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Mumbai’s Designer Lifestyle
You name a world famous designer brand, and they probably have a retail outlet in Mumbai.
Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, Tod’s, Burberry, Cavalli, Canali, Dior, Armani and the list goes on. And on….
[And, if they don’t, you can still find the goods in a place called Heera Panna, apparently one of the largest center of all imitation goods in Mumbai, ranging in quality from excellent to poor].
So, this then, is the other side of life in Mumbai. Showcasing a vibrant market for high-end designer items and attracting designers from all over the world to set up shop here.
Or else, why would there be so many outlets? And more planning to open?
The dichotomy of India as represented in Mumbai: Celebrities, industrialists and families with new money and old appear to exist in more abundance now than at any time in the last century. And it is definitely turning out to be a consumer society. In this case, high society.
People are spending a lot of money with ease, acquiring things – whether it is a $2000 LV handbag, a $1500 designer sari or a multi-$1000 designer watch. Certainly in my time in India B.A., i.e. Before America, this was not the case! It’s almost like an acquisition fever that is raging, and in some cases, it’s a race to see who owns what first!
In addition to designer fever, there is also a mall mania that has caught fire. So, for those who do not aspire to or afford the high-end designer goods, they can always acquire things at a more modest level. But, that’s a story for another post, this mall society that has developed here.
In those old days, most of the foreign goods had to come from foreign countries, brought in by friends and family. Seiko was a designer watch in those days, for heaven’s sake, not Vacheron Constantin. [Patek Phillipe probably the best known and most expensive Swiss watch brand does not sell in India. Yet]. Aah, but how things have changed!
Whether good or bad (and it doesn’t have to be either), it definitely shows the transformation that has occurred in this country in recent years. And, it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon!
The Amazing Service Industry of Mumbai
It is mind-boggling how many people can end up in service of one individual here in Mumbai (and I am sure in other cities). Sure, when I was growing up, we had a lot of help. But, in those days, especially in smaller towns, household help, for example, was normally generational and live-in. In other words, the person who cooked for us was probably a family member of whoever cooked for my grandparents.
Today, it is amazing how one individual living in Mumbai can outsource virtually everything in his or her life! People here quickly become accustomed to outsourcing all their chores and activities. These include many that we would in all likelihood be performing ourselves in the West or those which are not readily accessible, convenient or affordable over there.
Here is a sampling of the outsourcing realities in Mumbai, including representative costs (plus or minus 25%, depending on which area in Mumbai you live in):
- House Cleaning 7 days a week; dusting, sweeping and mopping all floors, cleaning bathrooms, dishwashing, laundry – $45 per month
- Cooking 7 days a week (freshly made lunch & dinner) – $60 per month
- Groceries (including vegies and all food or household needs) shopped and delivered for you, as needed – no extra cost
- Food from virtually any restaurant – delivered to your home at no extra cost
- All car driving needs (full-time driver, available 7 days a week) – $225 per month
- Personal Training at neighborhood gym – One hour, 6 days a week for $45 per month
- Yoga Training at home with qualified instructor – One hour, 3 days a week for $70 per month
- Massage in spa or at home – One hour, $10 – $100 depending on spa/massage therapist
- Manicure and Pedicure at home – $10
- Laundry picked up and delivered at home – e.g. ironing bed linen for one bed is $1; washing & ironing is $3.
As you can imagine, it has not taken me very long at all to “adjust” and outsource parts of my life. Given the short time that I have been here, I wonder how many other interesting outsourcing opportunities lie waiting to be discovered…
The Yin and Yang of Life Anywhere 