Sisters of style

They are sisters-in-law and it’s their interest in fashion that binds them together. Whether it’s friends, family or anybody else, Shilpi Jatia and Rituu Bagrodia are always geared up to give styling tips and fashion makeovers. It was their love for fashion that made them start the fashion extravaganza, The Dressing Room - a two-day fashion exhibition - three years ago and they have claimed the hearts of luxury shoppers with it. The two call this business venture a destiny that was meant to happen. Shilpi and Rituu were good friends, who had no clue that one day they would turn close relatives and business partners. “Everything just happened on its own. We did not plan anything,” laughs Shilpi. She had delivered her first baby in 2010 and was planning to start something of her own, when Rituu, who had studied fashion, suggested starting an exhibition that would bring multiple designers under one roof. “The moment we decided to work on the idea, everything started rolling on its own. We got in touch with designers and one after the other all of them agreed to participate in the show,” says Shilpi, who still gets thrilled when she recalls the excitement that built up during their first exhibition. “We can never forget the first show. We had put in all our efforts into it,” she adds. She talks about how Rohit Bal’s attending in their first show kicked them even more. “We felt that our hard work of months had paid off,” she says. The show, that is now held twice in Mumbai and once in Delhi annually, brings a comprehensive mix of Indian contemporary and bridal fashion. Rituu, who has always been interested in fashion and has done many smaller events earlier, says, “The idea was just to get new designs for family and friends before the festive and bridal season. It emerged from our realisation that a modern woman, who is juggling between so many things, doesn’t get time to shop. We wanted to create a space where they can get everything under one roof.” The duo thinks that it’s their perfect understanding and coordination that has made them perfect business partners. “We both are aware about our shortcomings and strengths. We compliment each other really well,” remarks Shilpi. The best thing about both of them is their consideration for others. “We make sure that we don’t get two designers displaying the same stuff,” says Rituu, who is always in touch with Shilpi over the phone to discuss the details. Besides bonding at family events, they love to attend the fashion week together. “It’s at the fashion week that we understand how our understanding of fashion has evolved over time and how could we improve our business in a better way,” concludes Shilpi.