The brand headquarters of Papa Don't Preach in Mumbai is a maximalist riot of colours

Fashion aficionados will already know that designer Shubhika Sharma’s label Papa Don't Preach is not for the faint-hearted. The bold brand, known for its riotous use of colours and scene-stealing experimental silhouettes is all about commanding the attention of all eyes. So, when it was time to dress up the brand’s headquarters in an industrial mill compound in midtown Mumbai, it was imperative that this DNA reflect in every corner and crevice of the space. Sharma roped in Shimona Bhansali, founder of DesignHex to turn her mood board into a reality, a process that spanned six months. “Shubhika was eager to design an office that reflected her personality and the vibrant essence of her brand. She envisioned a workspace that seamlessly blended professionalism with playfulness — it was our unique interpretation of an ‘un-office’,” explains Bhansali, who has also designed the brand’s store in Kala Ghoda.

A Creative Expression

“Part of the vision was to take away the 9-to-5 grind and make it into a collaborative and fun yet workable space,” says Sharma. “Most importantly, the office needed to have the frenzy Papa Don’t Preach is all about. I knew this meant an unconventional model,” she adds.

The 5,500-square-foot shell has its entrance and lobby on the ground floor, while the main office — including a conference room, founder’s cabin, podcast room, common office area, pantry, and workshop — sits on the first floor. Bhansali decided to retain the stone facade and lofty ceilings of the old building for vintage charm but added industrial lights and an open layout to marry it with contemporary flair.

The real hero of the space are the brand-inspired elements, designed to pack in a punch. The conference room, for instance, has a big sign that reads ‘Preach’, as a spirited declaration of the brand’s ethos. Four arches in the central hub are adorned with neon pink signs that say ‘Create’, ‘Play’, ‘Pause’ and 'Talk’, lest the team forget.

Signature PDP prints can be seen on the walls, upholstery, and even on mannequins placed around the space. “We repurposed our own garments into accessories for the office,” confirms Sharma. The main entrance has been painted a dreamy periwinkle (the same hue as the façade of their flagship store) while the AC ducts are an elegant painted pink. “Beige will never steal the spotlight here,” declares Sharma.

One of Bhansali’s favourite corners is Sharma’s cabin. “Shubhika was resolute in her vision of creating a home away from home. So, we designed the cabin as her personal sanctuary,” says Bhansali. But with a classic PDP twist, naturally. So the desk is whimsically bean-shaped, while macramé swings serve as a ‘chill spot’ for important discussions with her two cats.

Fashion meets function

But make no mistake, aesthetic considerations did not supersede practicality. A balance was struck, marrying fashionable flair with form and function. “The office is a carefully planned environment featuring ergonomically designed furniture, ample supplemental lighting, and an open layout that fosters a collaborative atmosphere,” clarifies Bhansali.

Since the office is also home to the finance and HR departments apart from the creative team, a collaborative approach to the office’s design was non-negotiable. The most challenging task for Bhansali — but also the most fun, she attests — was to also factor the atelier into the space. “We had to create a designated area for the karigars, and all their tools and machines too,” in a way that blended with the rest of the design without being a distraction. “Our zoning plan was carefully crafted, with tall walls decorated with the brand’s colourful banners and portraits to create a clear divide between the lively office area and the busy workshops,” Bhansali says of the approach. “Ultimately, though unconventional in its overall design, the HQ functions seamlessly as a professional workspace without compromising on the brand’s unmistakable identity.”

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