The House of Rare’s flagship store Milap in Kolkata is an ode to heritage

Apparel and fashion brand, The House of Rare, has announced the launch of its largest flagship store in the country yet, a 10,500 sq. ft. space in the heart of Kolkata, located on Shakespeare Sarani. Named Milap, the store is located in a 126-year-old heritage building restored for this launch. 

“The building, long admired for its graceful structure and intricate detailing, has been brought back to life with deep respect for its original form. While the interiors now reflect the brand’s contemporary and minimal aesthetic, original elements such as the façade, staircases, window panes, and exterior structure have been preserved and restored with care,” shares the company. 

“Kolkata holds a special place in our journey; it’s a city that raised dreamers, thinkers, artists, and change-makers,” shared Manish Poddar, Founder of The House of Rare.“Milap is quite special and close to our hearts. To open our largest store here, in a building that has seen more than a century of life, feels deeply personal. This isn’tjust about growth; it’s about storytelling, revival, and gratitude. We didn’t just open a store, we brought back a piece of the past, and gave it a new purpose.”  

“There’s something poetic about this launch,” said Akshika Poddar, Co-Founder of The House of Rare.“The building, with all its age and elegance, mirrors the essence of Rareism - strong, graceful, and rooted in authenticity. Every detail in this space was designed to evoke emotion, to slow you down, and make you feel. This store is a tribute to Kolkata’s soul, and to everyone who believes that fashion can also be a form of memory.”