Like a Phoenix From the Ashes

Friday is usually field trip day at the bpb office, the last of which involved fighting fierce traffic to get to the spanking new Phoenix Market City (PMC) mall in Kurla. The monstrous Phoenix (spread over retail space of 2.1 million square feet, advertised as India's biggest mall) seems like a distant Pied Piper trying to lure the suits and ties of BKC (twenty minutes away) with the retail equavalent of several hit tunes including Zara, Quiksilver and Lush (opening soon!), Vero Moda, Bebe, Body Shop, L’Occitane and more. Are the corporates following with notes of their own?

If they are, we saw no evidence of it during our visit, but instead window shopped (to the sound of Third Eye Blind’s Deep Inside of You playing on the loud speaker) while desultory groups of college kids and neighbourhood residents took in the sights and songs. While the main level is replete with many of the international brands you see at High Street Phoenix, the Indian ones like Arrow and Catwalk are kept below eye level. PVR Cinemas and several restaurants including Mainland China will be serving soon.

Zero In On: Bebe

bpb was most curious, but let that curiosity not be mistaken for excitement, to visit the Bebe store at PMC (there’s one in Malad and another opening at Linking Road, Santacruz). Launched just in time for the festivities, majority of the store is taken up by soiree stock, but the kind that would have to know a friend of a friend to be admitted into all the hot parties.

Take for instance the uber-tight satin panelled dresses with back zippers that should have arrived many seasons ago, or maybe not at all. There are crochet and lace sheaths whose price tags demand that better quality fabric be used. Even some styles that are fun – finely feathered dresses – could have done with better finishing. We did spot a cute white top but the Rs 4,000 price tag made us re-evaluate.

If you like those matching track suit sets (you should be looking for a job as J-Lo’s back up dancer) go over to the fitness section that houses one in almost every colour. Bebe fans can buy basics which include jeans, tanks and tees (Rs 2,500) sporting the trademark rhinestone ‘Bebe’ logo. There are also a bunch of evening bags, including one that resembles frilly underwear.

Does This Come in My (Fanta)Size?

Finally, amidst all the tacky plumage and pleats bpb spotted a pretty nude-gold dress made entirely of sequins. Did we imagine this thing of beauty? The dress could perhaps sum up what the shimmering Phoenix Market City seems like in a largely non-shiny neighbourhood –  dream sequins.

Getting there: Bebe, Phoenix Marketcity, LBS Marg, Kurla, view the Facebook group here, Rs 2,500 for a T-shirt.