29 March,2011 10:35 AM IST | | Anjana Vaswani
Walk into Paul&Shark at Palladium and you're instantly transported onto a yacht. Though female sailing-enthusiasts may be disappointed to learn that there's nothing for them here, at least Mumbai's male seafarers can get all spruced up
"Set a course for adventure, your mind for a new romance," sang Jack Jones as the credits rolled at the beginning of each episode of The Love Boat, the long-running TV-series in the '80s. While taking a look around Reliance Industries' new store that stocks Paul&Shark it occurs to us they should actually have that song playing at this store, just to enhance the nostalgia the range inspires.
Paul&Shark is the Italian brand that has been specialising in yachting-inspired apparel since the '70s. Therefore, quite obviously, thick blue stripes, shades of the sea and skies and anchor motifs abound here. Almost everything they stock cries, "Popeye!" save for a small collection of leather belts, wallets and fancy shoes (a smart, dark leather pair with fine detailing and excellent craftsmanship was priced at Rs 23,590).
But, sadly, while Jones' invitation aboard the Love Boat promised, "...Something for everyone," this store seems to have overlooked the female sailing demographic altogether. Kids have been excluded too. But there is hope. We're told the brand's range of ladies' apparel may be introduced soon.
In the meantime, a 100% silk-tie emblazoned with colourful mini-sharks catches our eye (Rs 9,590) and just as we wondered who could wear this to work (possibly paediatricians and gynaecologists, perhaps a lawyer with a sense of humour?), we spotted a white shirt with anchors and letters embroidered decoratively over a verse from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. If your heart belongs to the seas but your girlfriend prefers British Romantic literature, this may be a prudent investment even at Rs 14,590.
Initially inspired by the surf and the seas, the brand now clearly caters to a wider customer-base. Golfers, we imagine, would love their range of brightly-coloured T-shirts for instance, and the shirts designed to be worn with upturned collars, embroidered as they are underneath, would certainly serve to widen the scope of conversation at World Cup soirees. Beige and dark trousers, cute Bermudas and swim-shorts are also available here as are windcheaters and woollen jackets.
Paul&Shark is located at Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel.
Call 66730693 / 66730694
