Bandra, an artsy Mumbai suburb on the Arabian Sea, is a favorite of the city’s creative set and counts Bollywood stars, film producers, artists and designers among its residents. Old bungalows in varying stages of dilapidation and colorful graffiti murals adorning the walls of cafes and shops lend a bohemian feel to the area, about 3.5 miles from bustling South Mumbai. Buzzy restaurants abound. But above all, Bandra is a mainstay shopping destination for Mumbaikars, who find it convenient that cool shops are clustered on a few streets. Shoppers are often on the lookout for one-of-a-kind wares, whether it’s home goods, clothes or works by emerging artists.
This five-story, 10,000 square-foot shop is a magnet for art lovers. The works here include more than 400 paintings from up-and-coming Indian artists, tribal sculptures crafted in central India and hundreds of statues in teakwood and marble of Hindu gods such as Ganesha and Krishna, as well as elephants. The knowledgeable staff can help shoppers navigate through the overwhelming assortment. Prices from 200 rupees, or about $2.90.
353 Linking Road, satgurus.com
The popular Anokhi shop is known for its vegetable-dyed hand block prints.CreditAtul Loke for The New York Times
2. Anokhi
This popular Indian brand, which has stores throughout India, prides itself on its vegetable-dyed hand block prints on tops for both genders, bedcovers, pillowcases and accessories — all mostly in cotton and with a contemporary feel. Although this is still the main reason that shoppers come to Anokhi, the shop has branched out to include textiles with embroidery, patchwork and beading. Prices from 30 rupees.
The boutique sells high-quality costume trinkets from sisters Kaabia and Sasha Grewal that are decidedly arty and eye-catching. The statement jewelry ranges from bold cuffs, necklaces, earrings, rings and headpieces that use materials such as Swarovski crystals, semiprecious stones, leather and metals. Part of the fun of shopping here is trying on the Instagrammable designs. Prices from 3,000 rupees.
Shop No. 6, 116 Watefield Road
This three-level boutique stocks clothing and accessories for both men and women from more than 30 top Indian designers, including Anita Dongre and Manish Malhotra. The wares include casual and dressy kurtas and saris in bright colors as well as Western pieces such as dresses, button-down shirts and swimwear. Prices from 1,000 rupees.
24 Turner Road, azafashions.com
It’s hardly routine souvenir shopping at this store that describes itself as a collective for more than 80 Indian artists from around the globe. These artists email their digitally scanned works, mostly graphic designs, to the shop, and the team of in-house employees affixes their designs onto phone cases, mugs, greeting cards, T-shirts, tote bags and more. Whether it’s a notebook with a black and white art deco pattern or a red men’s T-shirt with various evil eye designs, all the items have an edge. Prices from 395 rupees.
241 Hill View, 2nd floor, Hill Road, kultureshop.in
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