Rahul Mishra opens a new store in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

Arushi Sakhuja

In a short span of time Rahul Mishra has secured his spot as one of India’s most celebrated couturiers. Known for his intricate floral embroideries and pastel hues, the designer has become loved globally. With leading international and Bollywood celebrities donning his couture, his growth chart has been phenomenal, to say the least.

This month Rahul Mishra added another feather to his cap with the brand’s newest flagship store at Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. The city of Hyderabad is a booming fashion hub, and the retail store by the maverick was an anticipated one. The store’s soul-searing interiors evoke a Zen-like calm, and its clever and unexpected approach to visual merchandising creates a holistic and creatively fulfilling shopping experience.

Nestled in the cultural district, within the store you can find an extensive range of creations from both  Rahul Mishra Couture and AFEW Rahul Mishra. Spanning 5000 square feet, the facade reflects Rahul Mishra’s signature trompe l’oeil technique, often seen in his couture work, which cleverly deceives the eye. At first glance, it almost resembles a flower shop! Rahul Mishra explains, “I believe the most beautiful thing a shop can sell is flowers. They are nature’s design marvels, sustaining life and the ecosystem. The store’s front looks like a flower shop, with hand-embroidered flowers that bring life to a lehenga or add romance to a jacket.” The blend of natural and handmade artistry is a common thread across the store’s design. 

Designed by Amith Chhabra, the interiors reflect the brand’s philosophy of slow fashion while supporting India’s local crafts. The aim was to create a space that feels like a museum or an art gallery, rooted in minimalism without compromising on fine details. Drawing inspiration from Hyderabad’s rocks and Hussain Sagar Lake, the ceilings mimic the reflection of water, creating an optical illusion when sunlight filters through the black steel windows and columns. The stainless steel ceiling, designed with a water-like rippled texture, incorporates key elements of the Nawabi city.

The boutique boasts sleek, curved racks in a pristine, glistening white, cultivating an atmosphere of tranquillity and relaxation. Natural daylight floods the space from immense windows during the day, while carefully curated artistic lighting takes over as dusk falls, illuminating the exquisite beauty of the garments. This creates a warm, comforting, and inviting environment. The subdued colour palette serves as a perfect backdrop, allowing the vibrant and lively rarefied couture collectibles and exceptional haute couture gems to stand out along the curved walkways. The collections are presented in a manner akin to the visual appeal of an exquisite wardrobe, showing off miniature clothes and a selection of eye-catching bags. What’s more? The store reimagines changing rooms as large wooden cylindrical spaces. These areas resemble a couture cuboid with curved surfaces highlighted by stones, combining pure materials to create a harmonious effect.

Overall, the design provides a neutral yet evocative backdrop that beautifully showcases the timeless and extraordinary creations.

Address:

Rahul Mishra, Sattva Signature Tower, Road No 1 , Banjara Hills – 500034