A tale of two cities | Nicolas Houze and Sathyajit R on Galeries Lafayette Mumbai

Galeries Lafayette has officially brought its “stunning fashion roulette” to India. Known for blending architectural splendour with luxury expertise, the Parisian powerhouse is pivoting toward the Indian market to bridge the fashion gap between the two cultures. What started as a small haberdashery in 1893 has evolved into a global landmark—and its newest home is Mumbai’s heritage-rich Kala Ghoda. Housed in the twin colonial edifices of Turner Morrison and Voltas House, the 90,000-square-foot space is a curated mix of global brands and artistic expression. Against the backdrop of the Indo-French Year of Innovation, the store’s arrival strives to meet the rising demand of a domestic audience that is more fashion-forward than ever.

Excerpts from a conversation with Nicolas Houze, Chairman of the Board, Galeries Lafayette

Q: Galeries Lafayette Mumbai hosted the commencement of the Year of Innovation, for India and France. What makes this a pivotal move?

Galeries Lafayette Mumbai is our flagship store in India and to host the French Presidential delegation here carries a powerful meaning. It reminds us that retail is never just about transactions. It is about relationships, trust, and shared ambition. It is also about carrying a piece of France beyond our borders, and allowing the very best of French joie de vivre, creativity, elegance, and innovation to resonate across shores. We have created a bridge between French and Indian heritage, and Mumbai, with its incredible energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural diversity, is the perfect home for this new chapter.

Q: The global slowdown in the luxury segment is yet to reverse. How does that impact your plans?

In times that are complex, geographically, economically, technologically, entrepreneurs and creators have a special responsibility. We must continue to invest, renovate, take risks, because creation is optimism in action. Both India and France believe that culture and companies are forces for sovereignty and progress, and building, investing, even in complex and uncertain times, is not only an economic act, but an act of confidence.

In a world that sometimes feels fragmented, initiatives like this matter more than ever. At Galeries Lafayette, tradition meets innovation. Luxury becomes more than a product. It becomes an emotion. We are proud to bring together iconic French maisons and talented Indian designers in a space that reflects both heritage and modernity. Since its inception in 1894, Galeries Lafayette has been a stage for fashion, arts and design from Paris, to Shanghai, Jakarta, and now Mumbai. Our mission has remained the same: Celebrate creativity, create excellence, and to make culture accessible.

France and India are two great nations bound by history, culture, and a common independence, creativity, and excellence. Our relationship has grown stronger year after year, politically, economically, and stands grounded in mutual respect. This flagship in Mumbai is our way of expressing this optimism.

Excerpts from a conversation with Sathyajit R, CEO International Brands, Aditya Birla Fashion Retail Limited (ABFRL)

Q: In what ways does Galeries Lafayette Mumbai stand at an advantage?

There is a definitive air of positivity around the luxury retail space in India. What is it like to be leading the multi ticket-boom? There are only silver clouds everywhere. The recently announced Free Trade Agreements will play out in due time but they bring in much-awaited closer collaborations between India and Western companies. Especially the European Union. This promises larger opportunities, and hence more innovation. There are exciting times ahead for luxury retail in India.

Q: With the changing geopolitical climate, are there any specific upswings in the fashion economy expected?

I believe the strengthening of the Indo-French relationship is a testament to what great partnerships can build. We are a French brand imbued in Indian culture, at Galeries Lafayette Mumbai and are proud to host and exchange culturally with delegates from all over the world. The upswings will play out over time.

Q: Galeries Lafayette is a family-owned brand that has entered in a partnership with another family-owned brand in the Aditya Birla Group. Does that position Galeries Lafayette India at an advantage?

Absolutely. Both families are fifth generation entrepreneurs. There is tremendous history on both sides, with economic and sociological contributions.

Q: How is the French brand ensconcing itself in a microcosm of Indian culture?

We are creating the eco-system of ‘warm luxury’. With over 250 brands houses under the roof, 85 per cent are international brands and 15 per cent Indian.

There are intrinsic elements in dcor and the brand bouquet. Lotus-motif parchin kari inlay on the atrium floor, the Cupola at the entrance —inspired by l’Intrpide (the French observation balloon of 1796), the skilfully shaped surreal archway by visual artist Sheehij Kaul, the Escalator Wall, envisioned by artist Reshidev RK as Windows to Paris, installations by origami artist Ankon Mitra in the atrium come together as a composite expression of French and Indian flair.

Q: The iconic gourmet gospels are missing, yet.

The rooftop plays a pivotal role at all Galeries Lafayette locations worldwide. We are landscaping the colossal roof top - with its panoramic views of the heritage district of Mumbai, and have set up Julien, a design-led patisserie and dessert house by Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality, the hospitality arm of the Aditya Birla Group, on the first floor at Galeries Lafayette.

Q: What does the 2026 calendar summon?

One concise event every month, followed by a grand scale event every quarter, to engage our guests culturally. Culture has always played a vital role in the building of ‘soft power’. There are music performances and in-store gigs lined up.

Q: What distinguishes Galeries in the luxury landscape of India?

We have repurposed heritage precincts in a modern format. The exterior is over 100 years old. There is democracy of brands across beauty, accessories, clothes in the umbrella of labels under the Galeries Lafayette roof. The service is impeccable with multilingual team on the floor, and hands-free shopping experiences with deliveries at home.

Q: What has been your biggest learning?

Perseverance. Fashion is a very dynamic business. What works one season, ebbs the other season. Intuitive luxury formats using digital tools are the way ahead.

Q: What’s next?

An omni channel app experience with in-store navigator and a loyalty club format. We intend to move slowly and steadily. India is a challenging country for Western brands to take root, owing to the diversity across different markets and first world rentals. We intend to intensify story-telling through the period of incubation across three to five years, and bring in world-class craftsmanship to Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad next.