FASHIONING DREAMS

SABYASACHI's journey from NAMASTE MICKEY to his new AW 2023 collection REINVENTS India's global LUXURY narrative.

- PRIYANKA KATHURIA

It is not every day that you come across a collaboration that transcends borders. Enter Sabyasachi Mukherjee, a man who needs no introduction. His recent collaboration with Disney for its 100th anniversary—in support of the Make-A-Wish foundation—has led him to create ‘Namaste Mickey’, a masterpiece that marries India’s rich heritage with the iconic Disney character, Mickey Mouse. “I wanted to bring our two worlds together through ‘Namaste Mickey’. The inspiration came from India’s miniature paintings and heritage crafts and one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The piece is painted by the Sabyasachi Art Foundation [an organisation that provides safe space for under-privileged artists to practise their art and make a living through it as well] and embroidered by the artisans from Sabyasachi’s ateliers. In the artwork, Mickey Mouse is portrayed in traditional Indian attire and jewellery, against the backdrop of the iconic Taj Mahal, surrounded by tropical flora and fauna—a coming together of the east and west,” says Sabyasachi.