03 April,2011 07:36 AM IST | | Amrita Bose
A dhokla-stealing daku and a colourful sardar whose only mission is to get his hands on his Mallu babu pal's tiffin are part of a range of quirky accessories that you can shop for online
If you are a woman and you heard someone utter, "Kya cheez hai!" you'd want to turn around and mutter an expletive. But not if you happen to come across graphic designer Parul Kanodia's range of adorable book marks, magnetic clips, bendable magnets, cable twisters, and wrist and anklet USBs that retail under the Kya Cheez Hai label.
Wrist and Anklet USBs for Rs 580
For this 25 year-old Bengaluru-based designer, it's important that every new product she conceives surprises her customer. "It's not just a product you buyu00a0-- you also buy an idea. We design products that will come handy in your everyday routine, except they are utility products with a twist," says Kanodia, who launched the label with ex-colleague and product designer Usma Ahmed in February this year.
Desi Boys make an entry
Every product has been designed, Kanodia says, keeping in mind a couple of colourful characters created by the duo in an inane, masala plot that would shame Tees Maar Khan's scriptwriter.
Daroga Saab, a policeman on the trail of Dakoo Dholakia, a dhokla, fafda, thepla-loving bandit who is out to loot recipes, is one of Kya Cheez Hai's popular characters. The secret file of recipes is owned by Parameshwara Pillai aka Pappy, who is a government employee and hangs out with colleague Lovely Singh, a colourful sardar who's only aim is to get his hands on Pappy's tiffin.
The Mooch series
Under a series titled, Mooch Nahi Toh Kuch Nahi, Kanodia and Ahmed have merged the four characters, all proud owners of lush moustaches, to create a line of magnets, book clips, USB pods and cable wires. "Our designs are quintessentially Indian. And Indian men have always had an obsession for moustaches. We were inspired by incidents of men growing them long, some even using them to pull trucks and lift weights to break records," says Kanodia.
Accessorise with a pod
For the tech savvy customer, we'd recommend their USB pods carrying signature moustaches. These pods also double up as bracelets for the guys and anklets for ladies. "The fact that these pods look different and can be worn like an accessory makes sure you'll never mix up yours with another's," says Kanodia.
And if you don't want to make edgy a style statement, you can always clip them around your bag strap.u00a0u00a0
At: Bliss at Versova (26332111), Tappu Ki Dukaan (220443716) at Fort.
Call 09886292019
Email info@kyacheezhai.com, www.facebook.com/kyacheezhai
