The Big Fat Indian Bazaar

Just beside the cart,there are two hanger-racks with UDD,a Mumbai-based design house displaying a vibrant collection of cotton and silk dupattas,saris and half saris,which are inspired by Indian folk art. Their collection of half saris,inspired by the traditional ‘pothys’ worn by teenage girls in South India,consists of ankle-length crumpled skirts in bright shades teamed with a mix-n-match choli-blouse and a dressy dupatta.

UDD is followed by Bhoole Bisre,a Mumbai-based store that aims at revamping archaic products in an innovative fashion. Who would have thought that the traditional ketli could make a pretty lamp shade when punctured with holes,painted in bright colours and placed on a base with a bulb? Or even fix a tap onto the base of the kettle and make it a cocktail holder?

One can even find shoes fit for a fairy,pixie or an elf. Janota,the Goa-based brand of shoes themed on fictional characters,displays a cute collection of mojaris,gladiator sandals and slip-ons.

The bazaar continues into the dining area as well. In one corner,there is a display by Funk For Hire,an apparel and accessories brand. Their ‘We the People’ collection features coatees,sling bags,wallets and coasters with many little faces representing India. In the other corner,practically the end of the bazaar if one takes a full round,is a handcart by Bechain Nagri with a big 3D poster and a display of notebooks. Designed by NID animators,the notebook covers contain graphic that range from hilarious to thought-provoking.