Balenciaga Launches Its Inaugural Store in India

The outpost implements the Kering-owned brand's traditional "raw architecture" retail concept.

Balenciaga

The retail establishment, situated in Mumbai’s Jio World Plaza, inaugurates as luxury companies seek financial growth in India amid a deceleration of China’s economy. Balenciaga, a subsidiary of the French corporation Kering, will feature its men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections, accessories, footwear, bags, eyewear, and jewelry within the store.

The ground-floor store employs Balenciaga’s distinctive “raw architecture” retail approach, exposing the essential elements of ventilation ducts and minimalist interiors. According to the firm, its rusted approach to retail design aims to "honor existing structures by revealing their internal mechanisms and historical layers." The resultant shops essentially utilize fewer virgin resources.

The outpost features brushed concrete floors, white walls, metal storage, aluminum tables, and industrial light fixtures. Hanging racks and synthetic leather benches are intentionally aged and distressed to resemble warehouse furnishings.

Jio World Plaza is a newly established shopping destination in the Bandra Kurla Complex. WWD reports that it features several prestigious fashion brands, including Cartier, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Jimmy Choo, and Rimowa.