Meet Nirali Shah, attorney turned entrepreneur, who started her own fashion business – Nirali.  Nirali, which means unique, provides just that – the chance to shop a carefully curated selection of international fashion and accessories designers.  Nirali features limited edition and one-of-a-kind pieces that take you from work to play and desk to dinner.  This year, alongside various designers from all over the world, the Nirali Capsule Collection showcases Indian fashion straight off the runways of Mumbai and the pages of India Vogue.

Shah travels the world to hand-pick her featured collection.  Her items can be purchased only at her traveling pop-up-shop, which has been featured in Daily Candy, Time Out and the NY Daily News.

This weekend is your chance to check out what Nirali has to offer.  For three days only, she is popping up in Tribeca, giving you the chance to purchase items from around the world without ever leaving the island.  Mention CitySaheli and get 10% off your purchase!

When: Saturday, April 24th – Sunday, April 25th
12pm – 5pm
Where:  Truffles Building 
34 Desbrosses Street
* Ask for Nirali Shah @ Reception
RSVP: www.wearsnirali.com

Not in New York? Check out her site to find out when she will be in a city near you or email wearsnirali@gmail.com for more info.

Want to learn more?  CitySaheli interviewed Shah to find out more about the inspiration behind her the line, the must have accessories for this season and to ask her for advice and tips on starting your own business.  Here’s what she had to share:

Can you tell us about the “Nirali Capsule Collection?”

The Nirali Capsule Collection is my in-house collection of jewelry, exclusively available through me in the United States.   I work closely with designers in India and have developed a selection of pieces that are fusion forward, combining old world tradition with new world cosmopolitan.

We have heard about the “Nirali Experience,” what is it?

The Nirali experience refers to the underlying mission of every event: to show you something you’ve never seen before.  Not only do I travel from Brazil to Bombay to find unique pieces that aren’t available Stateside, but I make a concerted effort to display my pieces in unique ways.  For example, at a recent event, I employed bare-chested male models to strut around in my necklaces and approach groups of women to explain the designs.  The women tittered, touched, tried…they loved it!

In addition to unique pieces and unique merchandising, The Nirali Collection also collaborates with local artists to deliver an eclectic and unique experience for shoppers.  For example, a recent event featured a live demo by Lexi Bella, a renowned painter who dances while she paints (usually in the dark!)  and live music by Sachal Vasandani (the “Indian Michael Buble”).

What are some items that you believe are a must for this summer’s wardrobe?

Sarah Chofakian’s Audrey Hepburn shoes are the absolute must-have flirty work pump for this season.   I love the red color because it’s such a stand-out, although we also carry both black and navy.

Malini Ramini’s yellow strapless sundress is the perfect weekend go-to and can travel anywhere in the city or the Hamptons.

My flower bag collection is the perfect way to accent those femmie summer dresses and skirts – you can’t help but feel a little extra special with my brown flowered briefcase or hot pink flowered tote.

How do you choose the designers you showcase?

It’s mostly about gut instinct and timing.  Each designer that I’ve chosen a) is well-established in his or her country of origin and has the wherewithal and desire to launch internationally; b) shares the same aesthetic and appreciation for statement pieces that are bold, different and POP and c) understands and shares my desire to “dress up the city”.

You are known for your desk to dinner accessories. What advice do you have for working women looking for a new accessory for the summer?

Two golden rules:

1.    Blazers can hide all manner of sins.

Night dresses are easily disguised by blazers and the right accessories.  Take a hot, black dress like my Heike Jarick piece and pair it with a fitted blazer by day and one of my gorgeous necklaces by night for a completely different yet relatively effortless look.

2.    A bold necklace is easy to throw on and hard to ignore.

The Nirali Collection has a variety of necklaces that are specifically meant to be paired with a work dress or shirt for some added DRAMA.   My customers have reported back that they are man magnets!

What inspired you to start your fashion and accessories business?

I used to be a corporate lawyer at a big firm and like so many others, I felt stagnant and repressed.  Rather than deskdream my life away, I decided to do something about it.  I’ve always been said to “have a good eye” when it comes to fashion and I knew I was better with people than paper, so I took a chance… and here I am.

What do you like most about your business?

The infinite possibilities that exist outside the rigid structure of the corporate context.   Plus the crazy characters I meet everyday.

What is the hardest part about running your own business?

My time is my dime these days, so it is really hard to make myself stop working.  Even though I love what I do, the stress can take a toll if I’m not careful.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a Saheli looking to start her own business?

Do your homework, be practical in your preparation, but don’t be afraid to leap when the right time comes.

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