History in its walls

Legendary fashion designer, James Ferreira opens his ancestral home to give usa glimpse into a life well loved, and well lived

- PRAGNYA RAO

Branching into a quiet lane, far from the incessant honking and chaos of one of the busiest streets in Mumbai, is Khotachiwadi, a heritage precinct dotted with vibrant Portuguese-style homes.

Home to some of the city’s most revered names, this quaint village is a lesson in history. Though the lanes are busier than before, and there are just 25 of the original structures remaining from a bustling 65 homes, it still retains a large part of its Portuguese charm thanks to relentless efforts by the city’s custodians, at the forefront being fashion designer, James Ferreira.

As we make our way to his home, you can’t help but notice how newer additions and a modern way of life seem to be trying to get a toehold in. “My friends tell me all the time that I am probably the only person who would still live in the house he was born in. If you ask me, I am extremely fortunate, and glad that I am here,” says James as we walk into his home, the doors of which, he says, “are always open, for anyone to stop by.”