GKnown for unravelling the beauty of handwoven silk, khadi silk, cotton, and signature kinjis with his design house Akaaro, textile maven Gaurav Jai Gupta has been synonymous with India Proud and homespun designs reimagined through a contemporary lens. And who better than the craft evangelist himself to curate a summer edit? Hence, Robb Report requested the designer to share his favourite shopping haunts ideal for summer ready-to-wear shopping.
The designer travels a lot for work and pleasure, and over the years, he’s realised that some of his favourite discoveries have happened inside small, independently run stores. They're often the first places Gaurav seeks out in a new city and the last places he revisits before he leaves.
“What draws me to a store isn't necessarily fashion alone. It's the atmosphere, the curation, the point of view, the people behind it, and that feeling that somebody has built a world rather than simply opened a shop. The places I find myself returning to are usually the ones that stay with me long after I've left — stores that inspire, surprise and make me look at design, craft and creativity a little differently,” says the designer.
"Kochi is one of those cities that seems to get more interesting every time I visit. There's a creative energy to it that feels genuine, and One Zero Eight captures that beautifully. This is usually one of my first stops when I'm in the city. What I love is that it doesn't feel overly curated in the intimidating sense. It's relaxed, welcoming, and full of beautiful discoveries," he says. The edit spans fashion, home, and lifestyle, but everything feels connected through a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and human values.
Founded by Ramesh Menon and Alpi Boylla, One Zero Eight began as a social enterprise and has since evolved into a globally recognised destination for conscious design. It's the kind of store where you can spend an hour wandering around and leave feeling inspired.
"Goa has plenty of beautiful stores, but Flames has a character all its own. Created by Jagvir and Martino, it feels deeply personal, which is probably why I enjoy it so much. The store reflects their individual sensibilities and shared love for design, craftsmanship, and discovery. You get the sense that every piece has been chosen because they genuinely believe in it rather than because it fits a retail strategy," shares Gupta.
He adds, "There's a wonderfully eclectic quality to the space. Fashion sits alongside objects that reflect Goa's creative spirit. Every visit feels slightly different, which is perhaps why I keep going back. In an age when so many stores look and feel the same, Flames manages to remain distinctive."
The Pratap store in Lodhi Market is one of Gupta's favourites. He observes, "I've admired Pratap's work for years, but the new space brings his vision to life in a particularly compelling way. What appeals to me most is the intelligence behind it. There is a conceptual depth to everything he does, yet it never feels forced. The store is unmistakably Pratap—thoughtful, layered, and beautifully considered."
"Another address I enjoy visiting is Divyam Mehta's store in Defence Colony. The focus is on beautiful materials, thoughtful details, and clothes that have longevity. The store itself reflects that same sensibility. It's intimate, elegant, and personal, allowing you to spend time with the collections rather than rushing through them. What I admire most is the consistency of vision," notes Gupta.
The designer visited Paradise Road in Colombo in December last year and absolutely loved it. He shares, "I ended up spending far longer there than I had planned. It's one of those rare places where every room reveals something new. Part lifestyle destination, part design showcase, and part treasure trove, Paradise Road perfectly captures the relaxed sophistication that Colombo does so well. The curation is exceptional, bringing together homeware, textiles, clothing, and objects that celebrate Sri Lankan craftsmanship while still feeling incredibly contemporary."
"What struck me most was how effortless everything felt. Nothing appeared, forced or overly styled. Instead, there was a natural elegance running through the entire store. I left with a few purchases, of course, but more importantly, I left feeling inspired. For me, that's always the sign of a great store. The best shops don't just sell products; they offer a point of view," he adds.