One-stop shop

Located in a rugged, commercial building in a quaint by-lane of South Mumbai, it is hard to locate Namha Sekhri’s muti-designer boutique. But, once you are inside, you will be transported to a different space! Located inside an art gallery, with paintings of M F Hussian and Raja Ravi Varma gracing the walls on one side, this boutique, where 10 upcoming designers hope to create a fashion revolution of sorts, is on the other side.

Founded by fashion designer, Namha Sekhri, the boutique embraces the philosophy of a one-stop fashion store. The boutique stocks a variety of looks for men and women—from basics and a slightly more formal look to traditional Indian wear as well. Accessories like bags, jewellery and footwear are also available at the store. A departure from the routine, every item at the boutique is distinctive and set apart from the stuff you will find at malls. From chiffon kurtis to hand-painted shoes, cocktail dresses and gowns to semi-precious jewellery, camera-print shirts to handbags, there is something for everyone, available in every range.

“In SoBo, everyone is very fashion conscious. They want their outfits to stand out and no one wants to be caught wearing the same outfit as another, especially in a social situation. That’s where I fit,” says Sekhri, who herself specialises in kurti shirts. Recalling the embarrassing moments she had as a teen, she says, “As a kid, whenever I was dressed in a shirt for a pooja, I left like a misfit. Hence, I decided to customise the formal shirt and give it an Indian feel.
My kurti shirts are perfect for every occasion. They are traditional yet formal. So, you can team them with a pyjama for a family function or wear them with jeans for a lunch!”

Armed with a degree in fashion from London College of Fashion, Sekhri’s boutique offers a platform for lesser-known upcoming designers and brands, including Rasa Sakshi Rastogi, My Fashion-Dia, Vemb, Misu, Mit Shah, Mansi Seksaria, Daksh and Devaaya along with her own label, Namha. Ask the designer if she is apprehensive that her designs may get overshadowed by the other designers, she will reply in the negative. “Not at all! Together, as a team, we make a fab mix. There is more variety for the customer,” she gushes with an air of confidence.

A Cuffe Parade resident, though Sekhri has lived most of her life in Mumbai, she has also travelled a lot in the last eight years. It was around this time, that Sekhri thought of starting a boutique in an art gallery, “It is about fashion meeting art!”
She adds, “My range is for people, who do not mind shelling out those extra bucks for a special outfit, as well as the price-conscious people!” 

VISIT THE BOUTIQUE
Add: 412, Emca House, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort
Call: 022 66311054/66311055
Timings: 10 am to 7.30 pm
Email: namhasekhri@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/namha

Designer roundup at Namha Sekhri’s boutique
1 Vaze: This is actor Sampada Vaze’s line. Check out her range of quirky handbags.

2Wanderlust: This brand  specialises in semi-precious
stones and has accessories made out of mother of pearl, corals and rose quartz.

3 Vemb: If you are in the lookout for cocktail gowns and dresses, try Vemb.

4 Mit Shah: Specialising in men’s wear, according to Namha, he is the next Manish Malhotra. His hand-painted shoes are to die for.

5 Misu: A specialist in high-street fashion, her product line will make you skip shopping at Topshop.