Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee dresses Bollywood stars both on and off-screen.

 

His award-winning brand uses traditional textile techniques to create “international styling with an Indian soul”.

Drawing inspiration from deserts, gypsies, prostitutes, antique textiles and the culture of his hometown Kolkata, his brand is known across continents.

He also has a menswear and jewellery line.

“Growing up, I spent hours rummaging through my mother and grandmother’s jewellery cupboards.

“Their taste was simply exquisite. Maybe this is why I feel disappointed. Where has all the art gone?

“Perhaps it was this question that pushed me to find the answer,” he says.

Mukherjee's label began with a dream and just three people.

Fast forward 20 years, and he has five flagship stores.

Now, he is planning to start a childrenswear brand and a contemporary clothing line that employs weavers and artisans across India.

 

Mukherjee graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology in India.

In 2001, he won the Femina British Council’s most outstanding young designer of India award. This led to an internship with designer Georgina Von Etzdorf in Salisbury.

Then, in 2004, the designer started a partnership with Browns Fashion, South Molton Street.

The Nair Sisters’ collection – inspired by hand block printing, embroideries, bagru prints, cotton and other hand-woven fabrics – found itself on the racks of both Browns and Selfridges.

His list of Bollywood achievements is impressive. He won best costume designer for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black in 2005. He dressed stars for Baabul, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Raavan, Guzaarish, Paa, No One Killed Jessica and Kahaani.

But his philosophy has always remained the same: “Personalised imperfection of the human hand.”

To view Sabyasachi Jewellery read here.

For the full story in the Mayfair Times read here.