A reservoir of Lucknowi and other hand-woven fabrics, Colaba's latest fashion find, Ahilaya, is a summer surprise
A reservoir of Lucknowi and other hand-woven fabrics, Colaba's latest fashion find, Ahilaya, is a summer surprise
When you walk into this Colaba bylane, tucked behind extraordinary Causeway chaos and home to two of the finest restaurants in the city Indigo and Busaba it seems cut off from reality.
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Recession or no recession, the lane sees as much human traffic as Churchgate station at peak hour, and Ahilaya, located right next to these restobars seems no exception.
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It mills with hordes of aunties, hip moms, new bahus and SoBo stereotypes in search of the "right" outfit to outperform their kitty party competitor, possibly something cool, comfy, classy, "rich looking", and of course slimming.
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Amid yellow walls and a white and gold false ceiling dressed up with crystal chandeliers and Awadhi-style lamps, lies a range of Chikan, Maheshwari, Dhaka Jamdani cotton, Kora silk, Daboo print, Benarasi silk, Bandhini silk, Dardozi Ari work, Lurex Weave tunics, blousons and summer dresses.
One rack sees an all-white display, while the other three are a mix of cotton, georgette and silk casual and semi-formal apparel that carry traditional hand-woven embroidery in modern silhouettes.
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Ahilaya has been launched by daughters of the pioneer of Chikankari in Mumbai, Anwar Ahmed Ansari. While their 1960 store First Lucknavi at Santacruz dressed celebs like Lata Mangeshkar and Shammi Kapoor, Ahilaya sees loyal business from actors Kajol and Vidya Balan.
What else? Ahilaya also stocks plain cotton churidars and pants in silk and cotton to team your tunic with. The size options for tops and tunics range from 36 to 48, with colour varieties in almost every style.
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Price range: Rs 2,500 onwards
At: Shop No. 2 & 3, Ramnimi Building, ground floor, Mandlik Road, Colaba.
Call: 32153227
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