In a city like Mumbai that moves fast, Akaaro’s new flagship store in Ballard Estate chooses to slow things down. The Calicut Street store, the brand’s first of its kind, offers time and space to explore the process behind its fabrics.
The store doesn’t follow a typical retail formula. It feels more like a quiet, open studio where the focus is on the material. Interactive sections explain how each fabric comes together, allowing visitors to see the process, not just the outcome.
Gaurav Jai Gupta, Founder of Akaaro, said, “This space is an invitation to engage with textiles as a form of intellectual and sensory experience. We aim to create a platform where the dialogue between craft, design, and culture can unfold, resonating with a discerning audience that values depth and innovation. Ashish Karmalli’s installation adds a powerful layer of meaning, connecting our textiles to the very fabric of Mumbai’s enduring spirit. The sonic set contribution further enriches this experience, creating a holistic sensory immersion.”
At the entrance, the window installation by Mr. Karmalli stands out. Built using leftover textile scraps from Akaaro’s production, the sculptural forms resemble tetrapods, those structures found across Mumbai’s coastline. The installation speaks to the brand’s effort to reuse material and its connection to the city’s everyday landscape. It’s simple but clear in its message.
The clothes inside reflect the label’s core values: technique, structure, and wearability. Akaaro’s well-known sarees are displayed alongside festive pieces and capsule collections made just for the Mumbai store. These aren’t loud or trend-driven clothes. They’re designed to feel relevant for a long time.
Akaaro Naturals, launched alongside the store, focuses on chemical-free, handspun fabrics. These pieces have a softer finish and are meant to be easy to wear without compromising on thought or technique.
The store layout is open and uncluttered, allowing visitors to move through the space slowly. There’s room to notice the details, how the fabric falls, how it’s woven, what materials are used. For those unfamiliar with handlooms or design processes, the explanations offer context without being overwhelming.
The focus here isn’t on pushing new arrivals or seasonal edits. It’s on building a relationship with the garment and understanding its purpose. The store invites people to take their time and engage, not just browse and leave.
In a market where most stores are designed for quick consumption, Akaaro’s new space does the opposite. It holds space for reflection, not urgency. That alone makes it stand out.
