In the tony neighbourhood of Defence Colony, New Delhi, designer stores jostle for space. Yet, the newest entrant to the milieu has made its presence felt strongly. This is the flagship store of popular design label Abraham & Thakore, which has been in the business for over 30 years. This new flagship store showcases the best of the label’s work including its clothing line, home décor, accessories and more.
“It was our vision to open a contemporary space that transcends retail. This store is at once a sanctuary for timeless design and a touchstone for handcrafted luxury. Enclosed within a space measuring two thousand square feet lie our brand’s countless expressions and explorations of Indian craft,” explain the designers.
The creators of the label, David Abraham, Rakesh Thakore and Kevin Nigli have made a name for themselves as the creators of Indian couture that weaves in the subcontinent’s vast crafting traditions. As Thakore explains it, “This flagship store is more than just a retail space. It’s a celebration of our legacy. Here, patrons will not only discover our latest collections but also immerse themselves in the essence of our brand—a true embodiment of our vision for modern luxury.”
As one of India’s most successful and respected design teams for both fashion and accessories, Abraham & Thakore have grown from strength to strength over the years. David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore who graduated from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad started the label in 1992. They were later joined by Kevin Nigli, a design graduate of NIFT, New Delhi. The label’s foray into the world of design began with a handmade collection of scarves and kimonos, for which it partnered with exclusive stores in London and across various European countries. Some of these stores included The Conran Shop, Browns, Liberty, Selfridges and Harrods in London and Le Bon Marche in Paris.
When asked to describe the aesthetic of the label, the designer team says, “Our label is known for crafting contemporary yet non-conforming fashion that lasts across seasons. The design sensibility is low key with a strong respect for material, form and craft and reflects the way we live in urban India, creating fashion and textiles rooted in our Indian identity yet with a contemporary and international take. In a consumer world of mass-produced fast fashion, Abraham & Thakore reiterates the belief that real luxury lies in specially crafted products in limited numbers of high quality.”
Their newest store in Defence Colony is the latest feather in their cap. It has been designed in collaboration with Studio Organon, and its aesthetic blends contemporary design with a love of Indian artistic traditions – a combination that perfectly reflects the label’s ethos. Inside, one sees a soothing palette of neutral tones that is accentuated by marble details, creating a space that is minimalist yet sophisticated at the same time.
“The terrazzo floor serves as a visual tribute to the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship, communicating this commitment through bold graphic elements,” says Saurabh Dakshini, the founder of Studio Organon. To create it, he drew inspiration from the creations of label Abraham & Thakore to ensure consistency across all retail spaces.
“We are beyond thrilled to unveil our flagship store in Defence Colony,” exclaims Abraham. “This isn’t just a store; it’s the culmination of our lifelong dedication to the art of design – a breakthrough moment for us as we continue to push the boundaries of minimalism.”
The launch of Abraham & Thakore’s new store also coincides with the release of the brand’s latest collections across the spheres of home decor and apparel. Titled ‘Body Language’, the brand’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection relies on interesting symbols which form a syncretic language of their own, resulting in a striking collection with playful typography at its core. The theme is further explored through meticulous craftsmanship that incorporates techniques like ikat, ajrakh, brocades, badla, sequin, and fine laser cut work.
The brand’s home goods collection also finds pride of place in the store with a select curation of home essentials that promise to elevate everyday experiences with their artisanal charm. One will be spoilt for choice with handcrafted ceramics, linens, and more. There are soft napkins and table runners featuring the brand’s signature Kantha stitches, porcelain bowls marked with strong, simple brushstrokes, and marble cheese plates and scented candles perfect for evening gatherings. One can also style up their bedroom with lovely ikat bed linen. The art on display in the store also celebrates craftsmanship, as evident from the works which adorn the walls, centring around the motif of the dot. “At Abraham & Thakore Home, we invite patrons to embrace life in the company of craft,” say the designers.
The Defence Colony store is the brand’s third store in Delhi after those located in Dhan Mill Compound and DLF Promenade mall. They also have outlets in Mumbai and soon will launch one in Hyderabad. “Our Abraham & Thakore stores complement the strong digital presence that our brand already enjoys,” they share, signing off.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.