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Thank you Zara! Its new store restores iconic Mumbai building

May 04, 2017 17:50 IST

Almost seven years after its debut in Mumbai, Zara opened its new store in the city and it's special.
Photographs by Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

Spanish retail brand Zara opened one of its largest stores in South Mumbai's Hutatma Chowk Square on May 4.

The store is within the heritage-listed Ismail Building and is spread across a sprawling 51,300 sq ft area.

The building dates back to more than 110 years.

Zara's team, along with local architects, have worked for two years to restore the magnificent building to its former glory.

Some pics of the iconic store:

ALSO SEE: Kareena, Mandira at Mumbai's latest chic boutique

Zara launches largest store in mumbai

Zara entered the Indian market in 2010 as a joint venture with Tata Group. The launch was attended by Kareena Kapoor and Mandira Bedi, among others.
Today, it has 21 stores in eight cities across India.

Zara launches largest store in mumbai

Shoppers can explore a wide range of sizes and colours at the store.

zara launches largest store in mumbai

Zara has made its store consume 30 per cent less energy by utilising all the natural light which comes in from the large windows of the iconic Ismail building. 

zara launches largest store in mumbai

Besides clothing, Zara also retails accessories for men and women. It is also a top choice among celebrities across the globe.

Zara launches largest store in mumbai

Inside the store, the original brick wall of the Ismail building is highlighted all along the windows and is visible on all the four floors.

Zara launches largest store in mumbai

The floors are divided into separate sections for men, women and children. On all the floors, the windows of the building are exposed to allow more natural light to come in.

zara launches largest store in mumbai

The window designs, exclusively created by Zara's designers, are meant to attract onlookers.

Zara launches largest store in mumbai

The iconic Ismail building at Hutatma Chowk where the store is housed. Want to see how the building looked before and how it has been restored? Scroll down.

Zara launches largest store in mumbai

The original metal of the balcony railings, which were covered by sheets and dust, were intact when cleaned.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Zara

Zara launches largest store in mumbai

Here they are restored to their original beauty.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Zara

Zara launches largest store in mumbai

The windows offer a clear view and the art work is prominent too.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Zara

Zara launches largest store in mumbai

It is a five-minute walk from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Churchgate Station in Mumbai.

Zara launches largest store in mumbai

Thank you Zara for the facelift.

Rajesh Karkera