You would want to spend an entire day at Sarah & Sandeep’s lovely atelier, just off the bustling Linking Road (Mumbai), in an idyllic 2,600 sq ft bungalow. For their creations that walk the ramps for sure, but also the instantly calming interiors of the space. And it’s no bluff.
A hide-out for all fashion enthusiasts and the retail home for Sarah & Sandeep, this space by Jason Wadhwani is where the interiors purposely and charmingly take a backseat. All to ensure it is talked about more, without missing the intricacies for which Jason is known.
At the heart of the design is Sarah and Sandeep’s shared vision for the future of sartorial excellence. From the artisanal brass buzzer at the entrance to the bespoke monogrammed knob, every facet of the studio has been meticulously curated to offer visitors an immersive experience. “My vision for the new studio was to create a space that exudes a personalised and intimate atmosphere, providing elevated experiences through a contemporary lens. Achieving this vision through detail-oriented storytelling was paramount,” says Sandeep.
Greige hues punctuated with hints of bronze, textured walls, artisanal ribbed ceramic vessels, houndstooth fabric wardrobes, and bouclé-clad furniture all take their spot in different spots, allowing the clothes to be the center. Jason Wadhwani explains, “We chose a neutral palette to enhance the intimate feel of the space and allow the intricate details of the craftsmanship to stand out beautifully. Every detail in the design was carefully curated, from the selection of bespoke materials to the thoughtful integration of the fashion house codes in form of pintuck pleats and asymmetrical geometry, ensuring every corner tells its own story.”
The atelier’s design incorporates natural elements. Expansive windows flood the space with daylight, while lush Raphis Palms infuse a homely charm. The interplay of muted wall tones and strategically placed illumination accentuates Sarah & Sandeep’s creations, enriching the overall customer experience. The studio’s curvilinear form, with its array of displays and mirrors, evokes a sense of modernity. The textures, shapes, and materials throughout are chosen to complement the displayed garments, each detailed by geometric design, hand embellishment, and fabric manipulation. A distinctive chandelier, inspired by the sleek lines of a contemporary top hat, and a round table with stems reminiscent of a yarn spool serve as central narrative elements within the space. From the curated furniture selection to the pistachio green curtains, every detail echoes the studio’s ongoing exploration of materials and techniques.
On the ground floor, visitors encounter a curated selection of formal wear, including black-tie tuxedos, dinner jackets, and Triunity wedding attire, spotlighting the house’s evolution in contemporary ceremonial apparel. The space also features handcrafted accessories and a bespoke shoe cabinet, offering a comprehensive wardrobe experience.
Descending the staircase reveals a multidisciplinary design space. Guests are welcomed by a striking piece of artwork—an elaborate representation of the signature S-curve, a motif that resonates throughout the atelier on neutral velvet mannequins and other artwork. The lower level houses three distinct departments: Design, Tailoring and Collaboration, each segmenting the space into specialised areas.
The first area, a private enclave, houses everyday wear, including handmade knits, shirts, trousers, tailored athleisure and safari suits. This multidisciplinary space facilitates direct engagement between clients and the design and brand teams, who are perpetually engaged in collaborative projects. Houndstooth pinboards—one more thing to muse over. Curved display sections further highlight locally handmade knit t-shirts.
A door adorned with a scissor-shaped knob—a nod to the tailor’s quintessential tool—leads to the second area. Here, a team of seasoned artisans work on garments, providing clients a glimpse into the bespoke construction process.
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The third area, the director’s den, deviates from the atelier’s beige tones to embrace a palette of monochromatic greys. Adorned with grey marble, velvet accents, a geometric chandelier and houndstooth fabric cupboards, this space serves as a venue for strategic and design collaborations.
FACT FILE:
Design firm: Jason Wadhwani
Location: Mumbai
Area: 2,600 sq ft
Photography credits: Dhruv Bachan