A bevelled glass-panelled door leads into a charming room, its walls covered in vintage-style wallpaper, while an elegant chandelier sheds light on the shimmering dresses on the rack. With decor like this, and a name like Roselynn & Dalreen, one might expect this designer wear store to be situated in the heart of the city, but quite surprisingly, it is located in Navallur on Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR).
Dalreen Sajan, co-founder of the store, says, “I live on this stretch, and a lot of my friends and neighbours felt the lack of a boutique store in the area which would cater to their taste. They were also in need of someone to tailor clothes according to their preferences. For both these options, they travelled a long way to the city. I’ve wanted to start a store for a long time, and since it was lacking here, I felt it was time.”
Along with her sister, Roselynn, who now works for a major design house abroad, Dalreen put together a collection of dresses, skirts, blouses and T-shirts that she designed herself. She then decided to add an ethnic collection, featuring celebratory and bridal anarkalis, lehengas and saris. “I aimed at making everything savvy, trendy and elegant,” says Dalreen, adding that she wants to give the best of everything to her customers. And so when they ask for a customised piece to be made, she keeps in touch with them, sending them sketches for approval through WhatsApp, assuring them that the design they chose will indeed suit their body type and advising them on what’s best to wear in Goa. “You can’t wear full sleeves on the beach,” she laughs.
The western wear is of the easy-going, comfortable casual variety, and is well cut and stitched. The ethnic wear is embellished with sequins, crystals and embroidery of the elegant kind. Dalreen informs us that she has even made a couple of wedding gowns. The collection in-store is minimal, but anything you like can be made to order. Shoes, perfumes and accessories are also available. After a seven-year break from a regular job, and having two kids, Dalreen revels in looking for inspiration for her designs: “I love what I’m doing, just the feeling of stepping into this space. I get lost in the fabrics and sitting here and sketching new outfits.”
While she likes working with velvet and animal prints, Blair Waldorf ( Gossip Girl ) and Kim Kardashian are her current muses — “They can carry off pretty much any outfit with confidence, and that’s what I want my clothes to do for my clients.”
Roselynn & Dalreen is located at Shop No 4, BMR City Mall, Rajiv Gandhi Salai. Call, 96001 68861
