Born to be Pretty



FUN, FLIRTY and very feminine. That's how you could describe the clothes on offer at the week-old Forever New store at Express Avenue. Anjani Ghai. the buyer, Forever New, India, says that the brand decided to open a standalone boutique in the city based on the positive response it has garnered at its shop-in-shop at Citi Centre. The end-of-sea-son sale is currently underway with discounts up to 50 per cent. Frock fetish The first thing you would notice as you walk into the store is the predominance of dresses on the racks — Forever New's trademark. "We have a	good spread of evening wear dresses, and a range of day wear too. Dresses are becoming more popular across India and conversely, denims are on the downslide," observes Ghai. The store predominantly features nude shades, pastels and greens (while the summer was all about fuchsia and electric colours, winter sees the return of black and neutrals. I'm told), with a lot of floral prints that are distinctively brand Forever New. Don't miss a healthy sprinkling of bold frills and lace too. "We stand	out from other brands due to the fabric we use - we use a special blend fabric," Ghai declares. The dresses are priced at Rs 2,200 onwards. For the conservative buyer, Ghai says that the answer lies in layering. "Think about pairing your dress with a knit bolero or leggings," she quips. But, as Ghai quickly points out, Forever New is not just about dresses. "We have smart-casual tops, skirts and accessories as well," she affirms. The party wear range of tops is especially eye-catching. The skirts are priced between Rs 1,200 and Rs 2,200. Ghai offers that clothes for the new season will arrive in the shop by the end of August. Accessorise right As for the accessories, hair bands ^:are hot right now. "We introduced ; hair bands only last season and we have had a great response," main- \ tains Ghai. The range includes cloth hairbands and blingy metallic ones. Also featuring in the bestseller's list are fash ion jewellery like the neck pieces — pearl necklaces and multi-chain layered designs are two of the most '■ sought after products in the store. Priced : between Rs 400 and Rs 1.400. Also on offer are belts, bags and scarves, the last i being a lovely collection of the whimsical and the dreamy. Details: 28464361 ; - Aishhwariya Subramanian