Fashion Forward

In an area like Colaba,crammed from end-to-end with high and low-end shopping experiences,it’s a little difficult for an individual boutique to stand out. It’s clear that Trunk is trying very hard to stand apart from the crowd —it’s minimalistic and industrial-chic décor and emphasis on non-kitschy,Western clothing makes it distinctive from most of the other stores in the neighbourhood. There are no intricate carpets,flashy mirrorworks and low-hanging brass lamps here — just clean white walls,neatly organised rows of merchandise and a great sense of space. The only concession to interior decoration is the Marilyn Monroe mural at the back of the store and a few multi-coloured trunks positioned near the window.

The store stocks clothes from the best of international high street brands like Recession Denim,Married to the Mob and Christian Audigier. Especially delectable were the Monkee Genes jeans,made of organic cotton (to satisfy the Greenpeacer in you) in bright fuschia,gamboge,scarlet and cobalt. Other lines that catch the eye are the David and Goliath T-Shirts with snarky remarks (for guys and dolls) and Pupula’s satin cocktail dresses,with some of the most eye-catching brass fasteners. Luckily,a lot of it is affordable,with most of the merchandise in the range of Rs 2000 to Rs 5000. The owners,brothers Pratik and Anshal Sheth state that this was a deliberate decision — making trendy clothes affordable to young Indians,without forcing them to wear assembly line fashion. The only thing really missing are accessories. At the moment,apart from clothes,funky Glassing sunglasses are available,although,we’re assured that within a couple of weeks,more accessories,like shoes and bags,will be available as well.

Trunk’s USP,however,is the little spa tucked away at the back —a place,says Anshal,where the tired shopper can relax,get a pedicure or manicure or a head massage. “Sometimes people are just too exhausted to shop,so we provide this little service where they can rejuvenate and then get back to shopping.” There’s also a special Dr Fish Pedicure,priced at Rs 500,where one just has to put one’s legs into a tank full of Garra Rufa fish,which will proceed to nibble away dead skin. “It’s perfectly safe because all that the fish are interested in,is dead skin — they’ll leave healthy skin alone,” assures Anshal.