STEPPING INTO A STEPWELL

Drawing inspiration from India's ancient baolis, the design of this retail store for a luxury fashion brand facilitates an intimate rendezvous between the products and visitors

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Project: Retail Store for Forest of Chintz, Mumbai; Architects: SJK Architects

Forest of Chintz is an Indian luxury label that makes statement accessories and haute couture - from clutches, neckpieces, and earrings, to scarves, tunics, and display mannequins. Its vibrant range of products draws from India's rich handcrafting culture.

ROSHNI KSHIRSAGAR, Partner, SJK Architects Roshni Kshirsagar is a partner at SJK Architects, along with Shimul Javeri Kadri, Sarika Shetty and Vaishali Mangalvedhekar. Founded in 1990, SJK Architects is a Mumbai-based collective of 30+ built environment professionals, working with clients and collaborators all across the country. They design spaces that are meticulously crafted from a study of climate, culture, history, and technology - each unique to the place and its people.

Bold yet understated, SJK Architects' design for the flagship store of Forest of Chintz in Mumbai brings alive India's glorious, ancient stepwells. The restrained material and colour palette inspires an almost cavernous retail experience - providing a suitable backdrop for the label's exuberant collections and facilitating an intimate rendezvous with the visitors.

An Ode to India's Built Heritage