Sync Design Studio is a Gurugram based design studio that specializes in consumer-centric architecture layered with a collaborative and holistic approach. Founded by a team of a young, self-motivated group of architects, the studio’s recent project, the Kanishk Mehta store explores the relationship between luxury and experiential design.

Located on the Golf Course Road in Gurugram, the Kanishk Mehta Store is an exclusive, bespoke menswear boutique. Aimed at bringing the aristocratic tailoring experience to the user, the studio crafted a made-to-measure architectural identity for the designer.

“The brief inspired us to design a luxe landscape for the modern man. The KM store is an exercise in rebranding and building a regal identity through architecture and design,” says co-founder, Bhavuk Jain.

The studio chose to dress the store in a modern-eclectic style to fabricate an indulgent universe for the user. To create congruence between luxury and aesthetics while relaying a rich, sensory experience to the user, the store is divided into three arched zones.

The first zone which also marks the entrance houses the shoe section, the reception and the casual shirts section. The second zone brings in the Sherwanis and the tuxedos and the third zone boasts of a hand-picked collection of fabrics.

What from outside looks like a rigid structure, becomes quite flexible inside—an effect achieved by a carefully conceptualized spatial layout. Petite, high-end Italian tailoring parlours, aristocratic gentlemen and self-indulgent parties are among the eclectic references that formed the design for this flagship store. The surfaces are a result of adding or unveiling layers of materials. Hues of champagne gold in the interiors coupled with brass inlay terrazzo tile flooring make the material palette a visual and chromatic melody. To add a sophisticated touch and to accentuate the royal quality of the store, the studio fashioned an exposed ceiling with golden cornices and a ceiling mirror. Adapting from the ancient assemblage of classical architecture, the studio erected custom-made aluminium columns marked by an engraved brand logo for impact and exclusivity—taking personalization to a new level.

Sync Design Studio identified the Kanishk Mehta Man as flamboyant, debonair and possessing impeccable taste. Since the design needed to embody the KM man, the studio customised all furniture—essentially tailoring the store to meet the brief. Arched walls in stucco grey with gold accents, brass and wooden shelves along with a pool table provide a stunning backdrop for an exclusive menswear clothing storage and display. To evoke experiential aspects of an international défilé de mode, a central rod display was custom-made to hang clothes in particular while a leopard print carpet was added to facilitate an in-house ramp show whenever required. Suspended from the ceiling, the central rod display also acts as an art installation—compelling the user to consciously notice and experience immersive design. All three elements—the carpet, the ceiling mirror and the central rod display are part of a design strategy that emulates synchronicity in form; essentially making it a ‘form follows fashion’ statement.

To recreate the affluent atmosphere of high-end luxury retail stores, customised 3500 Kelvin lighting fixtures were integrated throughout the store. A flexible lighting layout consisting of ceiling track lights was added to highlight products and bring out their true colour. “Our interest in thinking of retail architecture as therapeutic led us to develop the stately character of this project. Since we had also developed the branding design for the store, brass wings on the door handles were added to reiterate the grand brand identity,” contends Bhavuk Jain.

While the interior of the store exudes a regal vibe, the exterior radiates a mysterious one. Borrowing an element from the interior, the arches continue in the facade. The facade design shows that there is more than one way to play with light in a luxury retail store. Dappled light falls inside the store through a show window on the exterior giving the user outside a glimpse of the rich Kanishk Mehta experience that lies ahead. Next to the Kanishka Mehta logo stand costumed mannequins for displaying the brand’s haute couture. Aluminium composite panels in an anti-graphite finish encase the exterior, casting the facade in an elegant and clean shade.

Sync Design studio has always strived to create engaging environments that are variable and responsive to clients. Their experimental ideology, utilitarian approach and love for modern-eclectic architecture are remodelled into the store’s design. Through the Kanishk Mehta store, the studio aspires to celebrate the sophisticated, modern man who endorses the ‘more, new and now’ culture of premium menswear fashion and hopes to make it the newest landmark in luxury retail.