A Mal for kids

Mal, a posh new kids’ store is soon going to be launched at Juhu, Mumbai. This multi-designer

store brings together high fashion designer wear for kids from well-known and established designers, all under one roof. The store is owned by Minoti Sampat. This 2000 sq ft space has been divided into two sections: his and hers. The merchandise is displayed according to different age groups (from newborns up until 7 years of age) and the interiors of the store have been accessorised with appropriate category signages. Each section will have a special occasion area which holds a unique collection of items suitable for weddings, birthdays, or any other formal event. From tuxedos and bandhgalas, to dresses, salwars and lehengas, the options for creating the perfect outfit for a child will also be available. The store also offers perfect outfits to lounge in and sleepwear (including an Ayurvastra range) in order to cover everything from simple, affordable pieces to high-end luxury.

Minoti strongly believes that there is a huge market for kidswear in India. But, she asserts that there was a great need for a boutique where children (and their mothers) can go for the best Indian designer collections under one roof. The children’s designer wear market has been burgeoning with international designers, and they felt that Indian designers were equally equipped and eager to create collections exclusively for infants and toddlers, and eventually they hope to expand all over the country.”

The store boasts of collections from an extremely talented and renowned pool of Indian designers like Raghavendra Rathore, Aneeth Arora, Sonali Mansingka and Hema Patel Shroff. These designers after carving a niche for themselves in the adult wear segment, are now looking at entering the kidswear market. Besides, the store name is based on a unique concept, i.e., Mal is an abbreviation for malmal, which means fine soft cotton. Malmal is a luxuriant and yet comfortable fabric perfect for climates like tropical India. And the store values reflect exactly that- rich Indian designer wear that is easily wearable and perfect for Indian sensibilities.