JOIN USA refreshing change
Ni Hao Fashion’, a basement store on Church Street, is easy to miss but once it is discovered, it is hard to not go back for a second ‘helping’!
T Metok Lachungpa started the store in 2012 soon after she had graduated from college. “College girls love fashionable clothes. When I was in college, there was a limited option of places where I could find trendy stuff. That’s when I thought I could source clothes and accessories from some place and sell them at a reasonable price, as college kids can’t spend much. So, soon after college, I started ‘Ni Hao Fashion’,” she says. ‘Ni Hao’ has two meanings in Chinese. “It means ‘Hello’ but it could also mean ‘You are fashionable’, ” she says.
The store has grown over time. “I was a beginner then. Now, I’m quite confident about what I’m doing and I know whatever I pick will move out.” Metok sources her clothes from various manufacturers after doing her research. “All the products I sell are from Hong Kong, Shanghai or Korea.” The store caters to women between 18 and 35, but she says it’s mainly for college students. “There are about 1,000 styles coming in every month so, along with sourcing, I have to pick certain styles for my store. I keep an eye out for what is trending and the international runways.”
different designs,” she adds. From dresses, matching sets and crop tops, to various kinds of shoes, bags, accessories and beauty products, she has them all.
“Unique tops, flairs, bell tops, off shoulders, florals and fringes are in this time. There are fringes in everything, from hand bags and shoes to dresses, tops and skirts. When it comes to shoes, lace-ups are in. Also, smoke tops are popular because they have an easy-breezy feel to them.”
She adds that light and summery colours like mustard green are trending. “Also, fruit patterned clothes are seen.”
Aakarshitha, a student of MS College of Engineering, sported a floral romper with a straw hat, tassel sling by ‘FFWW’ and lace-ups by ‘NLW’.
Punchline: “I like the floral romper because it complements my body and is light and perfect for summer. ”
Price: Floral romper (Rs 1,199), straw hat (Rs 650), tassel sling (Rs 650) and lace-ups (Rs 950).
Priya Darshini, a student of Christ University, wore a fringe top and midi-skirt by ‘BBWM’, sandal heels by ‘Fanyau’ and a hand bag by ‘Celine’.
Punchline: “The clothes are nice because they keep changing with the trend. I like their bags and accessories too.”
Price: Fringe tank (Rs 750), midi-skirt (Rs 1,299), hand bag (Rs 1,350) and heel sandals (Rs 1,699).
Swathi M, a student of Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian College, wore a crossfront floral dress by ‘Feng Shang’ and cut-out heels by ‘Milla’. She accessorised it with a chain stretch headband by ‘Coco’s Kiss’ and a hand bag by ‘FFWW’.
Punchline: “I was confused what to pick because there are so many beautiful things And the dress I’m wearing is perfect because it’s casual and can be worn to a party.”
Price: Dress (Rs 1,250), headband (Rs 299), hand bag (Rs 1,490) and heels (Rs 1,499).
Aditti Anand, who is being home schooled, looked trendy in a back cut-out set by ‘Feyo Women’ and a cross body sling by ‘FFWW’. The shoes are her own.
Punchline: “It’s a cool store because you find new and different items when compared to the other places.” Price: Cut-out set (Rs 1,299) and sling bag (Rs 999).
Swathi Raj, a student of City College, wore a skirt set by ‘Feyo Women’ a stone necklace and earrings by ‘NLW’ and sling bag by ‘FFWW’.
Punchline: “The clothes here fit me perfectly. I’d definitely like to shop here more.”
Price: Skirt set (Rs 1,350), necklace (Rs 250), sling bag (Rs 950) and earring
(Rs 200).
Sindhu Chandran, a student of Sai Ram Institutions, sported a turtleneck top and overalls with glitter sneakers, which was accessorised by a snapback cap and studded backpack, all by ‘FFWW’.
Punchline: “It’s summer and the clothes I wore are perfect for it. They are funky too.” Price: Turtleneck top (Rs 799), overalls (Rs 1,299),
backpack (Rs 1,299), glitter sneakers (Rs 1,299) and snapback cap (Rs 499).