The Ultimate Address in Men’s Fashion
A quiet revolution has been taking place among India’s style cognoscenti, who have been spending their money by going bespoke. And why not? Bespoke feels exclusive, powerful and unique, giving one that something that nobody else has in the world. There is something about the process of being measured and then meticulously going through every minute detail such as the silhouette, the material, the fittings, the finishing… the list goes on. The process, and especially the results, can be gratifying, and savvy shoppers who spend their money on such distinctive, made-to-measure pieces are becoming patrons of what is being referred to as ‘the new luxury’. To take such bespoke luxury to a new level altogether, Gautam Hari Singhania, the chairman and managing director of the Raymond Group, has recently unveiled the Raymond Atelier at J K House in Mumbai.
The pinnacle of distinguished dressing
Designed and curated by Singhania himself, the Raymond Atelier is a first-of-its-kind retail and hospitality destination that offers one of the largest collections of the most luxurious custom-made products in the world. The lounge employs a small army of the best designers to create the desired ensemble for customers—one that is personalised to the very last detail. Speaking about the initiative, Singhania says, “From time to time I have been at Raymond, and I have had the opportunity to get the company to make world-class products for myself. At some point, I thought that if I can get it for myself why cannot I get it for all our customers! And thus was born the idea of the Raymond Atelier. Here, we want you to experience the best of the best.”
Contemporary and ethnic
If you are looking for bespoke ensembles that are expertly woven from the finest cottons, silks and wools and are cut immaculately with the precision typical of made-to-measure sartoria, the Raymond Atelier is the place to be. Here, you can shop for jackets made from the purest cashmere to the softest vicuña (the most expensive wool in the world) that radiate the aura and power of the wearer; hand-embroidered sherwanis in rich fabrics such as brocade that can turn any man into the leading man; or full canvas suits with sharp lapels and neat vents that flatter the wearer’s build at every inch and instil in him a unique sense of confidence and stature. Also on offer are deepest-indigo selvedge denims, smooth chino pants, luxurious polo shirts crafted from Supima cotton, classic khadi bandhgalas and more that reflect your persona through their weave and texture. Apart from bespoke offerings, there is also a limited selection of ready-to-wear ensembles that capture your subtle tastes in dressing.
When accessories go bespoke
The Raymond Atelier can deliver an entire wardrobe that is custom-made in the truest sense. In addition to impeccably tailored bespoke ensembles, there are wallets, bags and shoes, handcrafted from leather and 3D-printed metal accessories and gold-threaded monograms that can be customised as per the colour, design and style preferences of the customer. Says Singhania, “We want you to come here and experience what luxury is and what a true bespoke lounge is all about. This is probably the only bespoke lounge of its kind in the world, and I can guarantee you that. No other brand in the world can offer you the level of luxury or customisation that we are providing.”
Setting new standards in hospitality
Just like its sartorial offerings, the Raymond Atelier’s standards of hospitality too are unrivalled. For customers looking for a break from shopping, the plush lounge offers an unhurried ambience, matched with luxurious décor. Understated elegance with a distinctive feel of an artist’s studio permeates the space. The place has been designed in such a manner that the entire family gets to sit comfortably. There is a delicious assortment of foods too, ranging from crackers and appetisers to a premium selection of cheeses. Customers may also indulge in an array of beverages. Additionally, there is a cigar humidor, stocked with a curated range of cigars from some of the most renowned houses.
A venue for get-togethers
Further, the Atelier is also available to select customers, if they wish to host intimate dinners, cocktail parties or business events. The place can accommodate as many as 200 guests for a standing event, or 70 guests for sit-down dining. When it comes to events, the Atelier spares no effort to offer the best to devotees of life’s finer pleasures. As Singhania himself says, “The way we have designed the Atelier, it leaves nothing to be desired, because that is exactly how I have designed it. Everything that you see and experience here—from handpicked ensembles to world-class hospitality—is the best that we offer to every customer.
