That’s All Folks

A dancing deity with a twinkle in his eye is the first Play Clan member we were introduced to, a few months ago at a swish Bombay boutique. Residing on a holographic postcard, the deity blessed our hearts and shopping carts, and with this object we could not part. The attachment grew, and things got serious – before we knew it, we were on an airplane to the Delhi flagship store, off to meet the family – a crazy khaandaan of solemn sadhus, fierce devis, rickshaw drivers, money-hungry mantris, the superstar Rajnikant.

Tee Our Family

They must have liked us because three days ago a whole lot of them moved to Mumbai and got their own place at Bandra’s Hill Road: ladies and gentlemen, the city’s first Play Clan store has arrived.

Before we tell you that here bus tickets appear on boxers and rickshaws ride on notebooks, and you roll your eyes thinking, “that same old kitsch”, consider why Play Clan stands apart from the gazillion brands building India-inspired products - their illustrations are adorable (think Sita Sings the Blues), fabric quality is levels above Tantra-ish tees, and choice of products (lighters, sports bras, shift dresses), fun.

New Additions

Here bpb spied lungi iPod covers, Rajnikant visiting card holders, sports bras, BEST boxers, yoga and meditation-inspired diaries, kitschy pocket mirrors, lamps, trays, paintings and more. Bombay bums will love the Bandra map diary and urban shopping bags painted with scenes from Colaba and Crawford Market. If you’re not afraid of bling and color, you should also get the sequins-scattered T-shirt screen printed with comically angry goddesses - also awesome are the graphical boxes these come in, which make great pencil holders. (Rs.1,995).

Moving In?

But like in any big family, some members are pricey and must be either won over or left alone. Like the Rs 800 boxer shorts for instance, or the Rs 2,000 cotton T-shirts. Starting at Rs 200 however, the stationery and some of the bric-a-brac are much more worth your time and money.

So remember shoppers, Play Clan is here and they’re queer, but we love them anyway and you will too.

Getting there: Ground floor, Libra Towers, next to Asif Salon, opposite St Peter’s Church, Hill Road, Bandra (W), call 26401675, visit www.theplayclan.com, start at Rs 150.