Sabyasachi's debut as a high-street designer is now available in the Sabyasachi and H&M collection after a long wait!
Every Indian fashion girl had marked April 16, 2020, on their calendar. Then, Sabyasachi and H&M, one of India's most renowned couturiers, collaborated with the best-loved high-street brand -- went live. The world was then put on a pause.
Fashion editors were given first glimpses of magazine covers after they had been photographed. Sabyasachi Mukherjee is a master at creating stories around his work. He has done previous collaborations with Asian Paints and Christian Louboutin, a French luxury shoemaker. H&M, which has produced sell-out capsules featuring global fashion icons such as Versace, Comme des Garcons and Karl Lagerfeld, approached him shortly after his 20th-anniversary presentation in 2019. He tells The Hindu Weekend that the delay was disappointing as he had promised himself that if the brand turns 20, I would collaborate and bring it to a large audience.
Couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee
The collection is called "Wanderlust" and will be available in 11 H&M India stores and select H&M stores across 17 countries. It will also be available online at hm.com in 48 international markets and Myntra.
Prints and pleats
Mukherjee had three conditions for H&M. It had to be India's proud collection, it had to include a sari, and the majority of production had to take place in India (90%). "Our collaboration with Sabyasachi represents the latest addition to the growing list of global blockbuster partnerships. We consider renowned designers to bring the mass market rare, expensive, and often inaccessible creations. It collaborated with Sandra Mansour, a Beirut-based designer, to create a capsule. The capsule was launched at H&M's stores just before the pandemic.
Credit: H&M
Mukherjee says, "I was absolutely sure what I wanted to accomplish with H&M." It had to be timeless, affordable, and not lose in the fast fashion trap. The pandemic and its discussions on sustainability have made the collection even more relevant. Sabyasachi x H&M includes 22 styles for women, 13 for men, and 32 accessories. Only H&M's India store stocks the viscose georgette scarf, which features a design inspired by Kolkata. It was designed for Indian consumers who love the Sabyasachi Sari but find it too expensive. He suggests pairing it with pajamas or a T-shirt from this collection.
Playing to his strengths.
Mukherjee likes to talk about his humble beginnings. He often references Madonna, his muse, in interviews. Naomi Campbell and Kim Kardashian have worn his designs. According to the designer, the Queen of Pop follows him on Instagram. "She only follows 368 people so this is a big thing." This is the celebrity he wants to see most in Wanderlust. He has sent the collection to her.
Credit: H&M
Mukherjee makes it clear that his upbringing influences his definitions of sustainability in the middle class. "With sustainability, there is an obligation on producers and consumers. He says that this collection is about classic, affordable clothing. This is how slow fashion advocates can justify working with H&M, a fast-fashion giant. All his couture trademarks are referenced in the line, including the royal Bengal Tiger. H&M chose him because of his distinctive style. Gemzell says, "We chose Sabyasachi as a designer collaboration because of his undisputed mastery of Indian couture." If you think that classic is boring, think again. Wanderlust is an explosion of colour and prints with an Indian soul but an international appeal. Each print was individually hand-painted and digitally reproduced by H&M. He took inspiration from French toiles and kalamkari. It's a print for the global citizen. Sabyasachi is already looking at the worldwide market, and the location for his flagship store in New York City has been located.
Resort meets street meets travel chic.
This is the most street-styled collection by a bridal couturier to date. He says, "If you remember my 2004 debut collection Frog Princess it was always Bohemian." Wanderlust, in many ways, is a return to his roots. It may have worked in the designer's favor that it was delayed.
Credit: Glamour Magazine
This collection is a joyous, jet-set capsule that can be worn up or down as travel restrictions ease. The designer admitted to many conversations with his young design team members while creating the collection. It is also his personal collection. He says, "I like clothes that are versatile and can be worn anywhere." Wanderlust was created to be gender- and size-neutral with its clashing prints and breezy kaftans and cool colors. He expects women to wear the men's tunic and men to wear women's pajamas. Its street meets resort. It's easy to travel anywhere, whether you are at the Kumbh Mela, Burning Man, or Marrakesh. All you need is a backpack, sunglasses, and your wallet. It's very simple.” These separates can be mixed and matched, and the fits are simple. This includes belts and fashion jewelry bags. Chintz was a strong inspiration for his designs, although it may not seem obvious when creating an India proud collection. Cliches are something I like to celebrate, which is why the Taj Mahal is a motif on my handbags. Cliches are beloved span because they are universally appreciated span.
A selection of accessories
He has made denim pajamas for the first time. This ensures that they fit no matter what size you are. He is a craft-conscious designer who loves to wear his jeans. He says that relaxed clothing can be very attractive because it allows your mind to focus on other hemlines. However, comfort clothing will not disappear. Salwar kameez, also available as a tunic or pajama top, is his favorite piece from the collection. A salwar kameez is a great choice for everyone. You can be chic, elegant, hippy, or both. This piece was inspired by Jemima Goldsmith's time as Mrs. Imran Khan. Wanderlust is bound to be a sell-out and confirms that when it comes to an understanding of what the consumer wants, there is no Indian designer like Sabyasachi Mukherjee