It’s impossible not to recognise a Payal Singhal ensemble when you come across one. The designer’s signature embroideries, in a distinct palette of colours, have found a loyal patron in the wardrobes of A-listers and everyday fashion enthusiasts alike. Two decades after opening her first store at Altamount Road in 1999, her eponymous label is now clocking in another milestone with the introduction of a couture outpost in Khar. However, the launch was not without its own adventures—on the very day that the store was slated to open, the shutters had to be lowered as the country was placed under a precautionary lockdown in light of the COVID-19 health crisis.

“We had to cancel the launch event we had planned and put everything on hold indefinitely,” reminisces the designer. Their problems were further compounded as the store was shut for an extended period of time. “The newly renovated space developed some mould as it was shut for so many months, and we had to work on getting it sorted slowly. I’m happy to say that we survived that phase and are now ready to open in time for the upcoming festive season,” she says.

Spread across 600 square feet, the contemporary space is underscored by vintage touches—mirroring the designer’s own old-meets-new aesthetic. Expect cement finishes juxtaposed with feminine pale gold fittings. She adds, “We decided to complement the collections with rustic flooring, brushed gold wire chairs and soft pink velvet upholstery.” Upon stepping within, all eyes are commanded by the iconic Jannat wallpaper from one of the designer’s previous collaborations. Style watchers will also have no trouble pinpointing Singhal’s signature prints splashed on cushions and other trinkets.

Despite the e-commerce boom during the lockdown, the Mumbai-based designer believes that people are craving the in-store experience again. “I believe there is slight virtual fatigue as everything from daily groceries to couture has to be bought online. Customers are ready to reconnect with the social and physical aspect of in-store shopping,” she explains. In order to facilitate the latter, a wide array of precautionary measures have been adopted. In addition to the routine temperature checks at the door, the space is sanitised with disinfectant before and after each appointment. To ensure further peace of mind for shoppers, every trial session is preceded with the garment being sanitised in a custom-made UV cupboard in front of the client.

The label’s newest outpost serves as an all-under-one-roof destination for the designer’s varied offerings, ranging from prêt and menswear to kids and accessories. And while the scale of festivities will be dialled back this year, she believes there will be plenty to celebrate. Looking at the festive season ahead, she predicts that comfort will seek prominence for intimate family gatherings. “Expect lots of whites and pastels as well as cheery touches of yellow and pink,” says Singhal.