Maximalist Flagship Store with Onyx Stone and Mother of Pearl

Abstract

Thisstudy explores how traditional Indian textile motifs – specifically Banarasi brocade can be digitally and materially translated into the interior design of a flagship fashion store. It investigates appropriate use of luxury materials like onyx stone and Mother of Pearl, aesthetic and functional integration, and how this approach can reinforce brand identity, customer experienceand cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from Banarasi brocade’s intricate patterns and cultural richness, the project incorporates materials like onyx stone and mother of pearl, celebrated for their aesthetic elegance and structural versatility. Literature reveals that onyx, with its translucency and natural veining, adds dramatic sophistication to interiors, while mother of pearl offers timeless beauty and mechanical resilience, as evidenced by studies on nacre’s biomimetic properties and its innovative use in modern lacquerware. Further, research into stone craft in contemporary interiors emphasizes how material tradition can be revitalized through experimental design techniques. By referencing sustainable approaches such as onyx waste reuse in concrete, the project also touches upon environmentally conscious practices. The synthesis of these materials and traditions reimagines Indian craftsmanship in a modern context, creating a flagship store that is both luxurious and culturally rooted.

Introduction

The study explores how luxurious natural materials—onyx and Mother of Pearl (MOP)—can be combined with Banarasi brocade motifs to create a culturally rich and visually immersive flagship store for an Indian fashion designer. Onyx, known for its translucency and dramatic veining, enables striking backlit features, while Mother of Pearl adds iridescence, craftsmanship, and elegance. When paired with the intricate patterns of Banarasi brocade, these materials offer a powerful medium for storytelling and brand identity within luxury retail spaces.

Using such materials provides strong benefits, including enhanced sensory experience, cultural resonance, and distinctive branding. However, challenges arise from high costs, delicate maintenance requirements, structural considerations, lighting complexity, and limited scalability for multi-store replication.

The literature review highlights research on the mechanical and optical properties of onyx, the structural toughness and photonic behavior of nacre (MOP), stone craft applications in interiors, and biomimetic material innovations. However, there is little research on combining onyx, Mother of Pearl, and Indian textile motifs within retail interiors.

The research gap emphasizes the lack of integrated cultural-material frameworks, insufficient studies on sustainability and maintenance, and the absence of case studies blending these three elements together.

The purpose of the study is to reinterpret Banarasi brocade patterns into spatial design through onyx and MOP, creating a flagship store that merges traditional Indian heritage with contemporary luxury. The goal is to demonstrate how material-driven storytelling can strengthen brand identity and user experience.

A qualitative, design-based methodology is employed, including literature review, material analysis, case studies of high-end stores, and the development of a conceptual design proposal using sketches, material palettes, mood boards, and 3D visuals. The final outcome proposes interiors where Banarasi motifs are translated into architectural elements using onyx and Mother of Pearl as the primary materials.

Conclusion

This research underscores the immense potential of integrating traditional Indian textile heritage, specifically Banarasi brocade motifs, within contemporary luxury retail interior design through the innovative use of onyx stone and mother of pearl. The study reveals that these materials not only embody aesthetic elegance and cultural richness but also offer functional advantages such as durability, translucency, and iridescence that enhance spatial experience and brand storytelling. Despite the current scarcity of comprehensive studies combining these elements in an Indian retail context, this thesis demonstrates how the intricate patterns of Banarasi brocade can be thoughtfully translated into hard materials to create a unique sensory and visual identity for a flagship store. By bridging the gap between heritage craftsmanship and modern design innovation, this work contributes to the development of culturally rooted, material-conscious interior environments that resonate with both tradition and contemporary luxury. The findings encourage further exploration into sustainable sourcing, material experimentation, and experiential retail design strategies that celebrate Indian artisanal excellence while meeting global luxury standards. Ultimately, this research lays the groundwork for future projects seeking to weave cultural narratives into spatial design through the thoughtful selection and application of distinctive materials like onyx and mother of pearl.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Megha Vipin, Mrs. Sucheta Nigam. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.