There are finales and then there are Sabyasachi Finales. Here is an Indian designer with such an unmatched vision, that its difficult not to be in awe of it. I thought it was incredible that they brought out Vidya Balan in the beginning just to establish the B-town element (also she loves Sabyasachi). As the show progressed though, the spotlight was turned onto Sabyasachi and Ms. Balan was just another one of us watching in awe.
The main show area was completely transformed into what I imagine a colonial 1940s jazz club in India would look like. London based singer Kiya wearing an all black with embroidered apron outfit took to ramp and sang a wall-shaking rendition of ‘I will survive’. Ronnie Montrose and the band played live while girls walked the ramp; it brought that bluesy jazz element to the collection.
Sabyasachi’s penchant for mixing block colours, prints and sequins uniquely with that old world charm never gets jaded. Although some would argue the collection had a Jil Sanders feel, it didn’t take away from the fact that Sabyasachi does it with a nuance of an Indian sensibility. The chickankari dupattas worn as veils over high-waisted skirts and pleated cholis gave you a feel of an Indian Frida Carlo getting married in Calcutta. Odd as that may sound it works successfully. He may be the King of Kitsch, but if you looked at each garment separately and thought to style it with a simple t-shirt or pant you will be surprised at how high fashion and eclectic it looks.
I never tire of Sabyasachi’s collections, whether they commercially viable or not, there is a modesty in the garments that directly reflects the humble looking Mr. Mukerhjee. I always say the most unassuming looking people make the most brilliant clothing, and Sabyasachi has proved that time and again.