A storied space steeped in history and quiet grandeur, Tilfi has found a new home in Ballard Estate in Bombay. Recently, we spent an evening with the Tilfi Collective, which turned into a lesson in history and heritage craft. We explored the historic quarter on a guided tour with Khaki Tours before gathering at Tilfi’s new flagship store—an area dedicated to showcasing the finest expressions of Indian craftsmanship. This experience allowed us to delve into Tilfi’s vision through immersive installations and thoughtful discussions at the store.
The new space embodies a piece of Banaras, brought to life in this vibrant city—a quiet homage to Banaras itself. One could truly sense Tilfi’s spirit surrounding us. We asked the founders how they translated that feeling, ‘It was never about replication but translation, carrying forward our house codes while adapting them to a vast 5,500 sq ft open-plan space. We wanted to craft an environment that doesn’t just house craft but engages in a dialogue with it, embodying both legacy and evolution. At the store, the sandstone tones recall the weathered ghats, water channels trace the gentle ripples of the Ganges, and a delicate leaf motif, drawn from Banarasi architecture, finds contemporary expression. Raised platforms evoke the stepped landings of Kashi’s riverbanks, layering the space with depth and meaning,’ they explained.
