Sion's Ikat Secret

For years, during our many trips to Sion's famous Gurukripa, we'd notice a nondescript handloom store known as APCO. Years later, when we revisited the area, we noticed the same faded handpainted signage, except that this time, the name had been changed from APCO (AP: Andhra Pradesh) with the newly-created state of Telangana.

This time around, we decide to step in, and don't regret the decision. Inside, shelves are neatly lined with hundreds of items and the managers are happy to help pull out several without a fuss. Our eyes are immediately drawn to the stacks of certified handloom ikat fabrics.

The geometric patterns are perfect to stitch contemporary pieces such as jumpsuits, wrap and shirt dresses - a staple now with the innumerable "indie" brands, but you can get it made at a fraction of the cost with prices as low as Rs 250 (per metre). Also, check out their range of ikat bedsheets (prices range between Rs 900 and Rs 1,100), dupattas, kalamkari fabrics, towels, and sarees such as Pochampalli, Gadwal, Venkatgiri and more. On National Handloom Day today, drop by for a relaxed version of retail therapy.

AT Bhagini Samaj, Sion West.
CALL 9930019345

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates