A section of the shop in AE Block

A shopping outlet has opened doors in AE Block to offer a range of designerwear and accessories. The Silver Needle, near Tank 4 has brought under one roof several international brands.

Besides ethnic, bridal, casual and Indo-western clothes for men and women, there are bags from Korea, shoes from Italy, watches from France and a lot more.

“We sensed a demand for a multi-designer store in the area when we noticed our friends from Salt Lake, New Town and Lake Town travelling south to shop,” said Richa Prahladka, one of the partners, at the opening. So the Prahladkas converted the ground floor of their AE 45 home into the store.

Taking creative decisions is Puja Prahladka, Richa’s sister-in-law, who is herself a designer having worked for Ritu Kumar in the past. “We’ve taken great care to choose the designers whose collection would be available at our store,” she says, laying out linen jackets and blazers by Kirti Rathore, a Jaipur-based men’s designer who has taken part in both Wills and Lakme India Fashion Week. Rathore’s collection also includes jute trousers in bright green and orange.

Delhi-based designer Rishab Goenka was present at the store for the opening. “My new bridal and semi-bridal collection is a blend of royal and chic and I have teamed zardozi salwars and basra motis,” said Goenka. Bridal ghagras at the store can cost up to Rs 1.5 lakh.

There is an eye-catching collection of painted canvas shoes and boots by Rohan Arora as well as kitsch bags with motifs of gods. There are funky bags in neon shades of orange, green and pink too. Prices begin at Rs 500 for a small clutch bag.

Abhineet Prahladka, Richa’s husband and business partner, promised to keep its pricing reasonable. “We are sourcing accessories directly from the manufacturers and so are able to eliminate middle men,” he said.

Said Ritika Dhamija, a customer who had come from CIT Road: “I usually shop at Metro Plaza or Forum but this outlet will be closer to home.” Another shopper, Nabamita Chakraborty was happy with the footwear. “Designer clothes and bags are available these days but shoes are difficult to find,” said the model.