Mumbai has a way of renewing itself constantly, even while it faces a space crunch. Each season brings its own flavour that finds favour with the ladies and gentlemen who lunch, shop, party and pout. The city is constantly in a state of revitalising its drab corners and creating new statements of style. Forever young, forever trendy, some are of the moment, for the moment. Others, elasticise themselves into posterity; becoming favourite haunts of the fine and fancy. The Louis Vuitton outlet at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower at Apollo Bunder, arises like a Phoenix from the ashes of 26/11, creating hope and wonder for the future. A new shop at the Taj Lands End in Bandra strongly underlines the confidence that the city in fact has in this hotel chain. The amazing spirit of Mumbai is also revisited at Aer, Four Seasons Hotel, which has been created on a newly-discovered terrace, way above the bustle of the city and the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, creating space almost from thin air. And the Trident Bandra Kurla, with magic akin to a sleight-of-hand, establishes a new centre of entertainment, north of the city, expanding possibilities and party boundaries.
Yes, these are Verve’s places to be seen in 2010. So be there or risk being considered square....

PRESENT-DAY CHIC
Louis Vuitton
Luxury stores

Iconic luxury brand Louis Vuitton has re-opened its expanded store in Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel and has also thrown open the doors of its second outlet at the Taj Lands End, Bandra. It seems fitting that this global label which has maintained an over 100-year-old bond with the country’s maharajas and elite socialites, should have re-confirmed its links with the legendary heritage hotel.

Putting the devastating 26/11 attacks behind it and firmly cresting the recession years, LV deepens its engagement with India by reinforcing the bonds that have been flourishing for over a century. Yves Carcelle, chairman and chief executive officer, LV, says, “These two locations encapsulate all fundamental values of heritage, culture, and prestige, values that Louis Vuitton will continue to share with India.”

Walk into the interiors of both the stores to get an instant feel of luxury and space. The South Mumbai store has expanded to 190 sq m on one level and faces the waterfront with its beautiful four-window façade. Based on renowned architect Peter Marino’s vision for LV stores worldwide, its interiors are enhanced by the use of the finest materials such as polished limestone and warm anigre wood that reflect the company’s heritage of quality and craftsmanship. The new store in the suburbs also gives the illusion of journeying seamlessly through a multifaceted stylish universe. Inside the Taj Land’s End Hotel, it is a comforting shopping cocoon for LV lovers. wBoth the stores have a universe of style and panache to offer – from leather goods, iconic bags, watches, shoes to accessories and textiles. More than fashion, here one may find a lifestyle to be had. Both are bound to be on the fashionistas’ radar in 2010.

CONTEMPORARY FRESH
022
All-day dining restaurant

If you have visited New Delhi’s swish restaurant, 360°, you will recognise the vibe that 022 at the Trident Bandra Kurla serves up on an elegant day out. Pronounced ‘oh-too-too’, and named after the telephone code of the city of Mumbai, the large and airy 24-hour eaterie offers world cuisine including a selection of Far Eastern and Mediterranean dishes ‘with a dramatic flourish’. A sushi bar, a lounge bar, a wine tasting room and a two-storey glass-encased wine cellar, too tall to be adequately photographed, stocks over 1500 bottles. All cheered up by the natural light that streams through the 20-foot-high floor to ceiling windows that overlook a tropical garden created here at Bandra Kurla which is proving to be the new financial and commercial district of North Mumbai.

Trident Bandra Kurla, with its fabulous lobby, specially-commissioned sculptures and 500 original paintings, has pushed the boundaries, literally and it now remains for the South Mumbai set to augment the suburban high steppers who have already started clicking in.

VANT-GARDE MINIMALIST
AER BAR and Lounge
Open-air watering hole

You may hold the Horizon in your hand as you grow breathless at the spectacle that unfolds beneath. Mumbai, curving itself from its Worli end, ever so far into the distance, melting into the sea. And the Horizon (Absolut, coconut water, curry leaves) is refreshing and a little dizzying; or is it the height? On the 34th floor of Mumbai’s Four Seasons Hotel, newly opened, is Aer Bar and Lounge, seemingly floating in air, its design avant-garde and contemporary, the music throbbing and its egg shaped white lamps creating a mood of intimacy.

In fact, the black and white décor highlights the yin and yang of design and offers a stark urbane vibe, explains Divya Mohan, public relations. The design team includes Bob Bilkey, Oscar Llynas, Nozer Wadia, Ritu Nanda, Elsie Nanji and Annalisa Beliettat who have combined their talents to create this contemporary space. The furniture in white, echoed by the bar, resembles forms of the Tokyo pop series of furniture by Driade while organic industrial designer Ross Lovegrove”s Love Bench makes a stylish statement. The furniture forms seem to be luminescent and almost to float effortlessly and starkly white, like cartoon ghouls.

A vodka-based View may now replace the Horizon. Dip into hot and cold Lebanese and Middle Eastern fare, Mediterranean tapas and other international favourites as you float happily through. And for cigar lovers, a list including Montecristos, Cohibas and Romeo Y Julieta would make for an evening sublime.

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