The spirit of Paris has officially arrived in Mumbai. This October 2025, the globally celebrated French luxury department store Galeries Lafayette opened its first Indian flagship at the historic Turner Morrison and Voltas House buildings in the city’s famed Kala Ghoda district, in partnership with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) — a moment that marks a transformative chapter in India’s luxury retail landscape.
A Historic Partnership for Indian Luxury
Formally announced, the exclusive partnership between Galeries Lafayette and ABFRL, part of the Aditya Birla Group, was envisioned to bring the Parisian icon’s legacy to Indian shores. The collaboration combines the French brand’s reputation for fashion, art, and culture with Aditya Birla Group’s deep understanding of the Indian market and retail ecosystems.
This landmark collaboration has been steered with strategic guidance from Pike Preston, ensuring that Galeries Lafayette’s global standards harmonize with India’s fast-evolving retail sensibilities.
The Architecture of Elegance
At 90,000 square feet across five expansive levels, Galeries Lafayette Mumbai has been meticulously designed by London-based architectural firm Virgile + Partners. The store reimagines the signature elegance of Haussmann-era Paris through an Indian lens, blending Art Deco-inspired design from Mumbai with Parisian architectural refinement.
Inside, sweeping staircases, golden mosaics, and a radiant Cupola inspired by 18th-century French aviation create a theatrical ambiance. The store not only invites exploration but also celebrates aesthetics and storytelling, described by Elle India as a modern maison that nods to both the Art Deco spirit of Mumbai and the quiet elegance of a Parisian townhouse.
Beyond retail, the flagship transcends traditional shopping—they have integrated personal styling, private lounges, concierge services, and curated cultural programs to deliver immersive luxury experiences and deepen brand-customer engagement.
The Launch: A Grand Arrival on the Arabian Sea
To commemorate its Mumbai debut, Galeries Lafayette and Aditya Birla Group hosted a spectacular evening event on the Arabian Sea, symbolizing the French icon’s arrival into India’s luxury landscape. From the Gateway of India, a flotilla of yachts ferried Kumar Mangalam Birla and Nicolas Houzé, CEO, Galeries Lafayette Group, to a curated celebration that paid homage to heritage and modernity—a fitting metaphor for this fusion of Parisian and Indian cultures.
Where Paris Meets Mumbai
Galeries Lafayette in Mumbai boasts over 250 global and designer brands, many debuting in India for the first time. The store’s offerings span fashion, beauty, home décor, and bespoke accessories, alongside select Indian luxury labels that bridge international sophistication and local craftsmanship.
Art, Culture, and Luxury in One Space
Inside, the Jardin de Paris staircase becomes a central design motif, symbolizing the connection between French and Indian artistry. From intimate gallery installations to fashion pop-ups, the store’s programming will bring together designers, artists, and patrons, making it a cultural hub in Mumbai’s luxury ecosystem.
A $85-Billion Market Opportunity
This makes the country the ideal destination for a heritage brand like Galeries Lafayette, whose roots in luxury retail stem from democratizing access to elegance and experience. Nearly a decade ago, we evaluated the Indian market and recognized it as a pivotal hub for luxury. Indian consumers appreciate craftsmanship and quality, often traveling abroad to purchase global brands. The absence of premium department stores presented an authentic opportunity, said Nicolas Houzé.
Shaping the Future of Experiential Retail
For the French retailer, this launch also sets the tone for expansion across India, including a planned second flagship in New Delhi by 2030. Both locations will serve as anchors in India’s growing omnichannel luxury network, enabling consumers to connect online and offline seamlessly.
A New Language of Luxury
As the Parisian institution takes root in Mumbai, it signals the rise of a new luxury narrative in India — one emphasizing personal expression, community, and cultural integration. For the first time, India will welcome a luxury department store housed in landmark real estate, executed with precision, and infused with the elegance of Indian sensibilities, said Kumar Mangalam Birla.
The arrival of Galeries Lafayette Mumbai is more than a retail milestone—it’s a celebration of two worlds meeting in harmony. French artistry and Indian ambition now share the same address, forming a dialogue of global luxury with local soul.
