Indian is in. From hot pink paisley skirts and fiery red tunics with gold embroidery, to canary yellow sequined brocade scarves and fancy flats with multicolored thread work, South Asian (also called desi) fashion sensibilities have infiltrated the Western fashion world. Echo decided to go all-out ethnic to bring you the ultimate in haute couture.
For an incomparable Indian shopping experience, we went to Sahil, an upscale boutique on Devon Avenue. Sahil carries lines by some of India’s hottest designers, including Manish Malhotra, Vikram Phadis and Satya Paul, all of whom count among their customers Bollywood stars and socialites like actress Aishwarya Rai and New York City hotelier Vikram Chatwal.
Though prices can range up to $10,000 for an outfit, there are more affordable options available. Try the Indo-Western lines, which feature jeans embellished with sequins and ribbons ($20 to $25), corsets embroidered with gold thread work and Swarovski crystals ($60 to $150) and T-shirts printed with phrases in Hindi, such as “beautiful” or “spoiled” ($15 to $20).
Those bold enough to try the ethnic pieces can invest in a timeless sari (the staff at the store will show you how to wear it; prices start at $10) or a trendy lehenga choli outfit ($200 to $250), which is a flowing skirt paired with a short, midriff-baring blouse or a long fitted tunic, all available in a variety of colors, combinations and embroideries.