Home of Bollywood, Mumbai knows how to dress well – and the city itself is just as charming; a perfect pairing of iconic old-world and modern excitement.
Citizen Femme’s editorial assistant, Sanjana Menon, shares her insider knowledge of the Maximum city. These are the best places to shop in the fashion capital of India: read on for handwoven sarees, traditional Indian jewellery, designer flagships and an array of textiles and leathers.
Best area or street for shopping…
Colaba Causeway in Colaba, Hill Road in Bandra and Linking Road in Bandra. These are the three most popular and iconic areas for street shopping. Back-to-back lanes and endless markets packed with tourists, the street markets here are the perfect place to find anything and everything, from clothing, jewellery and accessories to textiles, leather and even furniture.
Where can we find the best vintage shops…
Tucked away in a gali (narrow bylane) in Khotachiwadi, No Borders Shop is a concept store that combines fashion, art and culture. In it you’ll find perfectly-curated vintage clothing from authentic and niche Indian and international designers. Hill Road and Linking Road (mentioned above) are also great spots for vintage street shopping.
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One place only locals know about…
Cottons in Bandra West is a boutique store where you can find traditional Indian clothing and accessories such as handcrafted cotton kurtas and dresses in colourful block prints – they’re perfect for summer. Another great boutique store is Nicobar in Bandra for contemporary dresses, trousers and kurtas with an Indian twist.
Your favourite local brands or boutiques?
For clothing, a one-stop multi-brand designer boutique, Le Mill in Colaba is the perfect place. It houses contemporary Indian designers such as Bodice, Eka and Péro, as well as luxury designers from around the globe. If you want to buy a saree, Raw Mango in Colaba has a gorgeous selection of rich, handwoven sarees, crafted using traditional techniques. Or, if you’re on the lookout for more contemporary inspired Indian wear, Payal Khandwala in Kala Ghoda is the perfect place: the minimal concept store has a wide selection of beautiful Indian attire in a rich silk and brocade.
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For jewellery, Outhouse Jewellery at Palladium Phoenix Mills in Lower Parel and Curio Cottage in Colaba are both great options for contemporary designs that celebrate Indian craft and heritage.
There are also many shopping malls – some of the best in India – such as Phoenix Market City, Phoenix Palladium and the newest, Reliance Mall. All house local designers as well as international luxury brands.
Souvenir to take home?
Traditional Indian textiles and fabrics. You can find some of the best varieties and selection at Saroj Fabrics in Khar.
The best place to treat yourself is…
Good Earth in Lower Parel is the perfect place to treat yourself, and to enjoy a complete shopping experience. It’s India’s leading home-grown luxury design house and it explores handcrafted designs, from clothing to home products. From their traditional kurtas to the home goods, every product promises the highest quality with unique and beautiful prints in vibrant colours.
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Best overall shopping experience?
One of the best store and shopping experiences is at Le Mill. The variety and range of products and designers really make it a one-stop shop for whatever you need. Here, you’ll find clothing and accessories plus footwear and home goods from some of the best Indian designers as well as from some of the biggest global brands. It also has personal stylists to help put together outfits for you, or to help you select the perfect pieces to add to your wardrobe.
Best store design?
Mumbai is known for its many luxury designer boutiques. The Sabyasachi store in Kala Ghoda has a regal and majestic vibe to it that perfectly matches its designs, and the designer. You’ll definitely have a one-of-a-kind shopping experience here. Another store that has a beautiful design is Manish Malhotra in Khar West.
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Best pit stop for lunch or coffee?
For a substantial lunch to reward yourself after a morning of shopping, Bastian in Bandra West is a great option. Head to Opa in Worli for an incredible Greek lunch or to the historic Leopold Cafe in Colaba.
For more of a quick lunch or coffee break (before getting back to the chaos of shopping), Kitchen Garden By Suzette in Pali Hill is ideal.
Any Questions or Tips to add?