Faith is a boutique in Ahmedabad that caters to the discerning..

   When one thinks of a ‘boutique’ in Ahmedabad, two types of images normally come to mind: one, of an ethnic-vernacular mix comprising of products ranging from tie & dye, through glass work, to terracotta; the other image is of racks upon racks of dresses, with a smattering of ladies’ accessories, leather products, a few trinkets, etc. Rarely does one come across a boutique with a pan-Indian product mix with a genuine international feel and flavour. Faith boutique fills this void in a very sincere, yet unostentatious manner.

   The brainchild of young Ahmedabad architect, Hiren Patel, Faith exemplifies the virtues of simplicity of design. At the entrance, one is greeted by the tinkling of a fountain running in a small water body, as the eye moves up, the bold juxtaposition of a black & white polished tile flooring, draws one into the free flowing space. As one looks around, the Spartan simplicity of the décor, while creating a very cool and comfortable ambience, does not vie for one’s attention, instead, yielding the centre stage to the products on display.

   The various products are arranged in ‘clusters’ along a central, but meandering axis, an obvious, if not apparent, pointer to the ‘Architectural’ roots of the concept. The racks and shelves also are very ‘cubist’. Minimal use of glass adds to the volumetric integrity of the display spaces, as well as makes the products more ‘approachable’.

   The products on display are mostly designed in-house, or in consultation with established designers in the respective fields. If at all any products are sourced a steadfast commitment to design and workmanship. In fact, design rather than marketability, seems to be an obsession at Faith. How else can one explain the most unusual combination of cotton on silk patchwork for soft furnishings, or the quaint stationery made of beautiful but expensive hand crafted paper? Also, the surreal urban landscape pop-up cards; once again designed in-house; point to the architectural roots of Faith.

   A short chat with the owner-designer of Faith, reveals the quintessential architect. Commenting on the ‘non commercial’ location of Faith, he says that he wanted something which was not merely peaceful, but something that gave sense of serendipity upon arrival. Following the same kind of reasoning, a sofa has been thoughtfully provided next to the water body near the entrance for the visitor to pause and relax for a few moments before shopping. In essence, no effort is spared to make Faith a professional boutique, different from merely an ‘exclusive’ shopping outlet.

   In deciding the product mix also, a conscious attempt is made to have as large a range as well as represent as much of India s possible. Thus one has Rajasthani miniatures hanging alongside a basket full of hand painted silk scarves from the south; ceramic odds and ends along with beautifully colored hand blown glass; unconventional black & white greeting cards, bright hued silk ties, as well as some funky wrist watches.

   All the items are priced such that there is something or the other to suit every discerning customer, with the cheapest, a beautiful ceramic tortoise at Rs. 60 to an exclusive stone sculpture priced at Rs. 10,000.

   In summing up, one can only say that a visit to Faith is a delightful way to spend a free afternoon, as well as recharge one’s creative energies.

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