By Kaveri
Mumbai
Nestled in one of Mumbai’s most eclectic neighbourhoods, Bandra, known for housing cafes and concept stores–KAVERI is an escape to the label’s sartorial and all-linen handcrafted clothing for women. With a spacious layout, each corner dedicated to a different line of products from KAVERI including Everyday K, Couture, and Love by Kaveri, the store is as inviting and welcoming as the label is to women of all sizes. Founded and envisioned by designer Kaveri Lalchand, the store's design was brought to life by Sri Lankan architect Ruchi Dhillon. As the latest addition to the brand's store portfolio, Dhillon has been able to filter the essence of KAVERI and create a retreat that people can come back to. Her thoughtful approach magnifies the brand’s understated aesthetics - ensuring that the clothing and accessories remain the true focal points. And yet the interiors are a natural extension of the brand. The walls also serve as a canvas for hand-embroidered and intricately detailed tapestries, showcasing motifs that are signature to KAVERI’s designs. These subtle touches continue to flow through the rest of the store’s design with sparse interiors and curated decor — boasting a thoughtful play between keeping it subtle— to not overwhelm the visitors—and yet brightly lit to offer an uplifting environment. The rest of Kaveri’s stores, whether in Mumbai’s artistic escape Kala Ghoda, Chennai, Kochi, Goa or Ahmedabad, exude a similar language and appeal. And entering each one feels like a serene pause from the hustle of city life, where the ambience naturally whisks you in. All of the spaces also double up for various events including book readings, textile workshops, high tea, soirees and more - allowing the brand to interact with its customers in real-time. Such aspects, honed thoughtfully by KAVERI, align with the growing narrative that creating a brand experience is becoming one of the most coveted ways to build customer loyalty today.
Kaveri Lalchand
In Conversation With Kaveri Lalchand
BTB: How do you translate Kaveri’s design language into the store aesthetic? Are there any signature elements that you use consistently throughout the stores?
Kaveri: Since we use linen as the core fabric for all our work, we’ve extended its beauty and versatility into an aesthetic that’s an interpretation of the fabric within our stores. Our design ethos is that of comfort and inclusivity; you will find the same experience across all our stores. From the linen embroidered panels, curtains, and the use of specific colours to the flow of the display and the garments showcased within the store, all tie in together as an homage to linen and mother nature- being the central theme of our products with a goal to make every woman and Everyday Beautiful.
BTB: Who designed the interiors of your latest Bombay store, and what did the process look like?
Kaveri: The design for our latest store in Mumbai was envisioned by Sri Lankan Architect Ruchi Dhillon of RdD in Colombo, who has made remarkable strides and impact in the world of design by bringing interiors to life for many projects - most notably for renowned hotels and other establishments in the region. Her beautiful touches can also be seen within our store at Ahmedabad. Through my years of experience in this business and interacting with my customers, I’ve understood their thought process. This allowed me to offer garments with an experience within a store that follows a comfortable flow while making my customers look and feel good- during and after their time with us. My concept for the stores was simple- for the space to have a warm, comfortable and inviting atmosphere with a beautiful KAVERI aesthetic that people can return to as a haven of comfort and style.
BTB: Kaveri has stores in Chennai, Kala Ghoda with the latest in Bandra, Mumbai and Ahmedabad with new stores launching soon in Delhi and Hyderabad. How do different cities influence the design of your stores?
Kaveri: Our first store in Mumbai is nestled in the historic avenue of Kala Ghoda- the premier fashion hub of the city that’s also the home to many fashion luminaries in the industry. In keeping with the historic atmosphere of the location, the store’s facade was recreated in a decadent art deco aesthetic- a style that gained notoriety from Europe in the 1920s and 30s.
The Bandra store is one of our larger establishments with multiple spaces each serving as a dedicated experience for our line of products from Everyday K, Couture, and Love by Kaveri creations.
Our store in Chennai transports you to an enchanted Parisian garden with a beautiful gazebo and a floral arch - quaint touches adding elegance to the ambience and the Ahmedabad store boasts a fluid design with soft curved lines and edges throughout the interiors including the trial rooms.
My thought for the stores is for them to be havens of respite. From the moment you step in and a glance into the store, you are whisked away into a world that’s an uplifting, and brightly lit atmosphere with soft soothing colours. Not only do our stores serve as the portal into the glorious world of linen, but also offers comfort, and peace of mind away from the hustle and bustle of the city; a cosy space with comfortable seating accompanied by a choice of peppermint tea, masala chai, herbal tea or a tasty ice cream at some of our stores that take us back to our childhood- a tasteful prelude for what’s to come next and only to be experienced at the House of KAVERI.
BTB: Your stores host various activities, transforming them into cultural hubs as well as retail spaces. Could you describe some of these activities and how they contribute to building community around the brand?
Kaveri: One of the features of a KAVERI store is we have regularly have events revolving around the themes of fashion, literature and the arts- from hosting book readings, and moderating insightful conversations with authors to conducting bag crafting workshops, fashion shows and more- unites people together with a goal to create a harmonious community from the ground up everywhere. I’m always present at these events to meet and greet my customers; share my thoughts on these relevant topics. They are also an opportunity for me to show gratitude to customers who have been loyal to the brand and meet new customers who are interested in the brand’s ethos.
BTB: Sustainability is a key theme in your work. How are sustainable practices integrated into the design and daily operations of the Kaveri stores?
Kaveri: Sustainability is at the core of the House of KAVERI and the base fabric that we use for all our work is linen. Linen is one of the most sustainable fabrics and we adore it for its texture, drape and versatility. We also use other natural fabrics like silk, cotton, and organza. It is worth turning to these greener alternatives compared to the synthetic materials that may be a more inexpensive choice but present significant environmental challenges. With linen, even a little goes a long way. The fabric is so strong and durable that it can be reused and recycled multiple times.
We’re sustainable down to even the human level keeping a watchful eye on ethical practices used in-house to create our garments- from the materials, dyes and techniques- ensuring everyone working on a garment is safe. My other mission is to nurture and develop a sense of community particularly among women- empowering them with opportunities and growth- shedding light on the endless possibilities that hopefully uplift them to a life that is well worth living.
BTB: Are there any concept stores, either in India or internationally, that you look up to for inspiration?
Kaveri: From a design perspective, I love the interiors of the Red Valentino store, Sloane Street in London, designed by architect and designer India Mahdavi. Her use of colour, texture and clever interplay with lights along with the striking contrast of brass brings a dreamy yet bold atmosphere to the store.
I’ve also always loved the concept stores in Goa. They’re so beautiful and creative especially the ones that use heritage properties. Overall, any retail store that preserves the historical essence and integrity of such a property is to truly to be admired and appreciated.
Address: 6A, Vishnu Dham, Gurunanak Road, Bandra West, Mumbai- 400050