Why Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee is ready to show his ‘Sabya look’ to the world
A super-celebrity in India, Mukherjee has dressed everyone from Bollywood stars to politicians. Now, with his trademark focus on quality materials and craftsmanship, he wants his clothes to be seen by a global audience
It is hard to believe that Sabyasachi Mukherjee is shy. The celebrated Indian designer was in Hong Kong last week to launch his highly anticipated ready-to-wear capsule collection with Lane Crawford (his first after a long hiatus) and unveil his recent collaboration with shoe designer Christian Louboutin. During his short trip in the city he met the media and customers, was feted at various cocktails and dinners, and even partied at nightclub Petticoat Lane.
“Believe it or not, I am a massive introvert,” he says. “I’m great at public speaking or doing interviews, but sit me down with eight people and I am terrified. A lot of us who are very dedicated to craft never make an effort to be social. I go to work at 7am and come back home at 1am. I think I have been successful because I have a very detached view on fashion. I am an outsider.”
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Outsider or not, success has come in droves for Mukherjee since he first appeared on the fashion scene in 1999. The Calcutta native, who boasts 1.2 million followers on Instagram, has dressed everyone from Bollywood starlets like Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra to society girls and politicians.
His designs are revered by Indian brides, who dream of wearing one of his embellished creations on their big day. His boutiques have become meccas for fans looking to bask in his nostalgic take on beauty. Such is his fame that he is often referred to by his first name, much like Oprah, Adele and Madonna (the latter also happens to be one of his favourite singers).
