Mebaz Woman

Another winner from the Meena Bazaar stable, Mebaz in Lumbini Mall does what this brand has been doing best for the past couple of decades - provide extravagant ethnic wear for the well-heeled Hyderabadi. While both Meena Bazaar and Mebaz at White House, Begumpet, have been known as sumptuous wedding trousseau shopping destinations, this outlet is the more 'evening and party wear' kind of opulence.

Perhaps it is the changing fortunes of these prosperous times, but clothes which would have been considered outrageously ostentatious a generation ago, have effortlessly slipped into acceptable party-wear today. And Mebaz, with clothes ranging in price upto Rs. 40,000 and accessories starting at Rs. 500, caters to just that denomination of people - who have the dough and will party.

While the range comprising saris, ghagras, salwar sets, kurtis and dress material, available is still very ethnic at its core, this plush store offers a wide array of the not-so-very-traditional, almost fusion, designer evening wear. Their line of clothing starts at about Rs. 1200 for an unstiched salwar -suit and goes considerably higher for designer wear. Some of the country's well-known designers, like Satya Paul, Vikram Phadnis, Krishna Mehta and Deepika Gehani are endorsed here, and their pret lines made easily available.

There is even an in-house tailor who can, with a little nip here and a tuck there, customize that finery you bought for about a reasonable Rs. 300 despite the exclusive surroundings. They will even create one just for you once you have pointed out your selection in their in-house catalogue, and paid for their services and the dress material. Also, you could add an interesting 'batua' or neckwear for a little more.

Mebaz, with its trendy clothes and its ritzy reputation, is a must-see for that special evening in town, particularly if you are dining later at the Taj.