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Amina Bhatia Blends Heritage with Vintage Charm at Arjan Dugal’s Kala Ghoda Store
- Style Essentials Edit Team
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Amina Bhatia curates a 1,100 sq ft menswear flagship for Arjan Dugal in Mumbai, blending historic architecture with contemporary elegance. The heritage ceiling, soaring 16 feet high, becomes the centrepiece of the narrative, while the steel beams—one running along the ceiling and another positioned at nine feet—are transformed from structural components into defining elements of the design.
With a keen understanding of structure, Amina uses these members to introduce a mezzanine floor and staircase, which become major architectural features within the store. An entire additional level is fashioned using these steel beams, adding layers to the store’s functionality and aesthetic without disturbing the integrity of the original structure.
At the lower level, the beams are clad in rich wood, allowing them to function as both structural anchors and visual statements. This treatment grounds the space in a warm, inviting ambience that bridges heritage and modernity. As visitors ascend to the first floor, the spatial language shifts, revealing a more expressive moment.
A large button art installation titled CIAO!, conceptualized by designer Arjan Dugal, dominates the entrance. More than a decorative element, the artwork reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainability and the empowerment of underprivileged women, embedding social consciousness into the space without overt messaging.
Sustainability remains a recurring theme throughout the store. Original teak doors and windows have been retained, along with the 120-year-old Burma teak rafters, ensuring minimal waste while honoring the building’s history. These architectural elements remain visible and functional, anchoring the store firmly within its context.
The way Amina brings diverse elements together demonstrates her eclectic design sensibility. Her ability to blend personal and artistic influences results in a space that feels layered yet cohesive. Contrasts are embraced but resolved through material and proportion rather than excess.
A selection of black-and-white photographs, alongside a feathered hat from the designer's personal collection, reflect Arjan Dugal's passion for photography. These elements act as visual focal points, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the project and adding intimacy to the retail environment.
At the heart of the store, an angled center-piece seating element functions as both a gathering point and a visual anchor. Finished in a monochromatic palette, it ensures that attention remains on the architecture and the garments. The seating encourages pause and interaction, creating a space where visitors can engage with their surroundings comfortably.
The Kala Ghoda flagship represents the culmination of a refined design journey between designer and architect. The project reflects a considered balance between heritage and modernity, resulting in a retail space that feels grounded, expressive, and enduring.
Fact File:
Project Title: Arjan Dugal Kala Ghoda Store
Size: 1,100 sq ft
Design Firm: Amina Bhatia
Interior Designer: Amina Bhatia
Photographer: @theKuber
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