Today, I realised it is not easy to explore Delhi completelly. Knowing Delhi completelly is a myth and there are something that may surprise you. The capital of India has been a good hunting grounds for shoppers. There are so many popular market places. From street vendors to big malls. Sarojini nagar market, to Palika to Janpath to Karol Bagh to Chandni chowk etc. Name them and I can tell my experience around each of them. I have been to all of them and always assume that I know every bits of Delhi. Be it markets, shops historical places , government office and so on. But my confidence about Delhi took a heavy beating when I heard and visited Shahpur Jat Village. I heard of this name many a times. The places usually were in news for other reason. I asummed it be a another typical urban village with narrow lanes and big houses. But I never knew that the place is very popular for fashion. It is a hub for all the designer costume and dresses, and never meant for people belongs to Middle class. I was amazed to take a little stroll in various narrow lane of this village only to find the luxurious clothing hub for the richer.
After being to the place for a short walk, I considered it as a hidden tresure. The reason it blends a rustic South Delhi urban village with a high end bohemian fashion and design hub. The area functions as a working backroom for craftspeople and embroiderers who supply top fashion houses. There were many narrow lanes that were connected with each otyer. It was densly populated. The lanes were so narrow that two 2 wheeler can pass thrpugh together. These Narrow, winding lanes feature independent designer studios and custom bridal wear instead of typical mega-malls. Few of the lanes were lit up nicely in evening to woo the customer. And it may appear a differrnt world outside the village
I never been to this place all these years. But after visiting their I learned few things. I am yet to explore the place more, but high humidity and lack of air made my trip short. The narrow lanes house numerous designer boutiques, upscale bridal wear stores, and independent designer studios offering ethnic, western, and avant garde fashion. There were many small shops selling their product. All pretier and attractive. I went inside one to check the prices of a wedding suit and was tagged Rs.56680/- ($600 approx). I was not allowed to click any photographs inside the shops. Because they were work of some fines fashioner designer.
The shopkeeper told me that in case you need the dress for November, then we have to order it now. It get too messy and chaotic during the wedding season. So to avoid any last minute rush, better to order now. But I am sure non of the middle class people could afford such an expensive suit. On getting little friendly with the person he told me that designer studios in the area generally start basic luxury outfits around INR 50,000, making comprehensive bridal shopping an investment primarily suited for higher budgets.
The village is located directly within the ancient ruins and remnants of Alauddin Khilji's medieval Siri Fort complex, giving it a unique old meets new charm. I couls not manage to click more picture as the lack of air supply making me suffocate. It is so strange, that even in such locality the markets were booming handsomly. There were buyers which make the place up and running throughout the year. But be careful , making it to the place is easier, but getting out could be challenging.
In good faith - Peace!!
