Mesmerisingly Rhythmic: The Ribbon Fabric Store in Cochin by Workers of Art.

I’ve always enjoyed watching the Olympics; Rhythmic gymnastics was one of my favourite sports growing up. There’s something quite mesmerising about the ribbons in particular—they create movement, tell a story, and guide you through a routine. But why are we talking about sport when you’re here to read about good design? When I first looked at Kerela-based architecture practice, Workers of Art’s, new flagship store for textile company, InStyle, I was pleasantly surprised.

With Mohiniattam and Kathakali being traditional dance styles native to Kerala, I would not have been as surprised to see references from these art forms translated into Workers of Art’s work. However, finding references to rhythmic gymnastics, originating from the Soviet Union, was the most unexpected thing. Dancing through this store in downtown Cochin is a red unravelling ribbon. Built out of red powder-coated tubular steel, this ribbon becomes a central guiding element, weaving through the space—the hero of the store.

When designing a fabric store, what better starting point is there than to look at the fabric itself? “A single thread is the essence of fabric”, explains Priya Rose, co-founder of Workers of Art. “The design [for Instyle’s store] needed to be both functional and symbolic, and [we] envisioned the central guiding device not just as a practical solution but as an embodiment of the brand’s spirit. It was to be no ordinary piece; it’s a storyteller,” she says. And, yes, it most definitely tells a story.

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The red ribbon element sits within an existing retail tenancy. Once a storage and display centre for a cladding manufacturer, the 2000 square foot space came internally lined with a diverse range of textures. Instead of stripping it away, which would have cost time and money, Co-founder of Workers of Art, Priya Rose, explains that they chose to retain it all. They worked to “merge the old with new by rejuvenating the space with contemporary flair”, she says. Painting the various internal wall claddings in white harmonised the space, and laid out a neutral, yet texturally rich, backdrop for fabric displays. Anchoring everything is their “dynamic guiding device, which elegantly hovers, revolves and dances throughout” notes Priya, as she refers to the ribbon.

Designed to integrate multiple functional elements into one continuous piece, the red ‘ribbon’ is a hard-working architectural element. It weaves around existing features such as low beams and columns in the retail tenancy, capitalising on space that would have otherwise been unusable. Starting its journey at the front of the store, the red ribbon is rooted in the reception table. Cast in solid concrete, Priya explains how the reception bench “has a sense of softness and flow, mimicking the fall and drape of fabric.” Rising from this concrete block, the bold red ribbon starts its voyage through the store, encouraging visitors to follow along.

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Designed with Instyle’s display requirements in mind, the ribbon artfully bends to curate various heights and angles from which to display fabrics. “Long pieces of cloth can be hung and allow visitors to touch and feel samples, as well as check the flow and fall of them as well,” Priya shares. Specially crafted hangers also attach to the ribbon to showcase up to three different types of cloth at once, allowing customers to appreciate the fabrics in all their glory.

Spotlights and strip lighting are integrated along the bending ribbon, keeping the ceilings free from extensive fixings while also enabling a gallery-like lighting effect that showcases the various textiles throughout the store.

Who would have thought that a simple ribbon could do so much? This dancing architectural feature is a successful device that not only brings with it functionality but curates a sense of story that carries visitors through a unique journey through Cochin’s InStyle store.

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[Images courtesy of Workers Of Art. Photography by Ishita Sitwala.]