Let goddess durga shower her blessings from a cushion



Where 4, Libra Tower, ground floor, opposite St Peters Church, Hill Road, Bandra (W).
Call 26401675

When we first heard that theu00a0 Delhi-based Playclan finally crossed borders to enter aamchi Mumbai, we were only too happy to trot over to Bandra to have a look at their doodles, scribbles and madness. The Bandra store lies next to the teeny Tantra shop, welcoming you in with a riot of colours and men's underwear hanging right behind the door.

For those who are still hyperventilating about Rajnikanth's Enthiran (Robot for the pseudo-fans), pick up a coaster or a diary sporting the hairy, macho Rajni gallantly standing beside a bike. Their latest theme, Men-O-Drama, gets masked dancers of four classical traditions -- Yakshagana, Theyyam, Kathakali and Cham -- on to journals, coasters, trays, bags and mugs. Another theme that you will find superimposed across products are visuals of Hindu deities. While Krishna's diaries (Rs 295) describe him as 'one helluva God with good PR skills', Kali 'revels in shocking the fashionista'. The well-sketched deities also find their way on to art frames
(Rs 1,995) and other merchandise.

Though you will find yourself browsing through knick-knacks for many a joyful minutes, the clothes came as a huge let down. The brilliant artwork of the goddesses on the women's tops (Rs 1,785) is interspersed with sequins and embroidery that mars the show. There's just one shirt for women, and the tees aren't exactly impressive. The rickshaws and Ambassador cars look cool on the men's tees but the price tag (Rs 995) pinches too much. The underwear and women's sports bras try their best to look as funky as the other merchandise but fail miserably. The only thing we would've picked up had the price not been a four-digit number were the lovely cotton tunics (Rs 1,195).

Though you can't help but notice Playclan's loyalties towards Dilli, Mumbai shows up by way of a colourful, fun map of the Fort area on a cotton carry bag (Rs 995); besides, there's a scene from chaotic Crawford Market on a lamp (Rs 3,450). We were tempted to pick up a tote showcasing a view of Apollo Bunder (Rs 1,495). We might be forced to wait for the sale season, but if you have the moolah, you would do good to bag some of these artfully kitschy designs.

Just what the doc ordered: a shot of retail therapy

Till Today and tomorrow, 11 am to 9 pm
Where Joss, 30, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda.
Call 66356908u00a0

Kunjan Budhiraja and Kainaz Mehta's idea of pampering a woman is by putting up a lavish shopping extravaganza. At Aarna, you can pick from 36 exhibits, selling everything from kids wear and home d ufffdcor to evening wear, designer wear, bags and jewellery. Pamper yourself with express manicures and pedicures, and relaxing neck and back massages from Rebirth.

Take home a little womanly gyaan through obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Nayna Dastur's lecture on women's health tomorrow, while Sunday will see luxury flower designer Zina Mody leave you with some cool tips and tricks. We suggest you end your retail therapy by putting your feet up at Jean Claude Biguine's corner, where you can receive complimentary blow-dries and hair consultations. After all, shopping is the last thing that should leave you frazzled.

Now, you too can be an expert gourmand