Sanjay Garg - PORTFOLIO THREE

As Raw Mango arrives in Chennai, AD visits its newest flagship boutique the fifth after Mumbai, Bengaluru, and two Delhi outlets in Lodhi Colony and Angoori Badi-housed in an Art Deco villa from the 1960s. Founder-designer Sanjay Garg takes us through the journey of bringing the space to life, from spotting the perfect new home for his label to imparting his own style and wisdom to make it his own.

- Arshia Dhar

Garg's attention to detail has only cemented his brand's unique identity even better with this Chennai anchor.

THE CHENNAI OUTLET BUILDS ON THE ART DECO BONES OF A FORMER FAMILY HOME, WHICH IS SURROUNDED BY A LAVISH FRONT LAWN SHROUDED BY A CANOPY OF TREES.

The designer has mindfully built on the existing structure that once belonged to a family, preserving much of its past while also adding his own distinctive signature to its blueprint with a smattering of antiquities and collectibles in every nook. Garg's genius is boundless. A collector, a gallerist, and an architecture enthusiast, in addition to being a textile and fashion designer-in this new store his many facets and talents find a confluence, while remaining within the brand's vision, which, Garg says, is ever-evolving.

THE ENTRANCE TO MALLIGAI-ITS STRIKING WHITE FAÇADE BEAUTIFULLY OFFSETS THE SURROUNDING NATURAL PALETTE OF GREENS AND BROWNS.

The boutique is called Malligai, meaning jasmine, a flower that has long been the designer's muse. And what better way to pay homage than to shower his new home with mogras on opening day, as the breeze sang to the tunes of the shehnai.

A TOP ANGLE VIEW OF THE STAIRCASE LEADING TO THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE STORE.

A CORRIDOR OF CURIOSITIES, SHOWCASING COLLECTION OF CERAMIC DOLLS, FLEA MARKET GARG'S TRIANGULAR CRESTS OF ΤΗΕ FINDS, AND ANTIQUE BUSTS.

THE CUPBOARDS WERE INSPIRED BY HOME CHAPELS AND CHURCH FURNITURE IN GARG'S COLLECTION. THE UNIQUELY SHAPED CHANDELIER ADORNING THE CEILING IS VINTAGE.