Akaaro launches first flagship store at Ballard Estate in Mumbai
Textile-centric fashion label Akaaro has launched its first-ever flagship store in the historic Ballard Estate neighborhood of Mumbai, marking a major milestone in its 15-year journey.
Situated on Calicut Street, the store is a thoughtfully designed platform for textile exploration, cultural exchange, and modern conceptual design.
The store embodies Akaaro’s core philosophy of textiles being both utilitarian and artistic. Visitors can engage with interactive displays that delve into the craft of handloom weaving, explaining the structure of fibers, the intricacies of weaves, and the brand’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, design-led innovation.
At the heart of the space is a striking installation by multidisciplinary artist Ashish Karmali. Constructed from repurposed textile waste, Karmali’s sculptural tetrapods pay tribute to Mumbai’s resilience while symbolizing Akaaro’s deep-rooted ethos of sustainability and creativity. These sculptural forms, commonly seen along Mumbai’s coastline, have been transformed into a meaningful artistic representation of both the city’s enduring spirit and the brand’s forward-thinking approach.
Gaurav Jai Gupta, Founder, Akaaro, shares, more than a destination for fashion, this store is a place where craft, design, and culture come together to tell powerful stories. Karmali’s work adds emotional and symbolic weight to our textiles, directly tying our philosophy to Mumbai’s fabric of resilience.
The flagship offers a curated collection of Akaaro’s best-known pieces, including signature sarees, festive wear, and experimental handwoven garments. Additionally, the store introduces Akaaro Naturals, a new line of chemical-free clothing made from hand-spun and handwoven textiles, tailored for conscious consumers.
The store’s opening aligns with Akaaro’s broader mission of redefining Indian handlooms through a contemporary, culturally aware lens, inviting a modern audience to experience the beauty of traditional craftsmanship reimagined for today.
