Known for its experimental approach to Indian textiles, Akaaro—founded by London-trained textile designer Gaurav Jai Gupta—creates original handwoven fabrics transformed into molten silk sarees, upcycled trench coats, and draped kaftans. The brand was born from a desire to craft something traditional yet minimal, breaking away from India’s embroidery-heavy fashion landscape. Their flagship store carries forward that idea. Located on the colonial stretch of Calicut Street in Ballard Estate, the store feels a natural extension of Akaaro’s design language. A former ice factory, the space retains its industrial soul with original iron pillars, a lofted structure, and stark black accents softened by natural wood tones and daylight pouring in through a wide skylight. A central thread running through the store is the concept of Materiality as Discourse. Textiles are not just displayed to be sold—they're positioned to be experienced, inviting touch, thought, and pause. 

Anchoring the store’s entrance is The Ballard Beacon—a sculptural installation by multidisciplinary artist Ashish Karmali. Made entirely from Akaaro’s textile waste, the tetrapod-shaped forms reference Mumbai's coastline, a subtle tribute to the brand’s first flagship space. As you step in, another corner features—a bold blue rock—draws from Yves Klein’s iconic shade, continuing the brand’s ongoing exploration of colour and concept. Going forward, the brand sees its windows as a space for many such installations. The curation includes Akaaro’s signature sarees, festive staples, and Mumbai-exclusive capsules, alongside Akaaro Naturals—a chemical-free line of hand-spun, handwoven garments. The edit further includes  their iconic Klein blue trench coats, upcycled jackets, stretch-weave kinji pallu saris, and multi-weave shararas, and more. The brand’s textiles often push material boundaries, using stainless steel, paper, and blended yarns—refined over a decade of experimentation.

Often referring to himself as a textile artist, Gaurav Jai Gupta has consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian handloom without losing its essence. “This space is an invitation to engage with textiles as a form of intellectual and sensory experience,” he says.