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Back home to splurge

Shopping extravaganza NRI fiestas bring the latest in fashion to Non-Resident Indians

It is a trend that is slowly catching up in the city. As homes gear up for the arrival of loved ones from abroad for the holidays, the shops in the city too gear up for their arrival. In fact many shops such as boutiques, textile and jewellery showro oms cash in on the season by organising special fiestas that cater to Non-Resident Indians.

Says Sheila James, proprietor, Czarina, who has been hosting such a fiesta for the last two years: “Actually, it is to announce to the Non-Resident Indians that we have a special line of collection meant just for them. We have noticed that NRIs, especially those from the Gulf, usually go on a shopping binge when they come home for the holidays.”

Says Kavya Krishnan M. who is down for the holidays from Kuwait, with a grin: “I wouldn’t say I go on a splurge, but I do make it a point to shop when I come down. Also, I shop for my family here, and for my friends back in Kuwait, who often give me a long list of things to pick up.”

So what is it that they add to their wardrobe? “Whatever catches our fancy. Nothing in particular,” says Rina Basheer from Dubai.

However, Lakshman Sreenivas, managing partner, Parthas says it is usually ethnic wear that they look out for. “The latest in fashion. They know what is ‘in’ through the various Indian channels and magazines that are available abroad.” In fact, according to Sheila, many come with magazine in hand to get a design or pattern custom made.

While Czarina has noticed a trend in women picking up party wear in crepes, silks and georgettes to add to their attire, Parthas says that it is Indo-Western wear that is fast moving in their outlet.

“The youth and the working women seem to prefer this line of wear,” says Lakshman as Shalini James of the signature line ‘Mantra’ adds: “They are mostly tunic-length tops. It is perfect as casual and office wear as it has a right blend of ethnic and western. They come worked with light embellishments.”

Gold also has many takers amongst the NRIs. So much so that Bhima Jewellers has announced an NRI festival with discounts for customers. Antique styled jewellery and designer pieces are the focus of the fiesta. “But most of the customers seem to head for the antique-styled jewellery which are studded with gems,” says Suresh R., general manager, Bhima Jewellers.

But why do the NRIs come here to shop when Dubai, a said shopping paradise, is a transit point for many in the Gulf?

“It is cheaper here,” says Anthony John, from Dubai. A fact echoed by Lakshman. “When you compare the exchange rate, you can pick up two or three pieces of outfit here. Also there is more variety in designs and patterns here.”

Sheila says it is due to the various types of materials that are available here that has the customers coming in. “It is mostly synthetic material that are available there. Here you have materials that breathe which are perfect for the weather there.”

As for gold, says Beena Anju Jacob from Bahrain: “You rarely get ethnic Indian styled jewellery there. And antique jewellery, I feel, looks great when teamed up with a heavily worked sari.”

Asked if this new concept of NRI festivals is here to stay and Suresh says: “We have had a good response since we started it this year. As long as we have people coming back home for a visit, I think it will be here to stay.”

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