The art precinct of Mumbai, Kala Ghoda, has also turned into the fashion district and is now home to several fashion stores, largely housed inside heritage buildings in this area. Designed in the maximalist style, these five stores seamlessly blend the glory of the past with varying degrees of modernity and heritage, each sublime in its own way. Take a look.
Jigya.M
Rohit Mendiratta – The Matter Studio
Rohit Mendiratta – The Matter Studio
Capturing the essence of traditional craftsmanship of Gujarat and infusing it with modern elegance, Jigya.M is a couture clothing brand offering ethnic bridal and festive wear. The store’s design imbibes this concept and pays homage to the rich, cultural tapestry of Gujarat. Its founder Jigya Patel who conceptualised it, opted for a maximalist approach to create a lavish, immersive experience for customers who walk in. Showcasing artefacts collected by her over the years to hand-made Pichwai art, each object evokes a sense of pride in her Indian heritage. The extensive use of brass in the decor is a nod to the bygone era while the intricate mirror work and mochi embroidery celebrate Gujarati artistry. Vintage teakwood frames and hand-crafted glass chandeliers further enhance the store’s ambience. Patel’s vision with the design was to create a maximalist wonder where the abundance of elements doesn’t overwhelm but creates a cohesive, rich experience where heritage and luxury coexist.
Papa Don’t Preach
Ashish Sahi
Ashish Sahi
Designed as a whimsical wonderland inspired by author JRR Tolkien’s idyllic abodes in The Hobbit, Papa Don’t Preach is designer Shubhika Sharma’s homegrown label of clothing, shoes and accessories known for its cool quotient. She handed over the design reins to her sister Shimona Bhansali, founder and principal designer at Design Hex, for this flagship store in Kala Ghoda. The lavender facade that features intricate embroidery motifs, gives a peek inside through circular display windows along with the playful mannequins that don the latest collection. Inside, the artistry of the store’s maximalist design unfolds with a majestic pink tree taking centre stage, decked with colourful baubles and lights. The mosaic-tiled flooring meanders throughout the store while the ceiling is reminiscent of a celestial design. From arched fitting rooms to the thoughtful visual display across the two levels, Papa Don’t Preach’s store design pays a fitting ode to the fashion label’s unique, quirky aesthetic.
Sabyasachi
Björn Wallander
Björn Wallander
One of the most popular Indian luxury brands, Sabyasachi opened its largest flagship store in Mumbai over a year ago, with the interiors and creative direction of the designer himself. Sabyasachi Mukherjee chose a neoclassical heritage building to create an immersive retail space in Kala Ghoda. Indian decadence and craftsmanship come alive in the 25,862-square-foot store adorned with over 100 chandeliers, 275 carpets, 3,000 books and 150 artworks created by the Sabyasachi Foundation. Designed as a living museum, it features vintage handwoven and crafted textiles from across India such as age-old Tanjore paintings, Pichhwais, Mughal miniatures, 19th-century Company Paintings and rare lithographs. Tang dynasty pottery, rare Canton vases and other antiques also find their way here. Between the display of couture wear, jewellery and accessories across the three floors, the store also has hidden lounges, dens and a tea room. The brand and the store are a true celebration of slow, authentic Indian luxury in their signature style.
Anita Dongre
S. Thiru