From old documentaries on Christian Dior to the beloved Devil Wears Prada movie that inspired a generation of fashion lovers (including this writer), the streets of Paris have always been rightfully considered to be a city at the pinnacle of the fashion world. It is one that many dream of visiting, and even more so, of calling home. Today, we can claim that the city has distinctively Indian yet globally renowned presence, owing to the recently opened store of couturier Vaishali Shadangule. The trailblazing Indian designer opened the doors to her flagship Paris Store at 188 Boulevard Saint-Germain on 30 September 2024, right as Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2025 was dwindling down - a befitting setting for such a monumental debut.
Nestled beside iconic fashion labels, the store's location is adjacent to the legendary Café de Flore. The store has been envisioned and designed by the founder herself, to bring the essence of India’s rich textile heritage and her unique sartorial sensibilities, to one of the most fashionable and discerning customer base that the city is home to.
In talking to Homegrown, Vaishali S shared how the decision to open a store in Paris was a natural progression: "Opening a store in Paris has always been in my mind since the very first time I was selected for Paris Haute Couture and did my show here. Paris is the city that accepted me and my research project and appreciated my shows the most. It is an automatic decision to be there.” She further went on to say, “Calling Paris the capital of fashion might seem a cliché, but my personal experience proved the openness and acceptance of creativity even of different cultures and sensibilities.”
As an officially invited guest of Paris Haute Couture twice in the past and named among the top 5 shows there, Parisians have given a particular space to Vaishali S’s creations, and she hopes to continue to do so. In fact, the designer shared how she has created a capsule collection specifically for the Paris store while still being dedicated to her personal path and design language.
For the designer, the Paris store is more than just a retail space. According to the founder/designer, it is an intimate gallery where visitors are invited to experience the magic of Indian handwoven fabrics in a modern, Parisian context. The store showcases her signature designs - pieces that have consistently pushed the boundaries of contemporary Indian aesthetics. She went on to mention,
“I have kept the Paris store minimalist and white: somehow more in line with Parisian aesthetics, but also thus giving centre stage to the garments, almost as an Art gallery. The only decorations here are some of my hanging art pieces, which are also very heavy in handwork, to further explain and highlight this unique and much loved Indian skill.”Vaishali Shadangule, Designer & Founder, Vaishali S. Studio
Known for her focus on sustainability, Vaishali S’s creations blend traditional handwoven textiles with innovative cuts and textures, offering global patrons a taste of Indian heritage reimagined for the modern world. Down to the decor and furniture that grace the store, the elements are limited to a few carefully chosen pieces of hanging art, also handmade, which beautifully complement the high level of craftsmanship in the garments on display.
The opening event was a celebration of Indian artistry, attended by fashion connoisseurs, patrons, and friends of the brand, all eager to explore Vaishali S’s Flagship store in Paris. However, the designer’s commitment to sustainability and her use of heritage techniques struck a chord with Parisian audiences long before this store launched. In talking to Homegrown, she also shared how “Paris patrons are very knowledgeable and sensitive to heritage-skilled handwork,” Vaishali says, reflecting on the city's deep appreciation for craftsmanship. "These are the very same values out of which Vaishali S was born and still holds as its mission."
As Vaishali S continues to make her mark on the global stage, her new store is more than a retail space—it is a bridge between two worlds. Bringing together the timeless beauty of Indian textiles and the elegance of Parisian style, the store is a way for the designer to cement her presence in Paris. But beyond that, Vaishali S. is also becoming an ambassador for India’s textile heritage on the global fashion stage.
Follow Vaishali S here.
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