When a 140-year-old quaint and beautiful house near Lalbagh was passed down to City-based designer Latha Puttanna’s husband, she didn’t give up the opportunity to create a retail space for her brand Shrishti.

Having been in the industry for the past 23 years, she decided to forego her previous business model of exhibitions and orders and worked with two interior designers to spruce up the heritage home.

“Siddapura used to be a village and S Kempanna, who built this house, was the Patel (head). He was from my husband’s paternal lineage and it’s now been passed down to the fifth generation. It’s sad not to utilise old homes like this, so I decided to start an in-house manufacturing and design unit here.

But seeing the rising demand for retailing, I opened it as my flagship Bangalore store last year. I’ve tried to keep it modern but with a vintage touch,” shares Latha, elaborating that though the old tiles, well and courtyard have been retained, objects like antique mirrors and cupboards have been added to enhance the look.

Asked how the place makes her feel, Latha replies, “I’m very sentimental as a person and the old-world charm of this house complements the clothes I design, which largely work with the revival of dying techniques like ajrak, kalamkari and ikat. And it isn’t only me — when visitors come down the street and find the store, they are instantly charmed by it.”

Shrishti includes a range of exquisite saris, blouses, kurtis, churidars, salwars and Indo-Western wear in various cuts, styles and colours.

It is located at 102, 2nd Cross, Lalbagh, Siddapura.

For details, call 26567349.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Metrolife / DHNS – Bangalore, April 19th, 2014