A glimpse of the Gucci store in Mumbai; (below) a mirror and a wedding band from the label

Sprawling glass walls offer a soothing view of the Arabian Sea and allow natural light to fuse with muted metallic shades of gold and silver; softly-glowing wall display panels provide a sense of luminous luxe; rosewood and velvet upholstery add warmth. Spread over 3,400 sq ft inside Galleria at Nariman Point in Mumbai, this is the brand new store of global lifestyle giant Gucci, the label’s first outlet in India.

Launched in September, one of India’s largest luxury stores is built according to Gucci’s new design concept created by the brand’s creative director Frida Giannini and designer William Sofield. The store houses ready-to-wear for men and women, handbags, shoes, watches, sunglasses, jewellery, fragrances, small leather goods, gift items and other accessories.

On entering the store, one is greeted by an expansive section housing handbags. The collection is a mix of the latest styles for fall-winter 2007 and Gucci classics. The brand new Indy bag comes in a variety of materials — patent, leather, suede and more. The Indy bag with bluebell print on suede, the most expensive bag at the store tagged at Rs 1,57,000, is the it piece for the season.

Another fresh offering is the aviator-shaped bag in diamante wool and croc leather. Metallic pink trim is the hot new detail, as also is copper trim.

The classic Gucci On Canvas comes in a variety of shapes. The ever-popular Heart bag shares rack space with heart-shaped keychains and mirror pouches. Clutches, starting at Rs 24,000, are the fastest moving pieces at the store. “The clutches get sold out on the day they are launched; there’s already a long waiting list,” says a member of the store staff. Wallets, cellphone pouches and straps, vanity cases and waterproof iPod cases are some of the other offerings here. Gucci luggage pieces also occupy a corner.

In the women’s footwear section, the season’s specials are the sculpted-toe shoe with metal bottom, low stiletto boot and the high-heel pump. Art deco elements inspire another line. Boots and booties also make up the fall-winter line. Classic evening shoes come in a variety of materials. Then there are ballerinas, sneakers and sandals.
A limited jewellery line offers bracelets, pendants, cocktail rings and wedding bands. Every watch at the store is a piece of jewellery. The Horsebit watch in white gold and diamond is the most expensive product at the store at Rs 5,62,000.

The Gucci Fall Winter 2007-08 men’s collection explores the glamorous lifestyle of legendary European ski resorts. Accessories play with classic mountain motifs in belts with antler buckles and scarves inspired by vintage postcards of ski resorts. Weekend bags and luggage look sporty. Moccasins, boots, formal shoes and the ever-popular Gucci loafers have been lined up in the footwear section.

The men’s ready-to-wear fall-winter line follows the “snow glam” theme. Slim pants with volume on top define the look. Jackets, both formal and casual chic, feature fur and leather detailing. Daywear fuses formal and sporty elements with tweed suits and hand-knit sweaters. Evening wear is sleek and sexy with silk and cashmere turtlenecks and tuxedo silhouettes. The colour palette is composed of black, brown, forest green and dark red, as well as lime yellow and bright red.

The women’s wear look of the season is long and lean with high waistlines emphasising a tailored bodice and lengthening the legs. Short dresses with constructed shoulders and straight skirts show off the legs. The bluebell-printed dress is a showstealer. Tweed and wool coats and short jackets add the winter touch. Knee-length cocktail gowns take care of evening glamour. The colour palette has black, grey, brown, burnt orange and bronze.

Other knick-knacks that catch the eye are a sparkling crystal lighter for women, candles, G-shaped ice-trays, ashtrays and more.

A visit to the Gucci store would be incomplete without checking out the pet accessories and baby toys. For the little ones there are glamorous booties and small teddy bears and balls in pink and blue. Dog bones in red and green and matching balls, dog collars, leashes and carriers, all bearing the Gucci stamp, make up the pamper pack for canines. Prices for the baby range and knick-knacks start at
Rs 4,500.