Whoever thought that a spring in my step at a casual dinner outing in Delhi would open up my eyes to the beautiful concept of shared conversations, not particularly associated with the ruthless and cold-blooded power capitalIJ But turns out there is more excitement to be had while dining solo than with a group of friends. For you attract other souls who make for pleasurable company. And engaging chatter. Indeed there is spring in the air.
I chance upon Dipali Bhasin, a trunk show exhibitor, who happens to be grabbing a bite in between wrapping up her wares in The laliT. She has been showing in Delhi for quite a few seasons now and has shaped the fashion preferences of its “value for money” women at a more relatable and affordable level. A former fashion stylist in Mumbai, she rolled out two days of retail therapy in the arcade under the label “My Best Friend and Me.” The “best friend” happens to be husband Anubhav, Dipali’s co-curator and organiser. They brought chic brands from everywhere but what was noteworthy was how two of Dipali’s key sections were dedicated to causes she supports, with NGOs being given the space free of cost. Charity begins at home and Dipali would do that rather quietly.
“I have analysed the buying pattern of Delhi women who are sensible in their pick-ups even if they have the money. Apparel is their top choice, followed by kids’ goodies, home furnishings, accessories (which are better in Bombay and I source it from there) and then, almost as an afterthought, something for the spouse/partner.” Her keen understanding of preferences, tapping into the right comfort zone and a price range swinging from `5,000 to 15,000 have made her a popular exhibitor in the larger business of fashion. “What began as a home-based trunk show has now grown into a two-day affair, first annually, then bi-annually and this year, maybe a third special edition but with a unique touch.” She will be curating the “grassroots” of Indian culture in terms of fabrics, designs and crafts.
A no-frills woman herself, Dipali thinks functional and is a perfect answer to upwardly mobile women of Delhi who make brainy choices and don’t go for discounted stuff just for the heck of it. So what is my takeawayIJ Dipali hints that “costume jewellery” is back in a big, big way and how ludhiana and Jalandhar are her barometers for buying behaviour in this country.
Soon after this interaction, I cross paths with chef Manu Mohindra and wife Sonia. Now sought after food consultants, they have helped set up over 600 restaurants, guided more than 90 hotels and a luxury train. A back-to-the basics man, Mohindra resents that we call our food ‘ethnic’ while we define other foods by their country of origin. Truth lies in the flavours we are born of. He also has a word of caution on how you should dine at a restaurant using liquid nitrogen to make instant ice cream on the table. “Please ensure that all the liquid has evaporated and fog dissipated before eating. Else it could burn your tract inside and cause a gas overload.”
And finally, there are two elderly NRI couples from Nigeria who are celebrating the birthday of their spouses in a corner. They share their cake with me, saying since their children were settled elsewhere, I could just be their child for an instant and get a big bear bite of chocolatey affection. True. Spring is in the air.