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Journalism of Courage
Having just returned from London, I had hoped to come back with bags full of new clothes. I had even taken an empty suitcase — just in case I over shopped. But, I came back with an empty bag and a feeling of wasted time! Why? Most of the clothes in London looked like they had come straight from India!
It is said that London is now the capital of cool Britannia. It is meant to be one of Europe’s chicest cities. But if you are from Mumbai, then it is okay to think that our city is the fashion capital of Europe. And London just follows suit. Whether it is upmarket stores like Harvey Nichols or your local boutique, everything — from the furniture to the evening ballgowns — has an Indian touch. We talk about a Colonial hangover in India but really, the reverse is true. India’s 50th year of Independence has had a huge influence on designers in the land of the Queen.
I started my journey in Knightsbridge, where you find mostly designer clothes from Europe. Nichols has always been a favourite, so I popped into look at designer wear for petite women. Sport Max is one such label (it is part of Max Mara Group). I find my size but the entire collection of short skirts has what looks like ari embroidery on it — at a price of 89 pounds. So I move to Christian Lacroix and their range of jackets in the wackiest colours. India strikes, as most of them are adorned with resham embroidery. Their label may say Made in Italy’ but most of the work and even the fabric actually comes from India!
I then go to Selfridges, at Oxford Street. On the way, in one of the city’s famous red buses, I look out and see a bunch of college students wearing what looks suspiciously like Nehru jacket shirts. One girl had even abandoned her 501’s for what looked like an old sari cut up into harem pants. (I later found these designer pants must have set back this fashion victim about 50 pounds.)
Anyway, at Selfridges I head to the section were Kookai, Oasis and Warehouse are sold. These high-street brands come at 30 pounds for atop and 50 pounds for a pair of trousers. What do I find here? A stretch, lycra black top with Indian motif embroidery. The cut: Inspired by the kameez!
SO, I give up on finding something different for myself — I’ll shop in Mumbai for clothes — and go up to the household and furniture department. The lift opens and I find myself facing the department. But I decide not to go inside. As soon as the doors part, what do I see? Cream sofas with pashimina shawls draped over them — that’s the style this year. The cushions looked like Shyam Ahuja’s work and the fabrics too seemed inspired by Jaipur.
Which inspires me to backtrack. I go and pick up an ari-embroidered skirt and think — the tops I can find in India! Shopping now comes closer home.
