Clothes Line

If you’ve wondered where the bizarre outfits on ramps eventually go,some certainly land up at a new store,After Hours

On a previously unfashionable lane in Hauz Khas village,sequined dresses hung delicately from plastic thread transform an old office of designer duo Smita Singh Rathore and Himanshu Shani into a three level funky boutique called After Hours. As you step in the 1,200 square feet space—with no mannequins,you find that the selection gets a lot more avant-garde here,from the edgy, sharp cut zippered dresses in aqua blue to boho chic bags ensconced on rectangular steel boxes.The boutique that opened its doors last week offers six designer labels besides home furnishings. Conceptualised by designer duo Himanshu Shani and Smita Singh Rathore of the label CellDsgn,they offer a curtained,made to measure section for customised outfits on the third level. “It’s different from the popular chain boutiques as there’s more freedom here to show experimental clothes just off the runway,” says Shani. The boutique offers a stunning view of the Hauz Khas Lake and is tucked behind the main market,in the same small strip as Gunpowder and Café Bistro. From the edgy designs of designer duo Alpana and Neeraj of Azara to outfits by little known but prolific designer Mayank Mansingh Kaul,Aneeth Arora of Pero,Amit Aggarwal of Morphe and the chic home furnishings by New York born designer Peter D’Ascoli,the store offers an eclectic mix for a young client.

Though currently the store is showcasing the winter line,plans are afoot to offer limited edition pieces that would only be available at After Hours. Also check out,Delhi based D’Ascoli’s pastel line of

bedcovers and cushions that meld classic European with Indian decorative arts. It is his first foray into the local market. So far,he has been retailing in New York’s iconic departmental stores,ABC Carpet & Home. The prices begin at Rs 4,000 upwards while D’Ascoli’s furnishings begin at Rs 1,500.

(The store is open from Monday to Saturday,11 am to 7 pm. Contact 011-26513067)