Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
In the bustling heart of Mumbai’s art district, Kala Ghoda, internationally acclaimed fashion designer Rahul Mishra has unveiled his flagship store — not just a retail space, but a living museum of art, architecture, and couture.
Rahul Mishra, the 2023 International Woolmark Prize winner and the first Indian to present at Paris Haute Couture Week, takes us through the grand mansion that now houses his latest creative expression. Once an ice factory dating back to the 1970s, the 80-year-old structure has been magnificently transformed into a 75,500 square foot fashion sanctuary with ceilings towering over 150 feet.
This restored mansion pays homage to its colonial roots — the same neighborhood where King Edward VII once stood with his horse and where British architectural influence still stands tall. Today, the area is also home to the iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, and this new flagship store fits seamlessly into its rich tapestry of culture.
Inside, the store is not just about couture — it’s a sensory experience. From embroidered swatches and archival motifs to rooms filled with dried floral arrangements and art installations, each space tells a story. The wooden carvings embedded into textile designs reflect a poetic fusion of fashion and architecture. Every element, from the nude-toned rustic wall finishes to the handcrafted floral French knots by skilled artisans, contributes to the mansion’s deep colonial and artisanal undertones.
“The mansion is a zen of art and peace where I can feel the aura around it,” says Mishra. The mansion’s intimate experience continues with personal shopping lounges, coveted handcrafted bags, and a couture atelier that feels more like a gallery than a store.
Mishra’s approach goes beyond just showcasing fashion — it embodies a deep respect for storytelling, sustainability, and heritage. The mansion isn’t merely a space to shop, but a place to feel, see, and connect with Indian craft in its most luxurious form.
