A spatial expression of the modern man’s sartorial taste

“The brief inspired us to design a luxe landscape for the modern man. The KM store is an exercise in rebranding and building a regal identity through architecture and design,” says Bhavuk Jain, Co-founder, Sync Design Studio, of their new project,  Kanishk Mehta store.

Located on the Golf Course Road in Gurugram, the Kanishk Mehta Store is an exclusive, bespoke menswear boutique. Aimed at bringing the aristocratic tailoring experience to the user, Sync Design Studio crafted a made-to-measure architectural identity for the designer.

The studio chose to dress the store in a modern-eclectic style meant to embrace the user in welcoming resonance . To create congruence between luxury and aesthetics, the store is divided into three arched zones. The first zone, which is the entrance, houses the shoe section, reception and casual shirts, while the second zone comprises Sherwanis and tuxedos. The third zone boasts of a hand-picked collection of fabrics.

Carefully conceptualized spatial layout lends fluidity to the space. What from outside looks like a rigid structure, becomes quite flexible inside—an effect achieved by The studio literally tailored the design to suit the chic vibe of the store by crafting made-to-measure zones layered with lounge seating.

The surfaces are a result of adding or unveiling layers of materials, informs Sync Design Studio . Hues of champagne gold in the interiors coupled with brass inlay terrazzo tile flooring make the material palette a visual and chromatic melody. To add the classy touch, the studio fashioned an exposed ceiling with golden cornices and a ceiling mirror. Drawing from the ancient assemblage of classical architecture, the studio erected custom-made aluminium columns marked by an engraved brand logo for impact and exclusivity—taking personalization to a new level.

Sync Design Studio identified the Kanishk Mehta Man as flamboyant, debonair and possessing impeccable taste. Since the design needed to embody the KM man, the studio customised all furniture—essentially tailoring the store to meet the brief. Arched walls in stucco grey with gold accents, brass and wood shelves along with a pool table provide a stunning backdrop for an exclusive menswear clothing storage and display. To evoke experiential aspects of an international défilé de mode, a central rod display was custom-made to hang clothes in particular.  A leopard print carpet was added to facilitate in-house ramp shows whenever required. Suspended from the ceiling, the central rod display also acts as an art installation—compelling the user to consciously notice and experience immersive design. All three elements—the carpet, the ceiling mirror and the central rod display are part of a design strategy that emulates synchronicity in form; essentially making it a ‘form follows fashion’ statement.

To recreate the affluent atmosphere of high-end luxury retail stores, customised 3500 Kelvin lighting fixtures were integrated throughout the store. A flexible lighting layout comprising eiling track lights was added to highlight products and bring out their true colour. “Our interest in thinking retail architecture as therapeutic led us to develop the stately character of this project. Since we had also developed the branding design for the store, brass wings on the door handles were added to reiterate the grand brand identity,” shares Bhavuk Jain.

Borrowing an element from the interior, the arches continue in the façade. The façade design shows that there is more than one way to play with light in a luxury retail store. Dappled light falls inside the store through a show window on the exterior giving the user outside a glimpse of the rich Kanishk Mehta experience that lies ahead. Next to the Kanishka Mehta logo stand costumed mannequins for displaying the brand’s haute couture. ACP panels in an anti-graphite finish encase the exterior, casting the façade in an elegant and clean shade.

“Through the Kanishk Mehta store, Sync Design Studio aspires to celebrate the sophisticated, modern man who endorses the ‘more, new and now’ culture of premium menswear fashion and is hopeful of making it the newest landmark in luxury retail,” says the studio statement.

Project Details

Location:  Golf Course Road, Gurugram

Size: 3000 sqft

Status: Built

Architect: Bhavuk Jain, Sandeep Singh

Photographer Credits: Atul Pratap Chauhan

Text: Urvashi Vasishtha