Store Review: Shray

As the only fashion boutique in the home-store dominated Raghuvanshi Mills, Shray could have used the sprawling 2,500 sq. ft. space that it occupies to its advantage; instead, you get a sparsely-stocked, multi-designer store with nothing too exciting on offer.

Shray was launched last month by Mumbai-based entrepreneur Abha Singhania. Their mainstay is traditional wear, with a few (we spotted no more than five each) cocktail dresses and formal blouses. They also sell imitation jewellery, sandals and clutches. Bling is the unifying theme across the store’s products. Stones, sequins and embroidery feature on salwar suits for both evening and daywear and on saris and sandals. We suspect that the merchandiser has not paid much heed to the time of year, given the excess of chiffons, silks and georgette displayed on the racks. Though fewer in number, elegant cotton suits in beige, white and ivory, by designers Anita Mody and Payal Pratap (she’s Rajesh Pratap Singh’s wife) are better suited for the scorching months ahead. Not too many of the labels may be familiar; Shray aims to promote emerging talent from the across the country. Among the more recognised designers are Namrata Joshipura and Jamini Ahluwalia. You’ll find floral print silk kurtas, draped cocktail dresses and sequinned blouses by Delhi-based Joshipura, and a collection of silk thread bangles and wire and bead bracelets by Mumbai-based jewellery designer Ahluwalia. The store also stocks statement neckpieces by St. Erasmus, a jewellery label by South African designer Pieter Louis Erasmus, worn by Michelle Obama among other celebrities.

You can’t find fault with the store design however; its white brick walls, tall mirrors, wood-framed windows and tidy displays seem inspired by the rows of tastefully decorated home stores in its vicinity. Shray is worth a visit if you begin shopping for the wedding season this early in the year, but for summer, their range of clothes and accessories is largely underwhelming.

Prices start at Rs4,000 for salwar suits.

LocationShray
First Floor
Raghuvanshi Mansion
Raghuvanshi Mills Compound
Senapati Bapat Marg
Lower Parel

Phone4004 7800

HoursDaily, 11am to 7.30pm

Websitewww.shraythestore.com