3rd September 2012
This morning I attended the press call for Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla’s launch of ‘India Fantastique’- a stunning coffee table book that celebrates their illustrious 25 years in the industry.
“Abu and I thought long and hard about how we wanted to celebrate our milestone, and also about how we would use this celebration to set the vision for our creativity and ourselves in the next twenty five years. It soon becomes clear that a book, or rather two as it turned out to be, was the ideal vehicle.” Sandeep Khosla
The book is a visual treat full of their delicious couture pieces and stunning interiors all beautifully shot by the amazing Ram Shergrill. The uber talented duo are known for their skilful cutting, intricate zardozi + chikan embroidery and the sheer drama of their pieces. They were amongst the first Indian designers to gain global recognition with Harrods, Harvey Nicks & Neiman Marcus stocking their pieces.
Sandeep explained that this was one of their first and most copied designs. It caught the eye of costume designer Lindy Hemming who dressed Sophie Marceau in the jacket for ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ from the Bond franchise.
My favourite image- showing the delicate beauty and intricacy of chikan work.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wore this beauty at Cannes this year.
Abu & Sandeep’s signature style of re-inventing the traditional has garnered a worldwide celebrity following including Dame Judi Dench, Amitabh Bachchan, and Victoria Beckham (to name a few!) They have also designed costumes for many a film who can forget Madhuri Dixit stunning outfits in Devdas.
Victoria Beckham Vogue India Nov 2008
Madhuri Dixit in Devdas
This stunning Bridal piece took two and a half months to hand embroider!
Loved this patchwork piece with gorgeous back detail.
Abu & Sandeep have also turned their hand to interiors, taking on one commission at a time- most of which take approx eighteen months as they get involved through the whole process down to every last detail.
‘It’s never about the furniture alone. We want to create a home. So every single thing counts. The Art, the carpets, the silver, even the ashtrays’ Sandeep Khosla
(Abu & Sandeep’s assistant hinted that a homewares line might be a possibility)
Pic of Meera Sharma and I with the designers next to one of their latest creations.
The exhibition gives a wonderful opportunity to see Indian Couture at its finest and is on 3-5th September at Sotheby’s. Do not miss it; my photos really don’t do the pieces justice.
The book is available to buy right now from Amazon
Many thanks to Sotheby’s and Abu & Sandeep for the quotes and further information.
the asian fashion journal 