Deepika Padukone and Christy Turlington star in landmark Sabyasachi fashion show
The celebrated designer — known for his maximalist Indian style — has dressed some of the biggest names across Bollywood and Hollywood, including Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez
Deepika Padukone and Christy Turlington star in landmark Sabyasachi fashion show
The celebrated designer — known for his maximalist Indian style — has dressed some of the biggest names across Bollywood and Hollywood, including Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez
The show comprised "a medley of contrasts," according to the label, including colors, textures and showcasing exquisite technique and craftsmanship
The new collection draws inspiration from iconic women in history, including Frida Kahlo, Madonna and Coco Chanel.
Over 150 looks were presented, including pants and skirts embroidered with gold threads, frilled head gear, stacked jewelry and tops with slogans such as “cat lady,” “table for one,” “where has love gone,” and “all dressed up nowhere to go.” Mukherjee explained in a phone interview that these pieces were intended to be satire on how technology is dehumanizing humans. “We seem to have forgotten how to establish human relationships,” he said
There were also trench coats, sweaters, shorts and shirts made in more conventionally western silhouettes. These marked a departure from Mukherjee’s usual festive and bridal wear, which are heavily inclined towards traditional Indian styles, such as saris, ghagra cholis and sherwanis.
But with no shortage of drama, the new collection featured heavily embroidered jackets embellished with semi-precious stones, brocade dresses, ostrich leather jackets and skirts, and blouses with velvet appliqués overlaid with faux fur.
Kolkata roots
Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Mukherjee is one the most sought-after Indian designers, both domestically and overseas. He has stores in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, and also opened his first international outpost in New York in 2022. Mukherjee continues to recognize his West Bengal roots, transforming his latest runway into one inspired by his home city, which is renowned for its rich history, art and architecture and deep-seated culture of art and literature appreciation.
Dressed in black, as per the dress code, guests including actors Alia Bhatt and Rani Mukherji and industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla admired and filmed the colonial pillars, stained glass windows and blue arched doors of an old, reimagined neighborhood of Kolkata.
Looking to the future, Mukherjee said he plans to expand his company’s presence in the US by partnering with major retail outlets and introducing a line of fragrances and beauty products. He also plans to design more ready-to-wear collections and jewelry, while “adapting heritage practices dynamically to remain relevant for contemporary lifestyles,” according to a brand press release
