The beauty of Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s work seems to underline the power of its inspiration, derived from the history, culture and ethnicity of the country of its birth. A study in contradictions and juxtapositions, Sabyasachi works with equal measures of unusual fabrics and ethnic technicalities to his work, creating pieces that find definition in both timelessness and contemporary style. At the Vogue Wedding Show 2014, the designer showcased his new line, one that he defined as a one-stop shop for both brides and grooms.
Excerpts from an interview:
A little about the pieces on display at the show.
It’s a mix of modern and traditional designs, and we have also started with jewellery. We are working with Krishna Das & Company, who are originally jewellers to the Nizam of Hyderabad. We are working with them to do bridal jewellery. The line also has men’s wear, and so it becomes a one-stop shop for both girls and boys.
And what is the inspiration and vision you’ve worked with for this line?
It’s textiles, it is hand embroidery and textiles. We are a textile and hand embroidery brand and we try to put in a little bit of heritage quotient to whatever we are doing. There is a lot of history and culture in each piece, and the craftsmanship is really important.
What do you keep in mind while designing for the Indian bride?
When I do bridal wear I make sure I do it for all kinds of brides — tall, short, brides on a budget, brides who want to spend a lot. I have tried to ensure that this stays a democratic brand and I make sure I do something for everybody.
We have done a lot of Kashmiri and thread work this time. It is still opulent and but also toned down at the same time. For Indian brides, I think I mainly like to do woven saris and traditional lehengas. I think Indian brides, whether they are educated outside the country or within the country, whether they are cosmopolitan or backward or rural, or urban, I think all brides look lovely in traditional clothing, and I like to keep it traditional when it comes to bridal wear.
Your collaboration with Kishan Das and Company seems like a very good match.
The Nizam of Hyderabad was known for possessing the best jewellery in the country, so you can imagine the level of excellence they work with. Personally, I think they are the best jewellers in the country. Their work is all very high end. I am very happy that we are working with them.
