TELLING THE INDIA STORY

As Sabyasachi completes 25 years of his design label, TMS sheds light on how he made India felt seen’ on the world map in arare feat achieved by a few Indian designers.

- PRIYAMVADA RANA

ON 1999, a young middleclass lad dreamt of being the greatest designer not just in India, but "in the world." He rejected job offers from top designers in India at that time in pursuit of an ambition to create India's biggest luxury house. Cut to 25 years later, the young boy has transformed into a luxury design maven a brand in itself called Sabyasachi. Anything that he touches may not turn gold but is surely heirloom-worthy.

From crafting an empire of couture, high-jewellery, signature accessories, signing global collaborations and opening museum-worthy stores in Mumbai and New York with rare collectibles, and artefacts, he stands tall as the only Indian designer who gets the 'India story' to the world. It lies in his perfect balance of cultural preservation and timeless luxury.

Marking 25 years of this stellar journey, the 50-year-old designer threw an opulent soiree accompanied by a fashion show in Mumbai in January. It had actor Deepika Padukone walking at the fashion show with a bandwagon of models presenting over 150 looks. From jackets with intricately carved zardosi, soothing Pashminas, to headbands reminiscent of Frida Kahlo, to exquisite saris he covered the range from minimalism to maximalism.