The stark contrast of black and white is undeniably seductive. As the darkest colour, especially against a backdrop of white, black commands attention wherever it’s applied. The House of Aanchal JC store in Delhi, designed by Pacific Architects, strikes a perfect balance of black and white — just enough to create a canvas where the focus remains squarely on the clothes.
Descending into the basement through a discreet black arched door, the exploration begins with subtle hints of pops (all in the clothes!). The matte gold railing guides the path alongside white louvres and gentle gold lighting. At the bottom of the staircase, a softly lit curved platform introduces us to a meticulously curated collection. Mirrors suspended from the ceiling add depth to the space, reflecting the carefully selected garments. Further beyond, fitting rooms adorned with heavy fabric curtains, designed with privacy and comfort in mind await. The operational area is concealed behind a paneled door.
“Basically, I had a very narrow space just 15 feet wide, length wise the space was okay so division came to the mind where one area would serve as the unit area and the front would be the collection area” says Ujjwal Chhabra of Pacific Architects.
In a corner near the staircase, the owner’s cabin features fluted glass and French-inspired design elements.
Initially inspired by Western wear and later influenced by Indian ethnic attire, the space reflects the owner’s love for simplicity. The design’s core emphasises fluidity and seamless integration, maximising the narrow dimensions of the space. A neoclassical theme permeates the space, with wainscotting, ornamental details and carefully curated lighting. Sustainable materials such as Action Tesa HDHMR panels and Greenlam laminates were chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal. The colour palette is dominated by shades of white with gold accents.
Overcoming spatial constraints and budget limitations was paramount for Ujjwal Chhabra. His thoughtful material selection and innovative design solutions ensured the project’s success. But what takes the cake are the curved platforms and bespoke lighting solutions that stand out as highlights. Following their firm’s ethos in this project, Pacific Architects have made the best use of space in hand for everyone to see.
Also Read: Discover experiential and modern silhouettes at Rimzim Dadu’s dedicated menswear store
Fact File:
Name of the project: House of Aanchal JC , Clothing Label
Firm Name: Pacific Architects
Location: Delhi
Area (Sq.ft): 1215 sq feet
Photo courtesy: Jeevan Jyot — Architectural Photographer
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