“Conceived in Tokyo. Born in Bombay.” That is the tagline at Obataimu in Mumbai‘s arty Kala Ghoda neighborhood. At the back of founder Noorie Sadarangani’s edgy boutique is an impressive, glass-walled sewing and design studio. In the front: art books, vintage sunglasses, fish-leather hip flasks, and an incredible selection of men’s and women’s activewear samples, each made to order.
The shop keeps no inventory, so customers start from scratch by selecting their favorite designs from dozens of Japanese-inspired styles, many of them androgynous. The pajama-soft fabrics are available in 30 naturally dyed colors, although Sadarangani is happy to issue special requests to her hand-dying atelier in Gujarat. Once you know the make and model of the piece you want, an on-site tailor takes measurements, discusses your wishes, and—depending on fabric availability—dyes, sews and delivers the garments to your hotel room within a couple of days. Pieces that take longer can be shipped abroad.
From start to finish, the experience of ordering custom clothing feels impossibly indulgent—yet it’s surprisingly affordable. On our last visit, we picked up a pair of fitted men’s shorts and highly wearable drop-crotch bottoms for $165 USD.
Shop G3, Machinery House, B. Bharucha Marg (opposite The Pantry), Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, India; +91-8454-845854.
Additional photos by Obataimu
