THE WOVEN WONDERLAND

Ingeniously designed by Studio Lotus, Ekaya's newest store in Ahmedabad envelops shoppers in a contemporary celebration of traditional Banarasi textile crafts

- Kashish Kaushal

PROJECT: Ekaya, Ahmedabad; DESIGNED BY: Studio Lotus; PHOTOGRAPHS: Ishita Sitwala

Stepping into Ekaya’s new Ahmedabad flagship is like entering a shimmering tapestry of luxury Indian textiles. This 3,000 square foot sanctum, envisioned by Studio Lotus, in collaboration with Studio GreyMatter, pays homage to the exquisite craft of Banarasi weaves through a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary design.

As a 120-year-old brand, Ekaya is devoted to celebrating the intricate artistry of Banarasi brocade and places weaving at the core of its identity. Originating in the ancient city of Varanasi, these lustrous silk saris feature fine zari metal work, opulent fabrics, and complex motifs woven using time-honored techniques passed down through generations of artisans. Ekaya honors this living legacy while giving the traditional textiles a modern voice. The design of the store seamlessly extends this fundamental principle.

The store’s layout revolves around a modular assembly of brass pipes, visually converging to craft an immersive, three-dimensional weave. “Given the constraints of inheriting a site with a staggered column grid, the concept lends itself well to the nature of the existing physical space.

This is where visitors are first introduced to Ekaya’s latest collections, collaborations, and ready-to-wear ranges. Functionally a display device which also has in-built lighting, the design allows for flexibility in how one meanders through the space—a crucial feature, given Ekaya’s expanding product base that varies widely in scale,” reveals Asha.