The massive renovation of the Windsor Plaza Shopping Center continues to expand with new and unique stores. Sunny’s Design, a new shopping experience, offers clothing and accessories in a blend of East and West. The store is located at the front of Windsor Hair Design, which has been owned by Suniti Chandani since 2004.
Sunny’s Design opened for friends and family on Sunday, October 20. “It was a day of excitement, and all those who attended just could not believe the collections of dresses and jewelry,” says Chandani. “All of them are thrilled to have a place catering to both Western and Eastern cultures in West Windsor.” There will be an open house on Sunday, November 10, from noon to 3 p.m.
“The boutique, the first of its kind in West Windsor, has an exclusive collection of pashmina shawls, stoles, tunics, fashion jewelry, and formal Indian attire,” says Chandani. “The idea behind its conception originated from an intrinsic desire to introduce a beautiful and exclusive blend of trendy eastern and western handcrafted products to our community.”
Born and raised in Calcutta, India, Chandani earned a degree in commercial art and textile design from Nirmala Niketan College in Mumbai. “Introducing a fashion apparel line has always been my dream,” says Chandani. “I guess I was waiting for the right time and opportunity, and I’m hoping this is it.”
“Styling someone is a process, where you need to find out who your clients are, their needs, and their lifestyle,” says Chandani. “We fritter too much money away on emotional purchases. You don’t need a lot of pieces, just pieces that work for you.”
All the tunics and some of the Indian outfits on her Facebook page were designed by Chandani. The fashion models, Mara Pugliese and Ally Shuell, are residents of West Windsor. “They do full justice to what I am trying to portray,” says Chandani.
“I have always loved giving makeovers that have ranged across a broad spectrum from interiors to clothing to personal appearances,” says Chandani. “I am passionate about teaching and art.” After getting certified as a hair stylist she volunteered at Middlesex Vo Tech for five years.
Her husband, Dave Chandani, has served in the Indian Navy and reached the rank of commodore (equivalent to a one star general). He was a team member of the first Indian scientific expedition to Antarctica, which ran from 1981 to 1982. He is a vice president in human resources at an IT company.
Chandani, who organized and choreographed fashion shows for the annual Indian Navy Ball, was crowned Miss Navy Queen, first runner up, in 1986.
“I have always had a passion for conceptualizing the interplay between textile shapes and cultures and exploring the nuts and bolts of apparel design,” she says. “I have expressed my creativity through the kaleidoscope of pattern drafting, drawing, painting, interior designing, and sewing my daughter’s outfits when she was young.”
Her daughter, Sheereen, graduated from Boston University with a degree in economics and a minor in business administration. She is pursuing her master’s in taxation and working toward her CPA certification. The family lives in Williamstown.
The boutique is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. “Since each item has been selected personally from suppliers, Sunny’s design will prove to be a successful liaison between you and your closet,” says Chandani.
Open House, Windsor Hair Design, 64 Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor. Sunday, November 10, noon to 3 p.m. Sunny’s 609-799-3330 or www.facebook.com/SilkScarvesJewelrySarees.
