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4 facts you should know about Zara’s new Mumbai flagship store
MAY 5, 2017 | By Nishita Fiji
L-R: Ismail building in Mumbai, within which the store is located, dates back more than 110 years and has undergone significant restoration and refurbishment;Teams of stonemasons and preservation specialists were employed to clean up the columns and balustrades of green basalt and limestone between the balconies;The outlet features features five commercial floors spanning a whopping total of 51,300 sq ft.
There’s little chance you haven’t already heard of Zara’s 51,300 sq ft flagship outlet in Hutatma Chowk Square, Fort, Mumbai. As the high street fashion retail giant opens the doors of its brand new store to customers today, we thought we’d provide you with four fascinating facts to know before you make your first visit.
1. The store is located within a heritage-listed structure. Ismail building, inside which Zara showcases its offerings, was actually earmarked for demolition ten years ago because of it’s dangerous condition. However, local heritage restoration architects Kirtida Unwalla and Mona Sanghvi along with Zara’s in-house team worked tirelessly for two years to restore it to its former glory.
2. The exact date of the construction remains unknown. The building gets its name from the Sir Ismail Yusuf Trust, which is what inhabited it originally. The family behind the trust were among the renowned landlords in Mumbai around the turn of the 20th century, which is why it is estimated to have been erected around the same time.
3. The architects managed to fully preserve the ornate facade both internally and externally. Teams of stonemasons and preservation specialists were employed to clean up the columns and balustrades of green basalt and limestone between the balconies. Inside, bricks from the original structure remain visible.
4. The building follows Edwardian Neo Classical style of architecture, which is why you will notice typical characteristics like grand use of space, dramatic columns and intricate Roman-inspired details.
What would have made this store even better would be if it stocked Zara’s stunning home range. But we’ll just have to wait and watch…
Website: www.zara.com
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