.