Alpana Bawa

The first time I entered Alpana Bawa, I was enchanted by their clothes; they are like a wonderful cross between classic styles, silky, buoyant fabrics, and pow, an explosion of colors out of an Almodovar movie — the colors I always wished someone would use for classic clothes! I don’t mean to imply all the clothes are «classic,» but many of them are enough so to please a middle-​of-​the road dresser like myself. Today I got the chance to meet the lovely owner-​designer while shopping there. Her work is truly original yet wearable. I only buy something in there in a rare while, and then only on sale — it ain’t cheap. But I wanted to give this place a shout-​out as a wonderful local original, and source of probably the only genuine designer clothes in my wardrobe. The clothes are made in India, and designed here, and it’s those Indian dyes and fabrics that lend them their sparkle.

This store is not closed!!! Indeed Alpana Bawa is open at 167 Elizabeth Street between Spring and Kenmare, a storefront in the heart of Nolita. In addition to reviews from New York Magazine, Shopikon, and Refinery 29 below, something to note about Bawa is her custom tailored work, commissions and collaborations involving unusual patterns, embroidery, and op art effects.
«Alpana Bawa’s native South Asia is everywhere in her striking, vivid clothing. Born in Punjab and raised in Delhi, the designer has made Indian fabrics and embroidery her trademarks, constructing sophisticated, casual clothing for men and women out of intricately detailed madras, cotton, and silk. But don’t expect to find a room full of saris and kurtas; there aren’t any. Instead, Bawa applies traditional elements to modern looks, using old-​world fabric and fine, dressmaker touches (including precision piecework that evokes 1960s-​mod styles) to construct downtown-​chic silhouettes. Decorated with floral embroidery, a standard men’s button-​down becomes an airy, cabana-​worthy top, while bold polka-​dot appliqués turn a simple A-​line dress into a fun party frock. Despite her early days at Comme des Garcons – a stronghold of severe, dark looks – Bawa’s palette is extensive, and it’s not unusual for hot pink, burnt orange, and mossy green to co-​exist happily on a single garment; black, however, is verboten. In addition to her playful, sexy clothes, the tiny East Village storefront also stocks a collection of accessories and lively pillows designed more for cozy conversation than nodding off, given their sheer vibrancy and radiant color.» — New York Magazine
«Not afraid of bold color? Then Alpana Bawa is the store for you. Bawa opened her store in 2010, with menswear and womenswear in bold Indian fabrics. The textiles are produced in India, with Alpana heading up the task of creating exciting and vibrant dyes and patterns. The jewelry is highly covetable, with color-​blocked bangles that mix resin and wood. T-​shirts mix bold colors with blueprint-​like designs in playful mixes that reference unusual inspirations like Space Invaders and monkey faces. Color-​blocked striped dresses and embroidered shirts are in ample supply. If you’re not ready to embrace the head to toe color that Bawa offers, open yourself to some fun styling possibilities. Imagine one of Bawa’s bright teal dresses paired with neutrals like black skinny pants or an indigo denim jacket. It’s refreshing to see how Bawa’s rich Indian culture translates beautifully into these fanciful pieces.» — Shopikon
For those tired of the monochrome stereotype (read: New Yorkers love black!) and current goth trends alike, it’s time to give your wardrobe an injection of color. After operating for nine years in the southern bosom of Soho, designer Alpana Bawa has brought her eponymous boutique and vibrant wares back to its original East 1^st Street location. Tucked behind a busy basketball court and among the cozy cafés that give the area its neighborhood charm, the space – recently redesigned by Thomas Sand – is nothing but stark white walls and sleek black floors, a strategy that allows the vividness of the clothing to speak for itself.
Drawing from her frequent travels to India (where all Alpana Bawa production takes place) and from found objects, Bawa constructs everything from mod shift dresses in electric teals and violets to elaborately embroidered shirts summoned by the Gods of Graffiti.
Some of the standout winter pieces that easily transition to spring include blazing orange motorcycle vests, marigold cotton blouses, and light coats in plum and poppy. For men, there are timeless multi-​striped wool scarves in combinations such as brick red, ivy green, and slate gray, shirts of varying jewel hues, and a flurry of paisley ties. Whatever you choose, at Alpana Bawa there’s always gold at the end of the rainbow.
East Village mainstay Alpana Bawa draws inspiration from the streets of Manhattan all the way to her native India, bringing bold brights and whimsical prints to easy-​going Technicolor-​dream pieces. — Refinery 29