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New mantra to chic dressing
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Home accessories and furnishings are the new introductions to the designer prêt at Mantra, Panampilly Nagar
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Photo: H. VIBHU
Haute couture In step with style of the times
NIFT trained designer, Shalini James set up ‘Mantra’ at Palarivattom a few years ago. Now she has opened a branch in Panampilly Nagar. Mantra is a refreshing change from glorified tailor shops masquerading as boutiques or ‘design st
udios’.
Jaipur cottons, Mangalgiris, Chikankari, Kotas, and silks are fabrics that we are familiar with but what makes these different is the treatment at Mantra. Except for the Mangalgiri cottons, the rest are cottons from north India – Jaipur, Rajasthan, Gujarat among others. So you feel you may have seen them at some other store, not possible because the treatments are simple and innovative. The treatments vary, if there are solids with pin tucks then there are prints and pin tucks too.
Khari prints, block prints, embroideries with a hint of silver or matt copper to lift a garment give that unique look to Shalini’s garments.
A unique concept (in “boutique” circles) – the garments are available in five sizes – extra small, small, medium, large and extra large. “I have attempted standardisation of sizes, because most often what happens is that if your wear a medium by Mantra, the chances are the next time too the size would fit,” says Shalini. Of course, if external factors such as chocolates, ice creams and fatty foods do not interfere.
Fine details
If earthy tones are your thing then those are there and if you like bright colours then there are bright chikankari kurtas too. Kurtas, kurtis, salwars (Patialas too) and chudidaars – you can pick and choose, and put together an ensemble or just pick a kurta or two.
There are stoles and crushed dupattas with khari prints too. There is an interesting collection of whites and beiges, very chic. Besides the cut and fit, the USP of Mantra’s garments is the attention to detail and finish, after all God is in the details.
Although garments in pure fabrics such as cotton and silk are the label’s core strength – Shalini does a good job with the home furnishings.
The present collection of soft furnishings are in jewel tones – these being the colours of the season, however, says Shalini, “I am willing to create a look for interiors, with curios and furnishings too.” If you are looking to do up your home, Mantra stocks photo frames, curios, designer candles, vases too apart from silk drapes and soft furnishings.
A word about the interiors of the new Mantra, very warm – well lit (by natural light) and airy, visually too the store is appealing. Definitely worth more than just a dekko!
S. N. A.
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