ifj

Photographer: Andre J. Fathome

New Delhi-based Studio Lotus has designed the Ekaya Thaan, which breaks the stereotype of a traditional fabric store and dedicates an entire floor to exquisite Banarasi textiles.

Spread across 2000 sq. ft. at Delhi’s Defence Colony Market, Ekaya Thaan stores away the exquisite textile pieces and brings them to display only on request. Each piece is allowed a standalone element, with a library to be launched shortly to educate customers on the history of textiles. Large display tables have been laid to throw open, measure and cut fabric rolls.

Visual delight, easy browsing and the brand’s focus on exhibiting their collaborations with eminent designers are emphasized. This has been achieved by channelling the courtyard experience of a heritage house with a dynamic central gallery that allows for storytelling. The gallery space enables a changing display featuring garments, lifestyle products, or upholstery. It is enclosed by cupboards with shutters made of metal and fluted glass, creating a translucent layer beneath which the exclusive range is stored.

The bespoke area at the rear of the store displays an atelier’s table and changing area, giving it the feel of a private tailoring shop. The gallery and customization are separated by an MS and fluted glass screen. The undulating pattern of flutes is constantly rendered throughout the store, while stone and timber create a design language. Fluted Indian marble has been used as fins that are fixed floor-to-ceiling for the main display system and cash desk. Handcrafted glass anchors browsing and retail pockets in the form of large customized amber glass tube chandeliers, manufactured by AKSD, over the interaction tables. The flooring was inherited from the site and restored with inlay work in stone and brass.