With the aim to satiate his creative spirit and to set up a space that breathes design, Aziz Kachwalla and wife Mubina Kachwalla launched At-Tin, an unusual and singular design store in the heart of Mazagaon
It’s not the expected Bandra, Colaba or Lower Parel address or any of the buzzing malls that took us to At-Tin (it means fig free in Arabic), but the industrial area of Mazagaon. This design store with a difference showcases light fixtures, clothing, furniture and other products by a range of independent designers inside its spacious and aesthetically refreshing interiors.
The store is housed in a huge space that served as an automobile workshop till some time back. Pics/ Pradeep Dhivar
ADVERTISEMENT
Started by civil engineer-turned-product designer Aziz Kachwalla and his educationalist wife Mubina Kachwalla, the store-cum-workshop is more than just a space that sells items. It has a unique character, with interestingly designed products (most made of recycled materials), a high ceiling, immense open space and an overwhelming creative vibe that strikes you as soon as you step in.
Different designs
“My husband is from Ahmedabad’s National Institute of Design (NID), so, he along with few of his friends decided to set this up. We wanted a space that is design-centric. Also, its USP is that all the designers who exhibit their works here do not exhibit anywhere else in Mumbai,” adds Mubina, pointing out to a lamp made from a washing machine drum.
Aziz Kachwalla
The store was an automobile workshop initially and was later converted into a retail space for At-Tin. Along with Kachwalla’s designs, seven more designers from across India showcase their works here.
“Our products are not purely decorative but possess functionality. In many places across Mumbai today, the focus is on furniture that is stylish, funky and decorative but it does not go beyond that. With us, there’s a constant effort to not just look at what we are using from the environment but also a lot of thought is given to why we use a particular material and how we use it,” explains Aziz.
South and central
But why Mazagaon, we ask? Mubina, answers, “We’ve had this place for some time, but it’s not that we had the place so we wanted to utilise it. We took the plunge because we felt that it’s very nice and different unlike what you see in a mall, for example. We knew that walk-in customers would be difficult to get here, but at the same time we were very convinced about the products that we exhibit here.”
At At-Tin, old Anjirwadi, off Champsi Bhimji Road, next to Saifee Burhani Park, Mazagaon.
Call 9820454948, 23717372
Email attin.studio@gmail.com
Log on to www.at-tin.com or www.facebook.com/attinstudio
The Guide’s Top 4 must-buys>>
Cotton top (Rs 795): This cotton tie-and-dye top with car and inch tape prints has a very interesting cut, which is apt for Summer months.
Plywood table (Rs 15,000): The table is unique because it is made of ply and not lamination. It’s well sanded and lacquered; all the hardware (knobs, etc) has been developed specifically for this. These aren’t available elsewhere in the market. Only screws have been used to make this piece without any adhesive.
Mask cushion (Rs 1,950): The cushion is something like we’ve not seen in Mumbai. Created out of cotton, patchwork and appliqué work, this will truly attract a lot of attention.
Tyre seating (Rs 10,000): Yes, this is made out of a tyre. Using chindi scrap, woven into pattern to cover the tyre, this seating is out-of-the-box, made out of recycled material and very chic. Park it in any corner of your house.u00a0
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
