Alisha’s Got Her Gypsy On With This Funky Gilet
I’ve written time and again about how being from Goa has shaped so much about me. My grasp of Hindi as a language is atrocious, I would live in flip-flops if I could, bumming on a beach is my idea of heaven, and my fashion choices are distinctly bohemian. Without concious thought, I am automatically attracted to flowy silhouettes and gypsy vibes. And now that I think about it, it probably has a lot to do with early exposure to all things hippie in Goa.
The flea market in Anjuna started off with a few hippies in the ’60s selling off their belongings to earn some money that would allow them to extend their stay in idyllic Goa. That soon morphed into a vibrant and huge market filled with stalls from everywhere, the most prominent being women from the Banjara tribe, known colloquially as Lamanis in Goa after the regional language they speak. Colourful clothing and junk jewellery, including earrings, rings, and anklets are popular among the tourists. So, when I saw this particular gilet from Vipul Shah Bags, I had to have it, basically.
Banjara Gilet — Vipul Shah Bags
Vipul Shah uses embroidered patchwork that brings together vintage cholis, dowry pouches, wall hangings, and tribal costumes from as far back as the 19th century and embellishes his creations with old coins, tassle and mirror work to give a full-on gypsy vibe. It’s everything – ethnic, electric and eclectic. This jacket has the ability to dress up the drabbest outfit and make a solid statement with no effort at all. How’s that for a lazy girl hack?
