New summer collection

So I’m packing for my Mediterranean summer. And like every tony Trendyista, finding nothing to wear — nothing, that is, which isn’t of a certain vintage, of a season or two ago. So shopping I had to go!

The dresses were easy. So were the gladiator sandals in burnished gold, and the woven straw hat. Now I had to have bag and belt and shades.

Most of the leather brands seemed stuffy — I wanted a more playful, stylish touch. So I stopped for a think — and a soothing Bellini — at the Maurya. And the solution stared me in the eye as I steered myself into the lobby — the Aigner boutique displaying the new summer collection.

The first thing to snag my eyeballs was the ‘belted bag’. Just the thing to go with my gladiators, this Damascus. A strappy leather-belt cage cradles a colourful fabric pouch, closed by drawstring with leather tassels. And you can swap the pouch — available in three canvas prints — at whim. (And I’m assured there will be more swaps out a little later in the year — silk foulard, wool, nubuck.)

Next up a belt to match — or many! A coordinating “smallie” pouch for girlie essentials to pop in — luxe little pieces, these, crafted out of a single seamless skin. Oh, and a silver Etienne charm to dangle beside the tassels, why not? Ooh, hey — watches to match my canvas, must-have in ivory. And now for the groovy glasses, with those leather cords attached to the earpiece. Toughie, this — buckskin or lizard? Both?

Since I was on a roll, why not get me a work-day city solution too? The ‘Tea in the Sahara’ tote is roomy enough to hold anything I throw at it, bar the laptop — Filofax, paperback, vanity case, scarf, change of heels, power snack, gymwear, eyemask, and then some. I choose it in desert rose for flair to complement function.

I’m set for the season. Bet my best friend in Mumbai rushes to the Hyatt on reading this!

Shopping Arcade 2, Maurya Sheraton, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi; ph: 011-41000261-62. Select styles also available at: Samsaara and Ranna Gill stores in Delh. Prices: Accessories Rs 10,000 onwards; bags Rs 30,000 onwards.
Also in Mumbai: The Grand Hyatt Plaza, off the Western Express Highway, Vakola, Santacruz (East), Mumbai; ph: 022-30601015-14.