Visual Merchandising and Retail Design – July 2019

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Abhishek Ray, Principle Architect,

Matrika Design Collaborative

The design approach for Cotton Cottage

was steeped in research and learnings

from projects of relevance. We used our

experience in working closely with artist

communities to bring a unique design

solution to the fore. The transformation

came across multiple fronts.

the woodwork and in the surface color of
metal fabricated display shelves.

In terms of lighting, a curated lighting
methodology was followed, which
illuminated the merchandise, spilled over
the graphics and also created accents over
the installations.

“First was the transition from a standalone
retail store to a plush mall with leading
brands. This shift led us to create a niche

identity for the brand. Secondly we broke

down the idea of handcrafted garments to

its lowest common factor- the artisans. With

Cotton Cottage engaging block printers

and weavers from across India, one needed

to tell their stories through a parallel

narrative inside the retail experience. The

final and most challenging approach was

to devise elements in design which would

convey a brand dealing with traditional

Indian clothing within a contemporary

retail environment. This entailed devising

a unique Indian contemporary format

which would define its in-store experience

for the years to come,” explained Abhishek

Ray, Principle Architect, Matrika Design

Collaborative. l

Smita Sinha

Architect

Matrika Design Collaborative (Abhishek

Ray, Brandon Dsouza)

Contractors

Siddhiraj Enterprises

Lighting

Gardler Lighting

July 2019