Akaaro launches first Mumbai flagship

Textile focused fashion label Akaaro has launched its first flagship store in Mumbai, marking 15 years of its design journey with the opening of a space on Calicut Street, Ballard Estate. Conceived as more than a retail outlet, the store is positioned as an immersive platform for textile exploration, cultural dialogue, and conceptual design.

The Ballard Estate store showcases Akaaro’s commitment to innovation within the handloom tradition, treating textiles as both functional and artistic expressions, announced the brand in a press release. It includes interactive displays that demystify handloom weaving, highlight the structural qualities of fibre and weave, and offer insight into the label’s sustainability-led design ethos.

At the centre of the store’s visual identity is a commissioned installation by multidisciplinary artist Ashish Karmali. Constructed from repurposed textile waste, Karmali’s sculptural tetrapods pay tribute to Mumbai’s resilience and represent Akaaro’s sustainable design philosophy.

“This space is an invitation to engage with textiles as a form of intellectual and sensory experience,” said Akaaro’s founder Gaurav Jai Gupta in a press release. “We aim to create a platform where the dialogue between craft, design, and culture can unfold, resonating with a discerning audience that values depth and innovation. Ashish Karmalli’s installation adds a powerful layer of meaning, connecting our textiles to the very fabric of Mumbai’s enduring spirit. The sonic set contribution further enriches this experience, creating a holistic sensory immersion.”

The flagship houses a curated selection of collections, including Akaaro’s signature sarees, festive pieces, innovative weaves, and exclusive capsule lines created for Mumbai. It also introduces Akaaro Naturals, a range of chemical-free garments made from hand spun and handwoven textiles. The launch aligns with Akaaro’s wider aim of reimagining Indian handlooms through a contemporary, culturally rooted lens.