It's all about Summer at Aashkii, a store synonymous with elegantly unique clothing and home to a repertoire of designers - Satya Paul, Ritu Kumar and most recently, label Jai by store owner Jaishree Jayesinghe.


The two Aashkii stores appear to possess distinctive personalities: while the Maitland Crescent boutique store has a more ethnic vibe and gives prominence to sarees, the Arcade Independence flagship store ambience is modern and focused on Jai, with a generous splattering of the remaining labels.

The recently unveiled Jai Summer collection sees designer Jaishree utilise a melange of fabrics from chiffons, satins, georgettes and crepes to pure cottons.

"I try to use the finest fabrics, because I feel that using the finest fabrics makes a huge difference to the garment", Jaishree enthused. And I have to agree, the quality of the material is easily discerned with a touch. Her talent too, is undeniable. The designs - 'a fusion of western glamour interspersed with ethnic elegance' - are visually arresting, unique and beautiful.


Her label is as versatile as it gets - from sarees to dresses to kaftans to skirts and pants, there is always something for everyone. Each piece is painstakingly designed to stand out and the embellishments done by hand. Batiks, tie dye, cutwork and striking prints help the designs make a statement.

Meanwhile, the Ritu Kumar summer wear consists of a similar assortment of fabrics: cottons, crepes, voiles and tshirt material. Her continually evolving collections include ethnic motifs and embellishments integrated to accommodate the tastes of the modern generation.

Also unveiled in the Summer collection is the handmade Calonge range of pure leather bags. In keeping with the unspoken mantra of "unique pieces" at the Aashkii store, no two bags are the same.

Among the plethora of accessories available at the store are Satya Paul pure silk ties, handmade silk beaded necklaces in striking colours and Morano jewelry - earrings and rings made of blown glass from Venice.


Aashkii will soon be launching their website to better cater to their overseas clientele, with international shipping in the pipelines.


For further information check out the links below:
www.facebook.com/aashkii
Instagram/aashkii