The Gilded Arches of Stories
WINDOW DESIGN • LIGHTING DESIGN
THE HOUSE OF ROSE, MUMBAI | 2025
At The House of Rose, located in the heritage precinct of Ballard Estate, the brief was to transform the arched façade windows into an outdoor museum—an ever-visible narrative for passersby in the city's Design District.
With nine large arched windows spanning the front of the store, the objective was to showcase a mix of national and international jewellery brands, each interpreted through a distinctly Indian lens. Drawing inspiration from the bold colours, radial forms, and festive richness of Indian traditions, the installation was envisioned as a blend of cultural celebration and high design. Each window offered a standalone experience—immersive, textured, and rooted in storytelling—while together they formed a cohesive visual language across the façade.
AWARD: GOLD
VM ART INSTALLATIONS
AWARD: MERIT
Window Display (FESTIVE, SALE & EVENTS)
The first window, titled Colours of Life, paid tribute to the brilliance and symbolism of gemstones. Radial patterns inspired by rangoli designs were meticulously constructed using layers of beads and stones in jewel tones—emerald green, sapphire blue, and diamond white. The background, rendered in the featured brand's Pantone colour, mimicked the facets of a cut gemstone, directing the viewer's attention toward the centre. Carefully layered materials and lighting brought the display to life, creating an interplay of shimmer and shadow that echoed the light-catching quality of fine jewellery.
The second display, Amun Ra, reimagined the majesty of ancient Egypt through the vocabulary of contemporary jewellery. Set against a sand-textured backdrop, a maze of blush, silver, and gold-toned pyramids created a dimensional landscape. Varying in height and angle, the pyramids evoked both architecture and ornament, while the lighting cast long, sculptural shadows—guiding the viewer's gaze inward. The result was a striking, contemplative scene that translated cultural symbolism into a jewellery-centric narrative.
My Trousseau, My Treasure, the third window, celebrated the opulence of Indian bridal tradition. A regal red backdrop formed the base for a dramatic mandala motif composed of diamonds, rubies, and emeralds—hand-painted and layered with acrylic mirrors, glitter, and artificial stones to create depth and reflection. The entire display was designed to resemble an oversized, heirloom piece of jewellery—dramatic yet elegant, nostalgic yet current. It invited viewers into a world of craftsmanship, emotion, and ritual.
Despite spatial constraints and a tight three-month timeline, each window was engineered for both beauty and efficiency. Modular shells were built within the windows to conceal the hidden entrance without interrupting the composition. Though the depth of the windows was reduced, intelligent layering and material treatments allowed the installations to retain their dimensionality. Lighting tracks placed around the arches created visual drama, enhancing textures and forms after sundown. With materials ranging from MDF and paper to sand, beads, metal, and hand-finished stones, the windows showcased the artistry of both design and engineering.
The House of Rose's façade at Ballard Estate was reimagined not just as a storefront, but as a walkable museum—an evolving exhibition of jewellery, culture, and narrative design. Each window stood as a world of its own, yet together they told a larger story—one that connected heritage with luxury, and tradition with innovation.
