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When it comes to shopping for the Indian wedding look, there's a whole list of possibilities to choose from: Should you go in for an heirloom-worthy sari or perhaps a sculptural lehenga? Maybe jewel-toned shararas, embroidered corset blouses or capes? Or even accessories like juttis and capes that can transform a single outfit several ways! The new Matsya store by Utkarsh Ahuja at Kala Ghoda, answers all that.
Set in a heritage district, it packs charm and a couture experience that goes beyond the trappings of the usual to present beautiful wedding and occasional wear. Offering a more immersive way to experience couture, it also marks the designer’s first flagship store in Mumbai.
Manifest dropped into the launch to discover a space that brings together fashion, art, design and hospitality to create an environment that feels as personal as the clothes.
Mira Rajput Kapoor, who's loved Matsya for a long while, was the muse for the evening. She shared with Manifest what makes the brand special to her and did a few fashion quick takes, too!
This is the first Matsya store dedicated entirely to couture. The two-levelled space exudes a warm, opulent vibe that is palpable as you walk in. It clearly brings out Utkarsh's personal aesthetic, with all the art on the walls collected by personally by him in his travels through antique shops, museums and flea markets across the world.
You'll also find books about the old masters, his love for Assouline, marble busts, smelling of tobacco vanilla and tunes of the orchestra and Hans Zimmer playing. Moulded walls, antique accents and hand painted ceilings come together with faded blue walls, ornamented pillars and gold detailing to create a rich yet understated setting. On one side are signature fireplaces and gorgeous chandeliers, all bringing together a blend of the old and new.
It's also lovely to see the original structure of the building being retained, allowing its character to shape the space while the interiors introduce a distinctly Matsya sensibility.
For the wedding wardrobe, the setting feels particularly apt. When you browse for bridal wedding wear, there's a strong sense of memory and emotion that accompanies what you see. Here, Matsya indulges that feeling with spacious trial rooms, a space to relax and muse over fabric and garments and discuss the many celebrations surrounding the whole wedding.
In the brand's latest collection—conceived by founder and creative director Utkarsh Ahuja—you'll find Matsya’s signature embroideries, motifs and techniques, revisiting them through a contemporary lens. At its core, the collection reflects a well-thought approach to luxury with an emphasis on design and enduring craftsmanship.
On his new space, Utkarsh shares: "Opening our doors in Mumbai marks a significant milestone for Matsya. It’s a city that has always held a special place in India’s fashion landscape, and bringing our first dedicated couture store here has been a long-awaited dream. We’re incredibly excited to begin this new chapter in Kala Ghoda and invite Mumbai to experience the world of Matsya. People will now be able to experience it fully here."
Present at the event was entrepreneur Mira Rajput Kapoor, who has held an association with the brand. She said, “I'm really glad to be here. It’s exciting to see Matsya open its doors in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, a space that feels so perfectly aligned with the brand’s distinctive aesthetic and point of view. I have a natural inclination towards its style and aesthetic. It has been a wonderful experience to play muse for Matsya and be part of its journey as it enters this new chapter. I’m looking forward to seeing how the brand continues to shape its own space within the world of contemporary fashion.”