PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

The Launch of MAL- The Store at Juhu

Minoti Sampat is getting ready for the launch of her posh new kids store at Juhu
called MAL. This multi designer store brings together high fashion designer wea
r for kids aged between 0 and 7 years, from well known and established designers
, all under one roof.

Minoti strongly believes that there is a huge market for kidswear in India. But,
she asserts that MAL caters to much more than just any kids’ products. On the ide
a behind MAL, Minoti says, “There was a great need for a boutique where children (
and their mothers can go) for the best Indian designer collections under one roo
f. The children’s designer wear market has been burgeoning with international desi
gners, and we felt that Indian designers were equally equipped and eager to crea
te collections exclusively for infants and toddlers. So really the need was felt
by both designers as well as our customers. This fact is not limited to just Mu
mbai alone, and eventually we hope to expand all over the country.”

The store boasts of collections from an extremely talented and renowned pool of
Indian designers who, after carving a niche for themselves in the adults wear se
gment, are now looking at entering the kidswear market. Designers like Raghavend
ra Rathore, Aneeth Arora, Noriealla Al Hariri, Pooja S, Zubair Kirmani, Masaba G
upta, Sonali Mansingka, HB Couture, Hema Patel Shroff and Alecca Carrano get set
to showcase their creations for the little ones.

The MAL store is in one of the prime locations in Juhu, Mumbai. This 2000sq ft s
pace has been divided into two sections: his and hers. The merchandise is displa
yed according to different age groups (from newborns up until 7 years of age) an
d the interiors of the store have been accessorized with appropriate category si
gnages. Each section will have a special occasion area which holds a unique coll
ection of items suitable for weddings, birthdays, or any other formal event. Fro
m tuxedos and bandhgalas, to dresses, salwars and lehengas, the options for crea
ting the perfect outfit for a child are here. The store also offers perfect outf
its to lounge in and sleepwear (including an Ayurvastra range) in order to cover
everything from simple, affordable pieces to high-end luxury.

MAL is designed to make shoppers feel welcome and unrushed while still keeping
the aesthetic sophisticated. As opposed to retailing outlets that want people to
get in and out quickly, MAL wants the customers to relax and linger to make the
best possible choice . The store is in almost-bodouir like setting (cupboards,
cribs, children’s vintage drying hangers, et al), so the customers and their chil
dren can pause and appreciate the clothes. A little garden with bluebells and fr
angipanis completes the comfortable and welcoming aesthetic for the little cus
tomers and mommies.
Says Minoti, “Our name – MAL is an abbreviation for Malmal which means fine soft cot
ton. MALMAL evokes so many different thoughts, soft, comfortable, pure, Indian j
ust like the range we stock at our store. Tracing back into history, malmal was
luxuriant and yet comfortable fabric perfect for climates like tropical India. O
ur store values reflect exactly that: rich Indian designer wear that is easily w
earable and perfect for Indian sensibilities. It was probably, the first choice
of cloth that a mother would want to swaddle her baby in, whether it is richly e
mbroidered Malmal Khas (that the royals preferred) or just the plain simple vers
ion of malmal. Similarly we have a truly varied yet handpicked collection from r
ich occasion wear to simple, classic designs.” She strongly believes that such an
idea will be welcomed with open arms by both mothers and children.

She talks about her plans of expanding this concept beyond Mumbai in the longer
run given the fact that there is a strong boutique culture spreading across Ind
ia.

Raghavendra Rathore Kids:

The epitome of regalia infused in fashion, who altered the perception of the Ban
dgala, and revived the heritage charm, has added another brand to his multi-face
ted Design Company, the Raghavendra Rathore Kids label. With the launch of the k
ids brand for boys, the brand has successfully ventured in the limelight for off
ering a complete Pret line, allowing the little princes to strut their style wit
h fashion in each step. The Rathore Jodhpur Kids line has launched designs for i
ndo-western and casual designs for infants and kids up to 7 years of age. The de
signs portray the contemporary feel of the old-world, princely charm, and yet fi
t on the persona of the 21st century kid. The collection includes the signature
Rathore Bandgala, kurta-pyjamas, long and short tunics and dhoti kurta sets. A
s would be expected from the caliber of Rathore Jodhpur, this collection also in
cludes the signature statements of the designer, and amplifies the scope of his
creativity.

‘Péro’ by Aneeth Arora:

‘péro’ creates simple clothing for kids, utilizing indigenous skills and knowledge of
ancient textile and clothing traditions of the India and world over. ‘péro ‘ means ‘to w
ear’ in Marwari which is the local languge of Rajasthan. Most garments are inspire
d by the local dressing styles that one comes across in the remotest of areas. K
idswear line by ‘péro’ is created keeping these simple everyday styles in mind, in a w
ay that kids find ease, comfort and pleasure in their clothes. The label is crea
ted by Aneeth Arora, a textile graduate from National Institute of Design, Ahmed
abad and a fashion graduate from National Institute of Fashion Technology .A ‘text
ile and dress maker’ who firmly believes that local people and their dressing styl
e are the real trend setters of the time. Therefore her clothes may not essentia
lly follow seasonal fashion but sit alongside with it. The idea is to delight th
e senses and mind of the wearer and create a line for someone who is fascinated
by the dress of the local people around, and seeks pleasure in incorporating the
ir effortless style in one’s own attire.

ALL BY N by Noriealla Al Hariri for YOUNG MOTHERS/MATERNITY WEAR:

The ALL BY N scarf is a new concept that no one has done before. ALL BY N own th
e rights to this new concept. It is 3 meters long with a huge "V" inserted half
way. This "V" creates a natural drape. Pockets are always a must - who doesn t l
ike pockets!?! No more folding square shaped scarves to try to create this look,
no more having the sides too short that you don t know what to do with them! Th
e design is the same for every piece; the only difference is the fabric - perfec
t for every occasion - perfect for any look you want to accessorize. Noriealla A
l Hariri also stocks at Harvey Nichols in Riyadh and Mall of Emirates Dubai and
Colie Boutique in Geneva.

The Magic Cupboard by Pooja S:

From fun tutu skirts, to comfortable english lounge wear read bloomer sets and
very English tunics the magic cupboard has a collection of lounge wear perfect
for any child to host their own little tea party. Pooja S is also creating a ran
ge of lounge wear in Ayurvastra (specially sourced from the hinterland of Kerala
) Ayurvedic fabrics naturally died that ensure the well being of every child. Lo
unge wear for babies has never had such a luxe and fun twist.

Zubair Kirmani:
This collection primarily focuses on colour, fabric; comfort and extending the s
ignature look into kids wear, something simple yet eccentric. Fabrics are carefu
lly chosen to keep in mind kids wear, with attention to detailing, his garbs are
put the accent on intricate embroideries, planned patchworks, colour blocking a
nd geometric patterns which has been carefully transformed into simple and conte
mporary line for girls shift dresses, dresses even Indian outfits like kurta/chu
ridar, and for boys linen suits and kurta/churidar are in focus. And special lin
e of security blankets made from fine pashmina, silk velvet and crushed satin si
lk also will be witness in kid’s line.

Masaba Gupta:
Treading towards unchartered waters, Masaba admits that kids wear is a lot tough
er, “I never thought I would do a kids range as there is a lot of work involved.” Ca
tering to both the genders - from six month old toddlers to seven year olds, the
collection of frilly dresses, saris, sherwanis, drop crotch pants and shirts in
linen and ikat are the downsized version of Masaba’s Resort 2010 collection Don’t m
iss: Body suit with a tutu, the adult version of which was showcased at the rec
ent Autumn/ Festive Lakme Fashion Week as a body suit lehenga.

‘Ibella’ by Ramona Narang:

The style diva Ramona Narang is all set to launch “Ibella” Baby Couture a stylish li
ne for children. This line is based on the theme of an Indian prince and princes
s. The baby clothes are very festive and vibrant with amazing trimmings. They ar
e made with soft materials in which the babies can move around freely. Keeping i
n line with the theme of the collection the clothes are Indian. For example for
girls they have a linen wrap, lehenga chunri and an anarkali kurta likewise for
boys they have kurta pyjamas and a linen wrap. This collection caters to childre
n from the age of one till the age of eight. The collection comprises of the qui
ntessential his and her baby colours like blue and pink. It also has a hint
of yellow in it. The trimmings are mostly gold and silver to add to the festivi
ty and glamour of the collection. The materials used are linen and silk so that
it is soft and comfortable for the children. The clothes are available in four
sizes, which are one –two years, three-four years, five–six years and seven-eight ye
ars.

Sonali Mansingka:
Sonali s line for MAL includes fun dresses and tunics with sea animal silk brooc
hes (each outfit comes with an extra brooch so you can mix and match and play ar
ound) as well as a range of Indian wear created from kerala sarees.

HB Couture (for Maternity wear):

This is a collection of linen tunics in breathable fabrics and beautiful pastel
shades as well as printed silk kaftans for expectant mothers.

‘Amba’ by Hema Patel Shroff:

Hema s passion developed while working with weavers at Rehwa Society while worki
ng with weavers at Rehwa Society and Women Weave, both non-profit weaving co-ope
ratives. In 1999, she launched her own range of hand-wsoven clothing and divine
accessories. She designs beautiful children’s pajamas called River Rompers as well
as Jellabiya s, for kids who ‘play, sleep and dream,’ Hema now makes make River Rom
pers in adult sizes to keep the mums happy too. Her clothes are comfortable, sim
ple and stylish and yet fun. This season they are block printed with chappals in
bright festive colours.

Alecca Carrano :
Alecca has come up with a collection of children’s wear that has been directly ins
pired from the women’s wear collection. Most of the line is for girls in very happ
y and yet soft colors. The fabrics were translated into more comfortable cottons
and easily cared for materials. The collection’s look is easily recognizable as A
lecca Carrano due to the themes in embroideries as well as the shapes of the gar
ments.
Pink Cow
Pink Cow - Classic Designer Clothing offers vintage style dresses for little gir
ls with their own unique sense of fashion. Here you will find a wonderful select
ion of party and formal girls boutique clothes. PinkCow clothing collection lets
your little princess embrace her individuality with classic style!

About Minoti Sampat:

Minoti’s passion for working with children started in London during her masters p
rogram at UCL where she did a stint for a joint project with the British Museum
and Save the Children India. After a few years in the style media, her fashion
and passion for children gave birth to the concept of MAL, a multi designer stor
e for children in India. When she put on her business hat (a bachelors degree in
Management and first masters in Economics had something to do with that) the bu
siness model made perfect sense too. And that was how MAL was born.

‘MAL’ DETAILS:

DESIGNERS WE STOCK FOR KIDS:

1. Raghavendra Rathore Kids

2.’ Ibella’ Baby Couture by Ramona Narang
3. Alecca Carrano
4. Sonali Mansingka
5. Pero by Aneeth Arora
6. Zubair Kirmani
7. Masaba Gupta
8. Amba
9. ‘The Magic Cupboard’ by Pooja S

FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS:

1. All by N (who also stocks with Harvey Nichols etc.)

2. HB Couture
3. ‘Ibella’

STORE DETAILS:

MAL-The Store, 50 Bhagwat, 2nd NS Rd, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle West, Mumbai 40005
6
Tel: 022 65294424.
Email: malthestore@gmail.com, Website: www.malthestore.com

For further details please contact:

Minoti Sampat
Tel: 983991800
Email: minotisampat@gmail.com