To express the quintessence of the exquisite formal Indian wear for a male customer base, created by a label called Heritage, Deepak Kalra lead a team to design their boutique store in New Delhi, India. The client’s foresight and aspiration was a great help to the firm in creating the design. In order to take forward his lineage he aspired to have a store that stood true to its brand name and form of work, a store that spoke loudly about the effort and care put into the production of the garments. The attention paid in detailing them had to be reflected by the shell that housed them. Armed with this thought, it was the constant bouncing of ideas back and forth with new additions and alterations every time that lead the concept to its maturity.
The interior revolved around the name HERITAGE, a term that is often used to discuss a cultural aspect or tradition that has been passed down through generations. The same was used in recreating the weaving environment using typical detailing, enticing the customer into a relaxed yet dramatic shopping experience.
The elevation is designed to stand out in an otherwise organically evolved market space, making a bold and clear statement. The entire façade made of burnt bricks serves as a strong backdrop for a logo in copper sheen that dominates one’s first visual impression. Even though the design as such is very silent and doesn’t reveal much of the store, the message it delivers is just as it was envisioned- it is the age old traditions that have taken a contemporary form.
As one enters they are greeted with a multilayered, multicolored screen of threads, glass and metal alphabets from the word Heritage in two different languages, translating the art of weaving into interior hardware. It grips the customer giving them just a glimpse, preparing them for an experience of the store that promises to be different from the rest. Beyond this, one walks into an impactful masculine environment that allows each garment to be experienced as a piece of art.
The space has been broadly divided into three sections-western pret wear, wedding attire and couture. No physical elements demarcate these sections; they just flow into one another without hindering each other’s functionality.
Close attention has been paid in detailing using all materials in their true and honest form- rusted iron, reclaimed wood with elements of polished and rustic copper to support the theme. It is the juxtaposition of such materials with their contemporaries that has been able to generate such an environment.
The heritage atmosphere is further enhanced by using reclaimed parts of old Looms, traditionally used in weaving textile, suspended from the ceiling to weave the display space with its threads.
A solid reclaimed wooden counter with all its cracks and knots sits in the center of the space under a large customized light installation made of copper. The staircase has been suspended by metal cables with rusted iron and copper fixtures. Garment display system made with reclaimed wood and copper detailing further add to the charm of the space.
The lighting was designed to specially render the space and highlight only the product. It is mostly effect lighting along with focused lights to highlight the garments and to create an interesting play of light and shadow. Considering the reflection of our colorful culture in their garments, care was taken that in an effort to create a dramatic interior there was no compromise in the lighting that was required for them to stand out bright and appealing in an otherwise dimly lit space.
The store was envisioned to invoke a strong feeling of contemporary design, Indian influences and classic timeless materials. Putting together modern with the antiquities in a way that makes the design absolutely timeless without making it seem outdated or dull at any time.