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Fashionable and eclectic
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Looking for exclusive fashion fare ? Then step into Ahom for eco-friendly products
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PHOTO: VIPINCHANDRAN
STYLISH RANGE Archana Shankar at her outlet
This new boutique, bang in the heart of the city, near the Durbar Hall grounds, stocks all kinds of things you fancy, from clothes, accessories, knick knacks to pottery and handmade paper. "Sourced from all over the country, it is meant to be an exclusive shopping experience," says Archana Shankar, of ` Ahom', which opened on Pongal day. It is an eco friendly place where cotton, silk and jute dominate.
Handmade dolls welcome you into the store. People can relax, enjoy the artefacts, get to know where they are made and then choose what to buy.
The clothes, under her own brand, `Ahom', are all designed by her. There is a gent's collection, all casual and party wear shirts and kurtas. There are churidar sets, tops and skirts and duppattas with special work done on them. Just a set of colourful beads passes off as a stole. The saris are exclusive. They are Piyal Bhattacharya saris, which are Kerala saris with embroidery done on them.
You wonder what those baskets are made of when you see them. They are pretty, exclusive and sturdy. They are made of paper. When paper meets glue, it's a heady combo. These stylish baskets are the result of a tsunami rehabilitation project, says Archana.
Another eco friendly section is the terracotta masks, priced between Rs. 250 and 350, made by Ravi Kumar, who was in the Fire Service, Cochin Port Trust. "After retirement I did it for a lark and then took my hobby seriously," he says. There are other terracotta products like penholders, bangles. The blue pottery designs are cute as also the Pondicherry pottery. Wooden puppets, ceramic jewellery, bamboo bottle holders, kundan jewellery paintings from Rajasthan, colourful hammocks and cotton and silk bags are on the shelves. The decor is thoughtfully done. There is a bit of `Ahom' in the interiors too. An old world, British winding staircase leads you upstairs. The artwork, done by Fathima, is different from what one usually sees. Instead of models adorning wall space, the photos are of the `Ahom' owners in different poses. Peppered here and there are frolic card type messages like '....a big heart, welcome aboard, folks'. "I have a section reserved for people who would like to display their works. When I started out, I faced a lot of difficulties. So I want to help those who would like to feel the pulse of the market. They are free to contact me," says Archana.
Archana, who teaches fashion technology at St Teresa's College, has been involved in the fashion world for some years now.
P. M.
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