Varun Bahl’s bridal collection is so alluring that you would want to get married just to dress up. Samreen Samad reviews the new store at Kala Ghoda
The quaint lane of Kala Ghoda, which is usually crowded with teenagers, shoppers and club hoppers who come to eat at Ayub’s, will now see a completely new crowd comprising of the fashion conscious (and rich!) lot of the city. Why? Because now you can pick up pieces from top designers such as Sabyasachi, Diane Von Furstenberg, Lanvin, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, Herve Leger and Victoria Beckham which are all a stone’s throw away from each other.
Located in the lane next to Rhythm House, the two new buildings which have replaced old offices look like they have been plucked from Rome and relocated here; the Italian style windows with flowers are eye-catching and charming.
We decided to check out Varun Bahl & Karan Johar’s two-month-old designer boutique. The first thing you notice on entering is the massive sofa set and an equally huge centre table placed over a rich carpet. The effect is warm and welcoming but it also reminds you of the grandness and luxury of the boutique.
The spacious store stocks clothes for both men and women. While the women’s outfits are designed by Varun Bahl only, the men’s collection is under the brand name of Karan Johar & Varun Bahl. Hung in the corners of the store, the clothes don’t come in the way and are divided neatly into sections.
The men’s collection includes kurtas made of pure silk, coats, sherwanis, trousers, shirts, jackets and few casual wear pieces. What we liked about the men’s collection is that there is a wide variety to choose from and caters to your needs depending on how dressy or simple you want to go. The velvet sherwanis are cramped with zardozi work (`2.7 lakhs) and are a bit over the top but the silk ones (`32,000 onwards) are simpler and look elegant. The shirts and casuals are very trendy and we loved the trademark KJVB trousers and the funky jackets. We also recognised the black sherwani (`75,000) on the rack which was worn by Imran Khan at his engagement party. Men’s wear has sizes such as which the women’s collection lacks.
Coming to the women’s collection, the store stocks mainly Anarkali kurta’s and sarees. You will find a variety of Anarkalis in different variations and colours such as blue, green, red, pink, black and white. We personally loved the ones with swirls at the hem, but you can also check out Anarkalis with sharara, zardosi and jackets. A basic kurta with a digital print will cost you around `18,000 and goes up to as much as `2.75 lakhs.
The store also has a couture section in a separate room which includes heavy bridal wear, sarees (`35,000 to 80,000) and lehengas (`2.5 to 10 lakhs). The designs of the bridal wear are very intricate and chic. Even though there is a lot of bling, it doesn’t look tacky. Everything at the store is custom to fit, so the lack of sizes shouldn’t bother you. You can also book an appointment with Varun Bahl and discuss with him what exactly you’re looking for.
Where Building Number 48, Dr. VB Gandhi Marg, Second Floor, Kala Ghoda
Contact 22662276/86