showcase projects
Anjali Wadhwani
Most boutique
stores face the challenge of accommodating stitching, fitting, alteration and
retail in one, single place, and so did this one.
That said, every
inch has been utilised to enhance the functionality of the space. Spread across
two floors with ample parking outside, the top floor was reserved for the
workshop and behind the scenes work, the ground floor to entertain clients, and
a space below the staircase tucked away as a trial room for outfit reviews and
more.
While shera wood
façade with glass panels welcome the outside world within, the interiors
showcase a balance of modern and contemporary, in sync with their chicness and
style. However, despite the use of intricate details, the focus remains on the
outfits being displayed with strategic track lights highlighting the same. In
addition, the white walls and dark grey floors both allow the colours to
prominently stand out.
Introduction
The difference between design and art has always been functionality. While elements of style, theme, and self-expression do play an important part in design, it is fulfilling a purpose that defines its success. With this boutique studio, the brief was to design a boutique that delivers a vintage experience but with a contemporary design, just like the garments being sold there – exclusive wedding gowns, traditional bride wear, etc., designed in a contemporary style.
Context to Surroundings
Set in a quiet background of Pune City, this boutique is a dialogue right from the first glance. For conversation starters, the gate act as a medium between the inside and outside, while shera wood panels play Peek-a-boo in conjunction with the metallic frames around them.
Moving further inside, the material and colour palette maintain the same language, conversing in traditional and contemporary tones through the elements of the space.
Designing the Space & Other Details
The overall experience driven by the final outcome of the space involves an artistic blend of modern and contemporary with conventional items used in an unconventional way. The visual language of raw copper pipes bent to form a suspended display system for garments, collage of wooden blocks used traditionally for fabric printing and uniquely designed copper handles and light fixtures maintain the chicness and style with absolute focus highlighted on the garments themselves.
And true to the theme of optimum utilization of the space, almost all of these elements serve functionality simultaneously. For example, the wooden blocks placed on the wall also beautifully conceal a trap door for ducting purposes behind it. But there is more to this wall in particular than what meets the eye.
Just like a fashion show, while all the garments make a statement of their own, there is always the showstopper. Select garments are displayed here. In this case, just being placed in front of an installation so charismatic in design, yet subtle in character, draws focus to the garments because the intricate details of the blocks in contrast to the rest of the space draw attention to themselves before dutifully shifting focus to the pieces showcased in front of it. Moreover, the strategic intent and location of this wall, like an extension of the exclusive, customized designer wear, expresses a core that stems from traditional roots in the form of printing blocks, put together in a fresh, contemporary tone.
The same stands true for the ergonomically derived suspended displays, breathing space within and outside the boutique, and warm lighting, set the stage for a perfect sales pitch by creating an environment which has been designed to soothe, and stimulate a client at the same time.