It's incredible how plain fabric can be moulded into the gorgeous outfits that you see models dazzle in as they walk down the ramp. If you followed what was flowing this fashion week, admiring every garment, every hue and every pattern, you must have found yourself wondering what goes into making each of the masterpieces.

The workmanship aside, much of the fabric that the clothes-makers use comes from Mangaldas Market — a wholesale cloth market in south Mumbai. A trip there is no less fascinating than a discovery trail.

Located near Crawford Market, in the narrow lane next to Jama Masjid, are two inconspicuous entrances to this massive indoor textile market, spread over nearly a square kilometre. Once inside, you may feel akin to the contestants of the erstwhile show, Crystal Maze, as lane after narrow lane houses innumerable shops or galas.

A beautiful sight receives you, especially if you have a weakness for clothes — colourful fabrics of various textures and designs stacked up to the ceiling on each other in shop after shop, even as the storekeepers watch on, in no hurry for a customer. After all, big business happens over here as Mumbai-based retailers and traders from neighbouring cities visit regularly for bulk orders.

But it’s a layman who would consider it paradise. Everything from saris, dress materials, suit lengths, plain fabrics, accessories and even embellishments — of all kinds of qualities — are available, priced at up to 40 per cent less than the retail price at shops outside these premises.

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