For those who are tired of disappointing shopping trips, it’s time to look elsewhere: into the World Wide Web. There are loads of problems when buying off the shelf. A shoe might not fit wide feet and looks pretty at the same time. The myriad jewellery collections in stores tend to be the same or derivative at best. Worse still is when a colleague or friend ends up with the same handbag you were so excited to buy. And when the tailor ruins yet another lovely blouse material, it’s the final straw.
But websites now give you the freedom to customise anything you need. Here are some options.
Shoes — Talons D’or
Praneet Kakani’s search for the perfect shoe for his fiancée led him on an entrepreneurial career path. “I was looking for customised shoes for her and was not able to find the right pair,” says the CEO of the three-month-old company.
“I realised that there is a need for good shoes that are easily available at the right price. I wanted to address that and make shoes that are perfect.” Styled along the lines of the internationally popular Shoes of Prey website, Talons D’or gives patrons the option of making everything from ballet flats to towering stilettos. “The main aim was to change the way a person shops. Everyone is unique and creative; we give them the choice of material and design, so they can find a pair that defines them,” says Kakani. “It’s especially useful for those with larger shoe sizes or feet that are too wide or too narrow, as they also do made-to-measure pieces. They have a free return policy or the option to get the shoes remade for free if the sizing is off.
Visit talonsdor.com
Jewellery — Gehna
Between the lightweight collections and antique looks, it’s tough to pick just one of the many designs that are on the shelves of every jeweller. They have everything except the one thing you’re looking for. Enter Chennai-based Gehna, which allows users to design their own jewellery on the website. You can even provide an image for reference. Founder Sunith Samdaria says, “We ask what the material, finish and budget is; this gives us an idea of what the client wants. Once they send the form, we sit with our designers and send the customer some options. This is based on the occasion and age of the person.” All the jewellery is handmade. While international shipping is not yet available, Samdaria says it is in the works. Other options for customising jewellery are Pipa Bella, VelvetCase and AuGrav.
Visit gehnaindia.com
Blouses — House of Blouse
Finding a good tailor is one of the most difficult propositions, and this is perhaps why the readymade blouse industry is flourishing. To address this concern, Bengaluru-based Rachana and Roopa came up with an “answer to the troubles of finding or making the right blouse given the hectic schedules and commutes of today.” The online shop lets users customise their blouses through an easy-to-use design web-app. This is then made according to customer specifications and delivered. Choose your sleeve, neckline and length, along with a wide variety of fabrics. A live rendering gives you a better idea of how the blouse will look.
It’s a bit more expensive than your local tailor: a simple basic pattern costs Rs. 1,500. But there are premium styles, fabrics, length and add-ons that hike the price of the blouse according to your requirements.
Log on to www.houseofblouse.com
Bags — Toteteca
If you’re bored of the staid offerings in stores when it comes to handbags, this is a great alternative. Pick your style, and then customise the colours, metal detailing, lining and even add a personalised monogram. The range starts at Rs. 900 and goes up to Rs. 3,500. Every style on the website is customisable and new collections are frequently added.
Visit toteteca.com
