With a plethora of new store and cafe openings the popularity of The Dhan Mill as the ultimate fashion and food hub is being further strengthened, we delve deeper. By Arushi Sakhuja
In the heart of India's capital city, Delhi, lies a hidden gem that has swiftly risen to prominence as the most loved luxury shopping destination – The DhanMill. Nestled amidst the posh locality of Chattarpur the space was initially an industrial complex which has evolved into a luxurious haven for discerning fashion lovers. Back in 2019, the opening of Cafe Dori was one of the first places to establish its outpost in this upmarket locality in Delhi's posh Chattarpur and then began the artistic transformation.
With large stores and open spaces donned with green creepers and bougainvillaeas, a visit to DhanMill will have you spending the entire day in the store. The complex's industrial architecture has been beautifully juxtaposed with artistic elements. The graffiti-adorned walls, open spaces, and quirky installations provide the perfect backdrop for creative expression, attracting designers and shoppers alike. At The DhanMill avant-garde design elements create an atmosphere of urban chic and modern elegance. The architectural finesse incorporates open spaces, lofty ceilings, and industrial aesthetics juxtaposed with lush greenery, creating an environment that is both visually stunning and calming. Over time, the destination has transformed into a fashion paradise with designers across the country opening experiential and well-designed stores in the locality.
The DhanMill's ascent to the zenith of luxury shopping can be attributed to a confluence of factors that combine to create a truly unparalleled retail destination. It has fostered a close-knit community of designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs who share a passion for fashion. This collaborative spirit has led to the creation of a unique ecosystem where creativity thrives. The stores at The DhanMill offer an immersive shopping experience. Each boutique has been meticulously designed to reflect the brand's ethos, creating an environment that complements the products on display.
In the recent past with multiple designer store openings like Zariin, Mellow Drama, Payal Singhal, Payal Khandwala and more, the DhanMill's reputation as a fashion hub has been further solidified, here's looking at some of the newest openings.
Zariin
Jewellery brand, Zariin Jewelry, synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and timeless designs, has opened its flagship store in DhanMill. The store is a testament to Zariin's evolution from an online presence to a true omni-channel brand. The grand opening of the Zariin flagship store is an ode to the brand's mission to adorn individuals with jewellery that feels like a second skin, an expression of individuality and character. The store is set to redefine the jewellery shopping experience by introducing a healing counter, a first-of-its-kind in the jewellery industry. Vidhi Gupta, Co-Founder expressed her excitement: "This is the space that Zariin has pioneered and is committed to growing further into the spiritual realm of jewellery with meaning."
Zariin’s store facade borrows its design elements from the core design approach of our jewellery, one that celebrates the union of East and West, rooted in Indian craftsmanship, for the global woman. Mamta Gupta, on the inspiration for store design, “We went back in history to look over millennia of Hindu, Islamic, and vernacular inventions and to seek out common themes which can be blended well with the modern minimal interiors. Thus the concept of a congruous arched display window in the façade surfaced as our compelling theme. The store interiors complement and softly serenade with the narrative of the facade. The walls are pristine white, providing a clean canvas for our creations to express themselves. Amidst this simplicity, a graceful tree stands, its branches and foliage extending through the ceiling into the sky”. In the words of Vidhi Gupta, “ It’s like the store came to life around the tree, and its personality became one with the tree- organic and real. Arch-shaped niches carved into the walls in one of the corners, create subtle alcoves that cradle our best sellers… music playlists are those curated personally by the team, Mamta and me.”
MellowDrama
Known for its unconventional modern aesthetic, Mellowdrama's new store at The Dhan Mill is a testament to the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion and art. It's a space where creativity knows no limits, where garments become canvases, and where fashion becomes a form of self-expression. Mellowdrama's new store at The Dhan Mill is not just a retail space; it's an immersive experience. From the moment you step through its doors, you are transported to a world where fashion and art seamlessly coexist. The boutique's interior is a testament to the brand's commitment to creativity, featuring contemporary art installations, sculptural elements, and a carefully curated selection of garments that blur the lines between fashion and art.
The store design is inspired by The Dhan Mill compound's sense of community and the brand’s unique view of luxury. A cosy 750 sqft space, the interiors are in sync with the brand's ethos of quiet luxury in a palette of black, white, blue and silver. Dhan Mill compound is a city favourite for its art galleries, cafes and homegrown fashion labels, walking into the Mellowdrama store allows the best of that pop energy to carry you into a space of serenity. The store features no sharp edges or curves, accents and generous arches call out in calming white and chrome while the concrete floor, hammered chrome desk and dramatic M installation on the entrance facade add flair to the space.
At its launch, Mellowdrama will also reveal its latest collection ‘Aquella’ beside the brand’s most popular silhouettes over the years. “Our latest, Aquella, is a macro perspective of colour and light dancing in the depths of the oceans. It encapsulates so much of what we have built over the years, ” says Aaina Mahajan, the designer.
Payal Singhal
The celebrated designer Payal Singhal has unveiled her brand-new boutique at The Dhan Mill, offering a mesmerizing array of ethnic and fusion wear. Her store is a testament to her design philosophy – modern yet rooted in tradition and is a visual treat with its blend of contemporary aesthetics and ethnic charm. The flagship store at the gallery space at Ogaan in The Dhan Mill, New Delhi is the designer’s new stand-alone store in the capital city.
The 800 sq ft new outpost in Delhi is home to not just the latest collections but also the brand bestsellers and classics across bridal wear, occasion wear, menswear, accessories and more. The store has been dressed in a signature touch that is true to the world of PS blush pink and rose gold accents, a Payal Singhal X Marshall’s PS print wallpaper, and soft vintage décor that ties it to the brand’s three stores in Mumbai as well. Housed inside Ogaan, the designer brings to the city a range of creations that break away from the jarring, typical bridal aesthetic. Championing a bohemian vibe, playful prints, colourful tassels, backless blouses and sharara sets, the store lets the clothing shine bright. With a special section for accessories, the latest offering of the brand is their festive collection ‘Modern Mughals’.
Transporting you to a dreamy paradise are the tasteful store interiors. White walls with Mughal-inspired arches are brightly illuminated, while earthy rustic wooden clothing stands and a shelved cabinet at the centre of the store add warmth to the cold hues. Tall plants in large planters are delicately placed in the corners further beautifying the space. Soothing pastel hues punctuated with vibrant splashes of colour and modern architecture add to the allure of the space.
To mark the launch of the new store, Payal Singhal launches looks from the SS '23 ‘Modern Mughals’ collection. The collection dips into the wardrobe of India’s erstwhile royalty and reimagines their ensembles with a playful, present-day twist.
Abraham and Thakore
Earlier this year, David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore welcomed their newest store at The Dhan Mill, Delhi along with their latest homeware collection, Bandhani. The facade of the store is modern and contemporary with large bay windows that allow for natural light to illuminate the same. A monochrome palette dominates the space, from the main retail space to the changing rooms. Replicating the brand ideology, the store's appearance is characterized by a clean, skill-centric, and modern approach. Designed by architecture Saurabh Dakshini, the brand ethos lies at the core. With precise graphic lines, and minimalistic aesthetics enriched by meticulous detailing, architect Saurabh Dakshini has skillfully translated the brand's essence into contemporary.
Being a unique experience for A&T the Dhan Mill store offers a dynamic fusion of retail, art, and dining. The new store and collection weave the tales of yesterday into the silhouettes of tomorrow in order to reiterate the culture of India through architecture and design. Stepping inside the store one is instantly captivated by a mannequin dressed in black and white, home decor pieces and modern fashion.
Payal Khandwala
Another star addition to The Dhan Mill's fashion galaxy is Payal Khandwala's boutique. Known for her artistic approach to fashion, Payal Khandwala's store is a celebration of colour, texture, and innovation. Her designs are an embodiment of individuality and self-expression, appealing to women who dare to be different. The store's design resonates with her philosophy – minimalist and contemporary with a splash of vibrant hues. Payal Khandwala's latest collection at The Dhan Mill is an ode to fluid silhouettes and timeless style.
Luxury shopping is not merely about acquiring exquisite goods; it's also about savouring exceptional experiences. The Dhan Mill's culinary scene is a testament to this philosophy. From chic cafes to fine dining establishments, it offers an array of gastronomic delights that cater to every palate. After an indulgent shopping spree, shoppers can unwind over a sumptuous meal or a crafted cocktail, making it a complete sensory experience. Beyond shopping and dining, The Dhan Mill has emerged as a cultural and artistic hub. It hosts an array of events, exhibitions, and performances that add depth and substance to the shopping experience. Art galleries, installations, and live music performances create an immersive environment that resonates with the city's art connoisseurs.
The Dhan Mill in Delhi has earned its reputation as the most loved luxury shopping destination by embracing the ethos of luxury beyond material possessions. It transcends the conventional retail space to become an immersive journey of discovery, luxury, and culture. Its architectural transformation, luxurious boutiques, culinary delights, cultural vibrancy, and sense of community create an enchanting tapestry that caters to the desires and discerning tastes of the city's elite shoppers. As it continues to evolve and innovate, The Dhan Mill stands as a beacon of luxury in the heart of Delhi, an iconic destination for those seeking the pinnacle of opulence and sophistication in their shopping experience.