When I was growing up, I just could not find the right lingerie. There was simply nothing. So, when
I finished my education in design and trends, I took a firm decision to get into the lingerie business. Give the Indian woman the right bra,” asserts Amba Shetty Balsara, owner of probably the only lingerie boutique in Bangalore, and perhaps even in India! Hailing from Bangalore, Amba is a lingerie designer. Capitalising on the opportunity of a lack of an upscale Indian lingerie brand, Amba’s excellent foresight prompted her to create ‘Narcissi’. Aptly titled, Amba’s lingerie boutique is perfect for pampering the woman in you. From the basics in white, nude and black to French nickers, lacy corsets to cheerful babydolls - the pristine white cushioned hangers stock some of the prettiest and the latest in lingerie, all designed by Amba and her design team in Italy.

“My four-member design team carries all the expertise because they have only designed lingerie all their lives. And I do this from Italy because some of the best lingerie brands come from there, like La Perla. I fly off to Italy often to sit with my team with a basic understanding that lingerie is a feel-good garment and not just an undergarment. The body types differ with each country. So, the construction is based on my thorough understanding of the typical Indian female body type - bigger on the hips and size 34 onwards on the bust. We design right from the fabric to the embellishment,” explains Amba, a fashion trends and merchandising graduate from Fashion Institute of Technology, New York  and Parsons School of Design of the Raghavendra Rathore fame. The chic young entrepreneur has travelled across iconic fashion cities - Hong Kong, Tokyo and Rome - on several styling projects. Now married, Amba shuttles between Hong Kong, Italy and Bangalore.

But how easy or difficult is it to design lingerie? “It’s very difficult. You just cannot afford to have a loose fit. The size has to be perfect. No alterations can be made unlike in a garment. Trust me it’s quite tedious,” sighs Amba.   
All the styles available at Narcissi are limited, for Amba does not believe in mass productions. There are just five variations in each style. One can pick from a basic bra to tangas, thongs, french nickers, babydolls to socks that can be scrunched up over boots.

Lingerie is always about being pretty but what is trendy this 2008? “Lingerie does not really follow any fashion weeks.

However, nudes will do very well this 2008. While the basic black does extremely well for it’s the most flattering colour, acid colours like lime green, watermelon and bright orange are very trendy. One can even try metallics and bronze colours,” predicts Amba, adding that her store is for the woman who understands lingerie.

Also on the racks are pretty evening bags, lariats, trendy cuffs and chic belts that Amba sources from across the world.
She will also create seasonal lingerie. For instance, a holiday Christmas collection, Valentines Day and  Spring - Summer lines among others. One thing you will not find is a repeat. Each piece at the store is
exclusive and costs anywhere between Rs 300 and Rs 3000.

And this is not all. Amba has some great plans coming her way. Reveals she, “Next in the line is bridal lingerie. Soon, I will do swim wear and night wear. I want to start taking guests ‘by appointment’. I want to issue exclusive VIP membership cards, that will entail a guest to accumulate reward points, get discounts and previews to sales. Gift vouchers is also on the agenda. I want to build a brand that lasts on three prime points - price, style and quality.”

Narcissi is located at 71, First Floor, 2nd Cross, Lavelle Road (above Squeeze salon).