Market Watch: Shahpurjat

Shahpurjat is Delhi in its hybridised best. Ensconced between two of south Delhi's most upmarket areas, Asiad Games Village and Hauz Khas, this tiny piece of “urban village” has missed the trendy touch of city architecture, yet has managed to capture the essence of a city life like no other.

Walking through the narrow galis of Shahpurjat, one is surprised to chance upon shops housed in dilapidated buildings, selling exclusive products in innovative designs, everything from shoes and jewellery to clothes and books. Hence, it’s small wonder, that this little corner of south Delhi has become a popular haunt among Delhiites who love to shop.

Famous for its boutiques offering designer clothes, the market is divided into three broad categories, clothes, accessories and home décor items. Darzi, Viva, Osho, Tarini, Niket, Aakarshan, Vani Creations, Ambience, Haute Couture and Parichhatra offer exciting options when it comes to picking up a dress.

Check out Revolution, a shop that makes plus-size designer-wear. The jewellery shops of Shahpurjat ensure quality and exclusivity. Unlike the big stores, the shops like Aakaar (5-L Shahpurjat, Ph: 011 26497632) and Tavishi and Kalden usually offer undivided attention and yet aren’t overbearing to please you.

One of the best-kept secrets of Shahpurjat is The Shoe Garage, popularly known as TSG. Many believe it’s the one place where you can find the dream shoe of your choice. TSG has a manufacturing unit that will make any shoe for you in a few days depending on the work. Catering to the minutest of needs, TSG has loyal customers coming back for more because of the low prices, good quality and customised service.

Dastakar stocks reasonably-priced terracotta, basketry, weaves and is a good place to shop for your home. In addition to the range of cotton garments, bedsheets, cushion and pillow covers, Dastkar also houses curios made by local craftsmen from all corners of the country, including Bastar artefacts (lamps, paper weights, mirrors), Dhokra earrings and Madhubani paintings.

Come to Sage for interesting clocks and other goods from Southeast Asia, and Decon for electrical accessories. Happily Unmarried (5-M basement, Shahpurjat) stocks funky home accessories, such as, coffee and beer mugs, coasters, lamps, and shot glasses. The unique art gallery Creativegarh has everything from candles to kitchen accessories.

Publishing houses like Tulika Publishers offer a wealth of reading materials, both fiction and non-fiction, and is a good place to park yourself, after a bout of frenetic shopping.

With two entries to the market (Siri Fort side and Hauz Khas Police Station side), Shahpurjat is like a labyrinth. Don’t ignore the signboards for they are the best way of getting around and be sure to tank up your wallet as well as your stamina; you’d need both in abundance to enjoy the spoils at Shahpurjat.