India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (73 page)

Bridging the gap between outrageously exclusive and boho cheap, is
Bombay Electric
(1 Reay House, BEST Marg, Colaba;
022/2287-6276;
www.bombayelectric.com
), which carries simple, pretty accessories, as well as a stellar designer collection by Indian and international designers. Depak and Priya Kishore, who started the store, also have their own range of delectable, stylish clothing lines under the label, Ghee Butter. And there are less elaborate, more affordable T-shirts and collectibles that make great gifts, too.

At the far end of Colaba (away from the Taj) is the
Courtyard
(Minoo Desai Marg, Apollo Bunder), where chic boutiques are filled with goods from a range of Indian designers (such as Manish Arora)—recommended stores include the very chic
Hot Pink
(
022/6638-5482
);
Abraham and Thakore
(
022/6638-5486
), where you’ll find fantastic shirts for men;
Rabani & Rakha
(
022/6638-5476
) for saris; and
Manish Arora
(
022/6638-5464;
www.manisharora.ws) for modish women’s wear and accessories. If you want to pick your way through some of the best in Indian designs, but don’t fancy moving from shop to shop, head for
Kimaya
(2 Asha Colony, Juhu Tara Rd.;
022/2660-6154
) in Juhu (it’s opposite the Sea Princess Hotel), where owners Pradeep and Neha Hirani seem to have gathered all the finest Indian brand ladies fashion under one roof. They also have a store for men—
Ayamik
(Shop no. 1, Sea Palace, Juhu Tara Rd.), as well as an alternative branch in Kemps Corner (
022/2386-2432
).

For cheap, casual, well-cut cottons,
Cotton World,
near Indigo restaurant, is the perfect stop. At
Indian Textiles
(Taj Mahal Palace;
022/2202-8783
or 022/2204-9278), you’ll find some of the best Benarasi woven silks and brocades in the country, sold by the yard, as well as authentic Pashmina shawls. Also look for hand-dyed silk stoles by
Jamnadas Khatri
(
022/2242-5711
or -2277). Hand-loomed products are found in abundance at fabulous
Fab India
(Jeroo Bldg., 137 M.G. Rd., Kala Ghoda;
022/2262-6539;
other outlets in Bandra).
Amara
(Hughes Rd.;
022/2387-9687
or -2530) in Kemp’s Corner is a good place to check out the work of different designers—all top end—with the option to pause between fittings for a bite to eat or a quick spa treatment. To view (and hopefully take home) the work of less-established designers, head for
Aza
(21 Siffy Apartments, Altamount Rd.;
022/2351-7616
), just off Pedder Road. After checking out the work of tomorrow’s fashion gods, you can explore the decidedly fashionable neighborhood—a preserve of the ultrawealthy.