Ahmedabad has witnessed more than 800+ exhibitions in 2017 alone; a number strongly indicative of the fact that the city is changing the way it shops. The standalone stores are not the only go-to options for the new breed of fashionistas. They want to explore more, maybe in a set-up that allows them to browse through with their girl-friends without having the pressure to buy, unlike in a regular store where the sales girl is after your life to buy that ‘latest style’…
Weekend Window, started by Meera Ambasana Shah and Harshit Shah, is that fashion phenomenon that is all-embracing – regardless of the age-group, gender and economical background. There is something for everyone – be it fashion, lifestyle, food or entertainment. Weekend window is back in the city with its 12th Edition – Glam Edit as they call it.
Like every time, I went through the exhibition in a bid to find something different, keeping in mind that well if nothing works out, I have the food belt to bank on… You see, nothing can make me more happier than a big slice of pizza and Foodaholics in Ahmedabad just had the right mix of food stalls that one might want to gorge on a slightly cold winter night in Ahmedabad.
Speaking of winter, I wore a black sequined bomber jacket with a blue linen saree just so that I wouldn’t feel cold but alas, it wasnt too cold. The saree and bomber jacket did manage to strike a few conversations with the ones who loved different aesthetics.
Black Sequined Bomber jacket with linen Saree
During the walk through, I found ‘Colour Me Mad‘ – a footwear label started by Trishla Surana. As the name suggests, the footwear had colourful prints and designs that made one stop by, but what got me most interested was that it was made of cork !
Think of Birkenstock right ?
Yes, they look similar but are made in India by this label that is carefully researched and made in sync with a podiatrist. The knowledge was music to my ears for I have been suffering from feet ache since a long period of time and havent been able to lay my hands on good footwear brand that is ergonimically devised. Colour me Mad has latex padding for the comfort of feet, ideal for the ones who have flat feet and heel pain. They have printed footwear besides the solid coloured basics in black and cream.
The price range is between 1600 to 2000.
The second label that I found interesting was ‘Tisva Inc‘. It is a fashion jewellery label started by Charmi Shah. What got me interested was the designs; how often is that you find temple jewellery and south india-centric design motifs in an exhibition in Ahmedabad ? Rarely ever… The quintissential jhumkis in antique matte gold finish are the must-buys for saree-lovers like me. Armed with strong design and business acumen, Charmi made her debut with this exhibition. With experience of more than a decade in designing, marketing and management, she wishes to bring a different sense of aesthetics in jewellery and make it available at affordable range. Look for exquisitely detailed jhumkis, chandbalis, chokers, long neckpieces and sets for the ongoing wedding season at this stall.
The price range for earrings is between 1000 – 2500 whereas the chokers are in between 3500- 6500.
‘De Quill’ Jewelry by Parshna is another label of interest for those who love modern contemporary jewellery that is edgy and raw, the one that can amp up your daily wear and can be used as statement piece for ocassion wear. Parita and Darshana started this label recently. The idea was to create pieces that can be used for both everyday and festive wear. Using the fine brass as the metal, the duo has launched a collection that has geometry as its design base. If you love shapes and structure, you will like their jewellery.
The price range is between 500 to 2500 for earings and neckpieces.
How satisfying is it to see a styling student come up with a stunning range of Ajrakh jackets, right ? Well Nena Hirani was one such student I met at the exhibit. I bought a minimalist slate green coloured dress from – Advaitya by Yogin Chauhan , they have a classic range of dresses in midnight blue and slate green besides pants in mustard, maroon, ivory, blue and black.
The price range is between 1500 to 5000.
At the fag end of the shopping zone, where my other favourite section begins – food & entertainment zone, you will find ‘Satvaras’ – a natural cold pressed juice counter. Dharmik Patel, the founder, will explain you the entire process of why cold-pressed juices are easier, less cumbersome and nutritious as opposed to my counter rhetoric of ‘but juices lose their nutrients in 20 minutes’. It seems cold pressed juices are nutritious, fibrous supply is reduced thus claiming that body gets energised faster and so on.
I have my doubts about its nutrition still since fibre is the major reason why juice should be consumed without seiving, but well it tasted nice. They have a subscription model too for the ones who wont move their asses to make juice at home. Cool, right?
My final stop was at the food belt. We hogged on to Paneer rolls and hot chocolate from Happy rolls and crispy corn chat from a place I forget. In the humdrum of what to eat and what to leave, I forgot eating Gajar ka halwa at one of the stalls.. Sigh, it will haunt me for the night.
In case you havent still been to Weekend Window, do head for it tomorrow.
( Other labels that I always love and are must check out are – Kitsch by Nk, Namaste NYC, Jutte, Rituals, Silai, Kasturi, Advaitya, Kala Chowk and Eta Jewels)
Venue : Karnavati Club
Time: 4 pm to midnight
( PS – For more pictures , do check my Instagram profile – Falguni_appleblossom )
Disclaimer – The products from ‘Colour me Mad’, ‘Tisva Inc.’, ‘De Quill Jewellery by Parshna’ and ‘Satvaras’ are gifts from the magical people at Weekend Window. Advaitya is my purchase. The opinions given are however mine, regardless of it being a gift…