HE IS A GLOBAL powerhouse; his designs have elevated Indian maximalism onto a pedestal. One of the most coveted couturiers of his time, Sabyasachi Mukherjee has revived heritage craft, textiles, and techniques and given them a modern identity but within the precinct of time-honoured culture. In his latest store in Mumbai, which also happens to be his biggest so far, Mukherjee fuses his fantastical imagination with all things luxury and decadent. The store houses 100 hand-cut chandeliers, 275 carpets, 3,000 books, and 150 works of art created by the Sabyasachi Foundation. A fairy-tale haven filled with curios like Tang dynasty pottery, French Art Nouveau cabinets, and vintage handcrafted furniture, the new store represents what Mukherjee calls himself—a cultural magpie. In an exclusive interview, he reveals how the bohemian men and women in Kolkata have shaped his thoughts and why a pending trip to the Taj Mahal has got him obsessed with the historic monument.
EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW:
Your new store is like an art gallery— exquisite and stunningly beautiful. How long did it take to execute your grand plans?
It was in the making for about a year and a half. When you build a maximalist store, you really can’t pre-plan beyond a certain point. It happens organically, layer upon layer, it builds over days and months and finally you just have to stop at some point.
What is your favourite section in the store?
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Chasing Joy On Rottnest Island
Blue waters, shimmering sandy beaches, and historic sites-Rottnest in Western Australia is the quintessential island getaway. But what truly captivated our cover star Rashmika Mandanna is the happy and laid-back life that the island offers.
AS TIME GOES BY
A decade and a half after a life-changing sojourn in Vietnam, a writer returns to track the country's transformations-and his own.
PARIS MATCH
Royal roots and boho cool, French trad and cosmopolitan flair: Thomas Chatterton Williams visits the Marais and finds the perfect mix.
Spotted in the Wild
Tracking down a creature as evasive as the cheetah is never guaranteed. Jeff Chu treks to southern Africa to find big cats and fulfill a long-held family promise.
Tastes Like History
With a lineage spanning millennia, Armenian cuisine is an alchemist's dream. Veidehi Gite samples iconic dishes that evoke memories of home.
The Abode of Gods
Paphos, the ancient home of Aphrodite, is steeped in folklore. A walk around the old town can turn into a journey to the past; all you need is a little imagination.
Secrets of the Happy State
A road trip from Aizawl to Champhai along the Indo-Myanmar border leads to many revelations for Florina Soren.
Championing Cheer
Fostering mindful atmospheres within corporate environments, Dr Sharon Rajkumar stands as a beacon of positivity, guiding others towards a more fulfilling and balanced life. In a candid chat, the TEDx speaker shares her journey with Kiara Sengupta, on how serendipity led her to become the first happiness evangelist in India.
Doodling Up Joy
Turning embarrassing moments of daily life into comedic relief comes naturally to Neha Sharma. The CA-turned-doodle artist now harnesses the power of her paints to create relatable comics that mirror the everyday. In a hearty chat with Bayar Jain, the self-taught artist and storyteller outlines her journey and underlines the importance of art in bringing happiness.
A Novel Take On Happiness
With his 90th birthday on the horizon, India's most beloved author Ruskin Bond, talks to Eshita Srinivas about love affairs on ships, the excitement of train journeys, and his new book that he hopes will inspire young readers.
