AZA
A destination for contemporary clothes with color, sequins, and zari (metallic thread), Aza carries Indian haute couture and prêt-à-porter by favorites Manish Malhotra, Surily Goel, and Sabyasachi Mukherjee, one of only two Indian designers to show at New York fashion week. 21 S.K. Barodawalla Marg
Bombay Electric
Among the few spots in town with that Colette touch, this Colaba shop owes its success to creative director Priya Kishore’s ability to show outré Indian women’s couturiers (Gaurav Gupta, Sonam Dubal) with international celeb designers (Jade Jagger, Liz Hurley). At the top of our must-buy list are Suhani Pittie jewelry, the children’s brand Nimbu Paani, and Anshu Arora Sen’s ingenious women’s line, Small Shop. 1 Reay House, Best Marg; bombayelectric.in
Kimaya
While this boutique focuses on luxe clothes for Indian brides, husband-and-wife owners Pradeep and Neha Hirani carry pieces for indulgers of all wonts. At its two locations, Kimaya shows India’s trousseau kings—JJ Valaya, Tarun Tahilani, and Rohit Bal—beside upstarts like Surily Goel and Aki Narula and the latest from South Africa, Malaysia, and Pakistan designers. In Kemps Corner, 3 Delstar; in Juhu, 2 Asha Colony, Juhu Tara Rd.; kimayastudio.com
Melange
Housed in a tiny heritage building near Kemps Corner, Melange is a unique source for ethnic-inspired avant-garde fashions. Discerning owner Sangita Sinh Kathiwada stocks Indian silks cut in Japanese styles and fluid tunics in organic cotton. Dyed-silk caftans are a constant attraction, and Meera Mahadevia’s metallic clutches with jewel accents add sparkle. 33 S.K. Barodawalla Marg; melangeworld.com
Zoya
This shop in North Mumbai’s Bandra neighborhood sells eclectic Indo-Western wear plus shoes and accessories. Look out for the country’s favorite Goan designers, like Savio Jon and Wendell Rodricks, whose flowing pastel dresses are perfect for muggy weather. Local son James Ferreira’s eccentric designs, including jumpsuits crafted from traditional Maharashtrian towels, impress. Gulistan A, D’Monte Park Rd.
