M’zuri Sana is a Swahili expression
meaning ‘Beautiful to behold’. It began
as a wildly ambitious venture without the advantage
of any formal grooming in haute couture, inspired by
the challenging task of designing a wardrobe for a teenage
college-going daughter. Few tasks can be as daunting
as being with it when it comes to Generation Y. So how
did one go about it? By breaking the shackles of set
notions and letting the imagination literally run wild.
Fabrics, prints, colors and cuts that were developed
with a hunter’s instinct for the elusive quarry
called style also helped. And the rest was a safari
that began in the classical setting of Jodhpur and reached
the fashion streets of Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad,
Secundrabad, Chennai and Goa.
The treasures displayed for sale give
inspiration for the off-beat present. Those antique
carved furniture like carved bookshelves, baby chairs,
wire tables, coffee table, treasury chests (Sindooks)
are the masterpieces by Rajasthani craftsmen. And those
kundan work photo frames, curtain rods and peg hooks,
mirrors with painted wooden frames, Camel leather bat
stools, and peg tables are some of the unusual collections.
Note books and diaries with copper and bronze covers,
iron sculptures, candle holders are most sought after
traditional art objects. Handmade papers with khadi
block-prints make ideal gift-wrappings, exclusive cards
and carry bags. Diamond cut glass door handles and knobs,
ceramic and wooden pages are integral part of the decorative
accessories.
Yes, M’zuri Sana is all this
and a lot more! And if the souvenir hunter in you were
to ask, ‘What makes M’zuri Sana truly special?’
the answer would be ‘Your own experience’.
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