Custom Fits

“Personally,it’s a big step ahead and I have wanted to streamline production for some time,” says Makkar,whose studio ‘Sohni’ is spread over 500 sq ft. It’s hard not to recognise the floral booti patterns on the walls and woodwork from ‘Sohni’s’ block-print fabrics. The mustard coloured wall,on one end,adds colour to the vibrant corner that stocks handloom fabric coordinates,which Makkar is known for. “At home,timings were a constraint for clients and displaying stock was limiting,” explains Makkar,who plans on introducing a line of ethnic sarees alongside the existing range of suits,tunics and kurtis . “There’s always been a demand and I hope to cater to it.”

This month has also been special for city-based stylist Shelly,who runs Shelly’s Wardrobe in Sector-8. The one-stop shop for Western wear,especially evening gowns,has branched out from a pigeonhole booth to a swanky and spacious store in the same sector. “I always wanted ample space to showcase my designs,” mentions Shelly,who has added a sizeable number of handbags and shoes to her existing line. The new store has been done up in cheery colours and,unlike earlier,where the cramped interiors had a potential for customers elbowing each other,this place is spread out. “If all goes well I am looking at opening ‘Shelly’s Wardrobe’ in Delhi,” she adds.

While more room spells comfort and choice for clients,retail space comes at a premium,in the city. But it’s a price designers are willing to pay. “If you are a designer,it makes sense to have a professional retail space. There’s better presentation of one’s work and the client takes you seriously,” feels Mantsha Sharma of the trendy clothing and accessories label ‘Chiclett Pack’. Sharma and her friend and partner,Simi Grover,tested the waters initially with lifestyle exhibitions. “We decided to start off with shop-in-shop concept before graduating to our own studio,” says Sharma,who is confident about taking Chiclett Pack to other cities in future.

City-based socialite,Anu Sodhi,finally gave into peer pressure and opened her own studio this year. “I have been putting together my own designs for some time and now with my daughters grown up,I decided to finally roll out my studio,” said Sodhi,who runs Talking Threads,in Sector-22. The space allows Sodhi to cater “to a larger audience at a more professional level.”