Shades of India launched their new store at the Meharchand market, located in central Delhi. They had been looking to spread their wings and what better time than the festive season right? They have tripled their space to create a unique concept store for apparel, menswear and home. The spanking new space has separate apparel and accessories section apart from the home and decor one. All the interiors have been designed by Mandeep Negi, Design Director, in the same spirit as their collections.

Along with the women’s collection of apparel and accessories, Shades of India is launching for the first time a men’s collection. This collection has been designed in collaboration with Anupam Poddar, a collector and curator of contemporary art with a passion for textiles. Anupam believes men - even the more conservative ones are ready to experiment with their clothing. The collection breaks away from the traditional but respects that men are still less willing to take risks than women. Together they have brought innovation to shirts, kurtas, waistcoats, jackets and men’s accessories.

Bebali, which is the brand’s festive collection in rich colours and fabrics that draws inspiration from the beauty of Indonesian motifs and design. Like Bebali, most of Mandeep Negi’s collection has been derived from the layers of inspiration through her travels since she is an avid traveller. Negi has always believed, that no matter what, learn to add a bit of humor to a garment, which are usually small details around the pockets or on the seam of the shoulder etc.

The Home store is just a few steps from the apparel and accessories. They form different elements of the Shades of India shop facade that will now be a dominant feature of Meharchand Market. The heart of the store remains textiles for interiors. But to this have been added iconic items that can give an unexpected and unique touch to a home. Textile hangings or hand crafted jewellery are treated as works of art. Ceramics – many again inspired by Japan – give an unexpected touch to a shelf or a table. The antique is mixed with the contemporary. Textures are contrasted by colour or by mixing masculine or feminine.

Shreya Rimal