Bangalore's very own Essentially ethnic

With so much of the spotlight being focussed on western fashion trends, girls and young women sporting a pair of jeans and a tight top is more prominent in the city than a woman in a salwar kameez. But is that because they are offered a wider choice in the western clothing segment or because they just don’t know where to find a great set of ethnic attire? If your tailor can’t get it right and you are still in search of that perfect kurta, here are a few of the best stores in town that deal in ethnic clothing with a range of choice so diverse that you will be left mind-boggled and a little lighter on your wallet.

Fabindia is a brand to reckon with in ethnic wear and a must-stop for those of you who want to sport that traditional look. Piled high with salwars and kurtis of every conceivable design and colour, this chain of shops entices one and all. Their casual cotton and formal silk kurtas offer a wide array of choices and mixing and matching becomes a sport. Besides salwar, it also stocks colourful dupattas to complement your outfit.

Another must-visit is Anokhi at the Leela Galleria. Anokhi has the most beautiful prints and dyes for its kurtas and some of the best-fitting cuts.

Slightly higher on the budget is the designer brand Bandhej. Walk into the store and you will be amazed by the garments that surround you. Kurtas, salwars, churridars, ethnic skirts and sarees in patchwork, embroidery, beadwork, silk, and chiffon will have you keep coming back for more.

Khadder at the Forum Mall is another boutique for ethnic clothing. Most of its range is in khadi, and done in style. There are also silk blends and men’s kurtas on the racks.

A Jaipur brand, Soma, is in the city: their speciality is kurtas in cotton and muslin. They also have a range of children’s clothes and Jaipur quilts.

Right next to the Ulsoor Lake is Ambara. Here you will find kurtas in block prints, patchwork and self prints, all in cotton and in sync with the contemporary style. And finally, there is The Bombay Store on MG Road. Their range is diverse and you can buy anything from a simple round-necked cotton kurta to a silk, scoop-necked, zardosi-edged kurti.

So go ahead, weed out the wardrobe, find your credit card and get back to your roots in style.