Rise of the Silver Surfer

You know those days where doing nothing is an art? Those days are numbered, is the first thought that will skateboard through your head at lightning speed when you visit the new Quiksilver and Roxy store at Phoenix Mills, where outdoorsy clothes and accessories compel you to get off your a** and do something, anything  – go  surfing, learn to skateboard, plan a vacation, get a six pack or even a boy with a six pack.

Mad Men and Their Board Rooms

The international fashion brand that draws inspiration from boarding mainly targets the youth, with the Quiksilver part of the store reserved for men, and Roxy for women.  In a sea of mediocre printed tees and casual checked shirts, boys will be instantly attracted to reversible board shorts printed with vibrant water pistols and capsules that go a yummy neon green when turned inside out. Shirtless himbos who like it more subtle, see the orange-yellow pair that’s basically like a Californian sunset on your bum. Priced at Rs 3,959 (about a grand more than the US price) these don’t come super cheap, but there aren’t too many good places for men to buy swim wear in Mumbai. Match these with fun flip flops (Rs 1,295), bronze aviators (Rs 5,900), travel carry bag (Rs 2,295) and beach of your choice.

We suggest you don’t waste money on cotton shorts (Rs 3,295) and wallets (Rs 1,595) whose cheaper cousins are often sighted at Bandra’s export surplus stores. Also look out for the Create Your Own Belt set with mix and match canvas straps and buckles and sleeves for your many gizmos. And then of course, those uber cool skateboards (start at Rs 13,000) that made us wish we’d attended Quiksilver’s pre-launch Carter Road boarding workshop.

Now Showing at Roxy

Over on the Roxy side of the store, the sun doesn’t shine quite as bright for no bikinis are available (yet?). Yes, there are cute super short board shorts with rainbow stripe (Rs 1,295) and some fun beach sandals (1,595) but the rest of the stock for women is quite a wash out. There are shapeless bathing suit cover ups, blah tees and a few random pairs of jeans. If you don’t mind spending four grand on a beach dress however, see crochet and ikhat print sheath.

Now you may not leave Quiksilver and Roxy with a lot of loot, but you’re likely to find one bright buy, the kind you can plan a trip around.

Getting there: Quiksilver, shop no 6, ground floor, Courtyard, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, call 66345011, Rs 1,295 for flipflops.