“You either know fashion or you don’t.” — Anna Wintour
Before exploring Melon, here’s a brief note on Surinder Gill, the founder and owner. Melon is not only Surinder’s fashion boutique, but also reflects her personality, influences, and experiences over the years.
Growing up, Surinder lived all over India and attended some of the best schools in the country, in Bangalore, Dehradun, and Shillong, followed by Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi. She moved to the United States for higher education and lived and worked as a teacher in New York for about fifteen years. She pursued her love of fashion by enrolling at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, which provided her formal training.
A keen and intrepid traveller, she has been travelling every year to various destinations in India and abroad, including the Antarctica, South America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Besides travelling, Surinder is passionate about animals (she always has a Dachshund or two besides her), nature and environmental issues, women’s rights, food, photography, and, of course, textiles and craftsmanship.
Ever since her college days, Surinder has been interested in fashion and aesthetics, and developed her own unique style, which was always appreciated by friends and strangers alike.
On her return to India in 1989, she searched for and found master craftsmen who could literally tailor her fashion ideas into reality, with their precise cutting and stitching. This is how Melon was born in Delhi and nurtured by Surinder and her team over more than a decade.
Surinder chose the name Melon to evoke a sense of playfulness and joy in all that she does. Melon incorporates and melds fashion influences from India and abroad in new and creative ways, and does so with an honesty that is reflected in its colours, designs, cuts, and silhouettes. It does not stick to any particular design dogma or philosophy, but upholds the highest standards of tailoring and craftsmanship.
Surinder’s national and international experiences and outlook have influenced Melon’s fashion sensibility, characterized by clean lines, elegant cuts, respect for the beauty and integrity of Indian textiles, attention to detail, and perfect fitting. The USP of Melon is intricate and fine thread detailing which is highly appreciated by discerning clients. This is where the meticulous skill of the master craftsmen shines through.
Based entirely on word of mouth and with no advertising budget, Melon has built up a niche following amongst its loyal customers who continually ask for more. Melon is happy to do custom or bespoke work for clients in their preferred colour and size.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Melon’s operations have been put on hold for safety reasons. However, Surinder continues to support her team and clients. This website is a platform to continue engaging with customers and all other stakeholders. Melon looks forward to better times for all.