Photo: Sari at Chaubara Studio. Credit: J. Deseo/SSP
Editor’s note: Honestly, I don’t know whether the term “slumdog” is derogatory, as suggested in this article’s “Holler back” section. What I do know is that movie execs gave the green light to use it in the title of Danny Boyle’s Oscar winner “Slumdog Millionaire”. The flick took home eight statuettes, including one for best picture, in February 2009.
The day after the Academy Awards ceremony was a busy one for Mahima Poddar. The phone at her downtown Chaubara Fashion Studio rang incessantly with calls for Bollywood bling and the latest in Indian-inspired fashions.
It seemed “Slumdog” fever — the condition that triggers spontaneous bhangra moves and cheers of “Jai ho!” — had hit Silver Spring.
“Indian jewelry has an ancient style and intricate patterns drawn from history,” Poddar said of South Asian shine. “There are no simple, straight-out designs.”
Moreover, Indian fashions stand out as different on the red-carpet scene. While actors from “Slumdog Millionaire” strutted in European-style formalwear on Oscar night, actress Ashley Judd stood out in a sari dress during the 2009 Golden Globes ceremony.
Poddar, who’s crafted her own line of jewelry and clothing since 2005, says her work fuses Asian and American tastes into “daily funkyware”. But she also considers cost-conscious shoppers who might be looking for something fancier than the cookie cutter knick-knacks at Claire’s Accessories, but not ready to jump into the price arena of high-end jewelry stores.
Most of all, each of Podder’s designs is one of a kind. With the exception of one bracelet design, she makes no copies of her other jewelry.
“Every woman wants to be unique,” she said.
Chaubara Fashion Studio, 8711 First Ave, Silver Spring, (301) 920-2500.
Model Laryssa Wirstiuk is the founder and editor-in-chief of “Too Shy to Stop”, an online magazine for young people who live, play, study or work in the United States. After graduating from the University of Maryland, Laryssa returned to her home state of New Jersey.
Photos by J. Deseo/SSP.
Originally published Feb 27, 2009.
More pics are available from The Penguin’s Facebook page.
Editor’s note: I’ve fixed the link to The Penguin’s Facebook page, but if anyone still has problems accessing the photos, let me know. Thanks! — JD (Feb 27, 2009)
I don’t like pink. I don’t like diamond-y things. I don’t wear bracelets. I haven’t seen even that movie.
But damn if there isn’t something about that photo that makes me want to turn off the computer and head straight to that store.
The phrase slum dog is a vile insult in their society so to say that one wants that “slumdog” look isn’t really appropriate. Perhaps you mean the look from the better off indians in the movie?
Beautiful things! Beautiful model too…
I had no idea that boutique was there, but now I’ll definitely check it out! Now, have any ideas on where we can go to hear Bhangra in SS?
Slumdog: Really? You really want to go there? She’s obviously playing off the title of the movie, not refering to the actual slum dwellers’ fashion.
one amazing store .. a bit off the main street, so you wouldn’t know it was there, till you were there. I purchased a couple of totes and a necklace from them… v ethnic but contemporary – kinda stuff you can’t find at gap or chic at the mall… she was happy :)
v different store… definitely worth the 2 block walk from the metro on a nice day.
Would you say “if you’re looking for the ‘redskin’ look…”? or “if you’re looking for that look”?
I’m just making the point so that people are aware of where the word comes from. We have a multi-national/ethnic society here in Silver Spring and it never hurts to be aware of other people’s sensitivities.
GREAT store and amazing service! Really close to the metro and easy parking. One of a kind clothes and jewelry that you can’t really find around here!
this boutique has some really pretty and unique stuff. Comparing it to “Slumdog” is not really fair, perhaps they are trying to get some mileage out of this whole slumdog movie thing. The owner of the store is also a very nice and beautiful lady. I wish her the best.
=)
those bangle look so pretty with my jeans.
I have’nt visited the store but I do know the owner personally from a few years ago. One thing I can guarantee is that since she is the driving orce behind this, the stuff will be exceptional. No doubt about that. Anyone in the vicinity should drop in. It will be worth it.
OMG. Yes, if I were referring to dressing in gold and maroon padded jerseys, tight white pants, and smudging black marks under my eyes, I’d call it the “Redskins look” without hesitation.
I was talking about the name “Redskin” being an insult to indians, not the football team. But your posting kind of says it all Jen–people just don’t get it.
When I hear ‘redskin’ look I also think of burgundy and gold.
Obviously the article is referencing the movie . Let’s stop with the PC and focus on what appears to be a great store in the neighborhood.
You wouldn’t call it PC if you were one of the millions who were called that as an insult. Walk in someone else’s shoes.
Can we all agree to disagree?
slumdog-i think you need to get off your soapbox. it is hypocritical of you to claim disdain for the word and turn around and use it as a username.
Play nice, people!
It’s certainly not a soapbox, but you are right about the hypocritical name. I’ll go to something more appropriate.
Frankly, i find it pathetic to see “slumdog” abusing a perfectly good forum. Anyone with half a brain understands that the movie is a myopic view of an extremely diverse society/culture. Before you play out your soapbox here visit the country and gather real facts.
Slums are NOT India; and India is NOT a slum.
Yes, I have been there.
The store has such fascinating stuff that it brings back vivid happy memories.
Calm down people, my original and followup posts referred to the article’s headline that referred to Slumdog Style. It had nothing to do with the store, or Indians or the movie or anything. It was the phrase “Slumdog Style”. There’s no abuse going on here, the moderator can delete my comments anytime she wishes (and may do so with this one to end this discussion finally).