Designer Shilpa K poses with a bridal ghagra, Rs 85,000. PICS/Anjana vaswani

We walk into what used to be Vivarta, one of the most ostentatious designer-boutiques patronised by social butterflies, to find it transformed. The difference is in owner/designer Shilpa K's inspiration. Fabrics inspire her, she tells us, almost slipping into a reverie as she recounts an instance when she came across an swatch of gorgeous fabric at a Chanel boutique.

"Sometimes, a print or a texture will spark off an idea for a design," she says, picking up a brown georgette sari (Rs 24,500) with resham-work and sequins in contrasting pink. "This motif is inspired from portions of a pattern I had once seen on an elaborate print."

Designer picks: "My designs are a part of who I am. If I don't love the design, it won't be here!" She picks a simple peach chiffon sari, with a pink brocade blouse and sequined floral motifs (Rs 18,500), as her favourite.

Western wear: The variety of Western garments available, demonstrates the designer's fondness for soft, flowing lines, with comfort being of paramount importance. Tunics, dresses and tops form the bulk of the Western wear collection (Rs 3,000 onwards), and each piece is lent an ethnic charm with subtle touches of Gota work, crystals, and even ruffles of unfinished-georgette.

natural fabrics only: None of the clothes here are woven from synthetic materials. Shilpa takes great pride in designing for women of all sizes, and so, for every outfit she designs, she always makes a version that a woman with a heavier frame can carry off.

At: Jehangir Villa, Wodehouse Road, Cuffe Parade, open from Monday to Saturday, 10.30 am to 7.30 pm. Call: 22184600