Fashion for art’s sake That’s what designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee believes in, as he showcases his designs as part of a gallery’s diamond jubilee celebrations Sanaya Chavda In a bid to pay homage to some of the finest Indian artists, designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee will be giving a fashion presentation tonight at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya lawns. The special event, which is part of the Diamond jubilee celebrations of the Jehangir Art Gallery, will begin with a performance by singer Shubha Mudgal, followed by the designer’s showing. “The evening will be a sensory overload in terms of beautiful sounds, textures and colour to match the seriousness of art. I will be displaying an extension of my line at the Delhi Couture Week, which was very eclectic, a combination of different cultures yet staying very Indian,” says Sabyasachi who has been inspired by international artists such as Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse and Frida Kahlo. The designer’s interest in paintings began at an early age, with his mother being an artist. Having started the Sabyasachi Art Foundation a few years ago, the designer himself supports and encourages new talent. “I interview a lot of artists and then decide on those that need support. Some don’t have the ability to market themselves, so they take up odd jobs instead. We pay these artists a sustainable salary so they can run their homes and continue their art,” adds the designer, who plans to hold the first exhibit of these efforts next summer. And will this exhibition have art works by the designer himself? “No, I’m not a great painter. My works are not good enough to be put on display,” he adds. Sabyasachi believes that if one does good work, the money will follow. “Even when it comes to designing, I always do what I think is right. Often projects of commercial importance may not be of great artistic value. It’s important to follow your instinct,” he says. Having constantly incorporated Indian textiles in his creations, Sabyasachi feels the only way to go ahead is by reviving these traditional crafts. “Today, a number of young designers are using these techniques in their work... It’s important to have an understanding of where you come from,” adds the designer as he gears up for work on his latest interior projects.

Fashion for art’s sake

That’s what designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee believes in, as he showcases his designs as part of a gallery’s diamond jubilee celebrations

In a bid to pay homage to some of the finest Indian artists, designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee will be giving a fashion presentation tonight at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya lawns. The special event, which is part of the Diamond jubilee celebrations of the Jehangir Art Gallery, will begin with a performance by singer Shubha Mudgal, followed by the designer’s showing. “The evening will be a sensory overload in terms of beautiful sounds, textures and colour to match the seriousness of art. I will be displaying an extension of my line at the Delhi Couture Week, which was very eclectic, a combination of different cultures yet staying very Indian,” says Sabyasachi who has been inspired by international artists such as Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse and Frida Kahlo. The designer’s interest in paintings began at an early age, with his mother being an artist. Having started the Sabyasachi Art Foundation a few years ago, the designer himself supports and encourages new talent. “I interview a lot of artists and then decide on those that need support. Some don’t have the ability to market themselves, so they take up odd jobs instead. We pay these artists a sustainable salary so they can run their homes and continue their art,” adds the designer, who plans to hold the first exhibit of these efforts next summer. And will this exhibition have art works by the designer himself? “No, I’m not a great painter. My works are not good enough to be put on display,” he adds. Sabyasachi believes that if one does good work, the money will follow. “Even when it comes to designing, I always do what I think is right. Often projects of commercial importance may not be of great artistic value. It’s important to follow your instinct,” he says. Having constantly incorporated Indian textiles in his creations, Sabyasachi feels the only way to go ahead is by reviving these traditional crafts. “Today, a number of young designers are using these techniques in their work... It’s important to have an understanding of where you come from,” adds the designer as he gears up for work on his latest interior projects.