The Regal Fashion

It's a totally newfangled endeavour for the lady who has till now concentrated her energies more towards empowerment issues.

Blending culture and couture, Damyanti Raje Bhonsle8217;s new venture will offer designer labels, art collection and world music all under one roof

It8217;s a totally newfangled endeavour for the lady who has till now concentrated her energies more towards empowerment issues. For this time round though, Damyanti Raje Bhonsle is launching herself into the designing sphere with her first designer store Araliya in the city. What makes the place more interesting is the fact that along with the twelve designer labels, the store will also accomodate cultural activities such as music, art and book reading.

Belonging to the erstwhile royal family, Bhonsle has embarked several initiatives at her hometown, Satara. 8220;We undertake many activities through my charitable trust Nakshatra that mainly revolves around the women and children and concentrates on their economic independence, health, education and so on. Besides I also run a school called Satara Parents association School. Apart from doing my schooling from Nigeria, I have been travelling for work around the world for the last ten years. However with this store I deviate from my usual role and try my hands at style which I have been always fond of,8221; adds Bhonsle who has a Masters Degree in human resource from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Having pursued her graduation from St. Xavier8217;s College in Mumbai, Bhonsle finds Pune more appealing. But Satara is where home is for the entrepreneur. 8220;Although small, Satara is a beautiful place with a lot of talent. Pune for me is a big city and I have been very regular here for the last one year.8221;

Elaborating more on her new venture,Bhonsle says, 8220;Along with a collection of festive and western wear from designers like Rocky S, Shantanu, Nikhil and many more I am also launching Putumayo World music which is about familiarising people with world culture.8221; Bhonsle says that it was the perpetual complaint she heard from puneites about the lack of designer wear in the city that led her to step into the realm. Well, given the rush there has been of late of designer labels tripping into the city, sure won8217;t be long it seems when the drought gives way to an absolute flood of designer wear. More the merrier though.