After scintillating performances on the silver screen, Ranbir Kapoor is donning the hat of an entrepreneur with the launch of his new lifestyle brand ARKS, offering elevated essentials for men and women. From sneakers in classic black and white hues to apparels in neutral shades, and accessories, ARKS is a reflection of Kapoor’s personal style statement that he often showcases offscreen. For the brand's flagship store, Kapoor opted for Bandra—a suburb in Mumbai that’s close to his heart for various reasons. He tasked Anagram Architects to bring his vision to life and start his entrepreneurial journey with a physical store. “The flagship store is a seamless extension of Kapoor’s, and by extension, ARKS’ ethos of simplicity, authenticity, and refinement. We translated these into a space that feels effortlessly light, open, and inviting,” shares Shruti Dimri, partner at Anagram Architects.
An expansive front elevation becomes the defining feature of the Bandra store that is punctuated by large windows to bring in ample natural light and create an airy ambience. “This is also an architectural nod to the brand’s emphasis on being true to oneself,” explains Dimri. Spread across 1,000 square feet, it features a long display wall in a strategic manner that showcases its entire collection at a glance. “This is to make the shopping experience intuitive and unobtrusive,” she adds.
Featuring a neutral base colour palette, the vibrancy sets in through pops of red (one of Ranbir Kapoor's favourite colours) to create a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic. The addition of red also complements ARKS’ brand logo, designed by identity designer TooSid, which makes an appearance on its range of sneakers, caps, and more. “The neutral tones allow the products to stand out, while the bolder accents add a sense of energy and movement, aligning with the brand’s identity,” says Dimri. The colour’s most noticeable addition is in the red rods that are used for hanging apparels in the store. “The rods were introduced to create a seamless and flexible display system. They allow the apparel to be showcased at eye level, ensuring ease of browsing while keeping the space open and uncluttered. Their linear form also ties the length of the otherwise narrow store and creates continuity,” says the architect. The store also has a red stepped sculpture—a space designed not just for display but for gathering—encouraging conversation, connection, and interaction.
Strategic spatial planning, clean lines, and minimal yet structured display elements allow the apparel and sneakers to command attention without distraction. This is further enhanced with the use of a Barrisol ceiling that maintains an uncluttered look whilst diffusing light evenly across the space. The design team also incorporated mirrors to create a sense of a wide, seamless look despite large beams punctuating the ceiling.
Lime wash on walls and painted metal add a sensory element whilst maintaining a raw yet refined aesthetic. “Using a thoughtful interplay of design, materiality, and light, we have crafted an environment that is reflective of the brand’s deeper philosophy,” says Dimri. “Kapoor’s style embodies a code of quiet confidence. ARKS manifests this code into a journey of growth, embodying the essence of understated elegance and sophistication. The brand brings to life an authentic and elevated style, celebrating premium refinement and discerning taste,” concludes Abhinav Verma, CEO of ARKS.
