Malmal Over It

Everything about Malmal, Bandra's new fashion and lifestyle store, is pretty. Here, filigree necklaces are displayed on star lanterns, gota slippers sit atop bright orange platforms and blooming leheriya flower clips grace well-groomed wigs. All of these, plus overflowing clothes racks scattered through different areas of the store, can be a little overwhelming when you first walk in. Where to begin?

We suggest you start with in-house solid coloured day kurtas with pintuck detailing (Rs 990 and up) and move onto UVI’s shimmery dresses. We didn't, however, care much for the fusion style printed tunics or the kurtas (start at Rs 3,000). Malmal also customises designs and sizes.

Bid on the Buds
Personally, we found that the accessory shelf had more life than the ones bearing clothes. Madras and mangalgiri fabric bags with leather handles (Rs 2,250) and monochrome strappy flats (Rs 750) were tempting buys. But most of all, we loved Malmal’s flora, creatively crafted from tie-and-dye, gota and other fabrics, and stuck onto pins, brooches, bags (start at Rs 150). Get a bunch and you’ll be the centerpiece at your next party!

Cross Pollination
Malmal owner Aleena Jetha, also the woman behind Mudd Day Spa and Salon at Bandstand, has wisely cross promoted her two ventures. Shopping for Rs 1,000 and more at Malmal (which isn’t hard) entitles you to all kinds of cool freebies at the spa. You can also buy Mudd beauty products, soothing music CDs and super cute eye pillows with essential oils.

Prove your Kettle
Before you leave, check out the top shelves for quirky independent brand Pyjama Party’s piping hot Masala Chai collection, featuring brightly coloured kettles with artsy detailing (Rs 650). Designer Rithika Kumar will also be selling these and Mumbai-inspired rickshaws, cutting chai tea candles and more at Candies’ Bazaar & Bling on February 13.

Aaand it’s a wrap!

Getting there: Malmal Boutique, Maleagrina Building, ground floor, 494 Linking Road, diagonally McDonalds, Bandra (W), call 26041986 / 9920080160.