Bombay Dreams

Since she opened shop on Grand Street several years ago, Italian-born Cristina Gitti has been drawing a steady flow of stylish shoppers, most of whom are drawn to the designer's diaphanous Indian sarongs, tunics, and printed fabrics Gitti hauls back to the states from her global travels. Having outgrown her tiny jewelbox of a shop however, Gitti has relocated to bigger, airier space on Lafayette. The new store's minimalist look complements the vibrant, colorful offerings Gitti readily stocks.

The former co-owner of the boutique Malatesta spends between two and three months in India every year working with artisans to develop new fabric techniques and design new shoes and accessories. For fall, the cotton tunic—in colors like tomato-red, celery, raspberry, and plum—is still the foundation of the collection, layered under embroidered boiled-wool vests and hand-woven jacquard jackets. Matta also carries other labels that agree with Gitti's bohemian sensibilities, including cult-favorite Irish designer Orla Kiely, whose playful print dresses and leather bags are top sellers. Also look for Matta's new home line of cushions, blankets, and gorgeous sheer curtains cut from heavily embellished Indian silks and cottons.

Having outgrown its previous storefront on Grand Street, Matta moved just a few blocks uptown and into the perfect venue to showcase the ethereal Indian-inspired creations of owner-designer Cristina Gitti.