Beauty is in simplicity, minimalism, attention to detail and quality. Simple yet intricate, bold and playful – this is how Payal Khandwala’s designs are. I resonate Khandwala’s clothes with women who are bold, give thought to what they wear, appreciate quality but are not obsessed with fashion because there are many other things to do – like conquering the world!
Enter her beautiful store in Colaba, and you will be met with rainbow colors neatly displayed on racks against a classy and clean decor featuring black walls accentuated with gold detailing. Clothing that speaks minimalism with complicated yet simple silhouettes – most of which not for the faint-hearted. I have always loved Khandwala’s beautiful collection of desconstructed creative silhouettes where she unites old and new – traditional fabrics in modern minimalist cuts. By using bright and basic bold hues in most of her pieces, instead of prints, Khandwala lets her silhouettes be the center of attention, which is her signature style and what I like about her clothes. Anyone who would decipher her style would know that this is the work of someone with a flair for creativity, and it’s no surprise because the designer is also an artist.
I always loved Payal Khandwala’s clothes – strong structured silhouettes that are bold and playful at the same time. However I never actually bought any of her pieces until recently, because she was always known for her use of silks – a fabric which I have banned in my wardrobe because it comes from violence (find out why).
On one of my recent trips to Mumbai, I made a visit to her beautiful store in Colaba and was pleasantly surprised to find lots of cotton and linen options. In fact the staff at the store was very helpful and suggested that they can also customize most designs in vegan-friendly fabrics from their collection (one reason why I love shopping in India – custom-made everything).
While not someone to play too much with silhouettes, I decided to experiment this time and opted for this dramatic yet minimal dress crafted from linen-satin – not an easy combination. The one I tried at the store was in bright pink but I chose to get a custom-made piece in gorgeous steel-silver hue; and boy I loved it.
The best thing about buying from Indian designers is that you can get a made-to-measure piece, customized to your needs. I could change the color and even did slight modifications in the outfit’s original shape to suit my petite frame, which is otherwise not possible at high-street, premium or even luxury global brands (unless you are a celebrity or are spending a fortune on a dress).
Not only is it a statement piece that immediately adds drama, but it’s also effortless and super comfortable. You can practically live in it all day! The fact that it can be easily transitioned from summer to Fall was another reason why I fell in love with it.
While Payal Khandwala’s clothes are not exactly pocket-friendly, but for the quality, style and the service you get it’s definitely a VALUE BUY. After all every woman loves pampering, attention and luxury, and if you have to shell out a few bucks extra for it, it is worth it!
Where to buy?
Payal Khandwala‘s store is located in Grants Building, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba in Mumbai, and her clothes are available at most multi-designer stores in India like Ogaan and many online stores. Although the best place to buy is at her Colaba store. If you live outside India, in Dubai or other cities you can shop her pieces from Pernia’s (they ship worldwide).
