By Shilpa Raina, IANS,
New Delhi : Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who swears by Indian sartorial traditions, says that fellow designers should concentrate on bridal wear right now as it is one segment that clients will not compromise on despite recession.
“This is the right time to design wedding trousseau as in the time of crisis like this, the only section where people do not mind splurging is bridal wear. There will be cost cutting in other areas but they will not compromise with their clothes and looks,” Mukherjee told IANS in an interview.
The 28-year-old Kolkata-based designer was in the capital to launch his autumn-winter collection.
“It is very important for every designer to read the market and understand the requirement and then plan accordingly – what to produce and how much?” he added.
Due to the financial crisis, everyone has adopted “intelligent shopping”, he said. Now people are not splurging as they have become very cautious and buying only out of necessity.
“Designers should focus on making clothes that people will buy out of necessity. People are finding ways to save money and if you are making what everyone is, then you are definitely in trouble,” Mukherjee explained.
His suggestion to fellow designers was: “Common clothing has taken a backseat and now we have to come up with something really new and special that can lure people and they should not think twice before buying that product.”
“There is a little bit of insecurity but we have to be a lot more wise and practical before taking any decision,” he added.
Known for international styling with an Indian soul, Mukherjee specialises in traditional wear, bridal wear, Western wear and Indo-Western wear.
“I am happy with my work and I understand Indian clothing, culture and mindset so well that I cannot dream of shifting my loyalties to any other culture,” Mukherjee said.
“Why should I switch to Western inspirations when I know that competition is less in the Indian wear market and I am comfortably placed?” he asked.
Mukherjee feels young designers who take inspiration from the West fail to recognise the richness of Indian traditions.
“It is a shame that designers are moving away from India’s rich culture and heritage and aping the West for their creations. Most of them are influenced by French couture, but they do not know what Indian couture is all about,” he lamented.
“Two years ago I decided to stick only to the richness of Indian tradition and heritage and you will not believe that since then my business has multiplied,” he added.
Mukherjee has already left a mark in women’s wear and this year in October at the Lakme Fashion Week he showcased his men’s range. The idea was to dress men like they once used to do.
“My men’s collection did really well and I am very happy about this because it proves that they (men) too are bored of the regular stuff available in the market and needed a refreshing change,” he said.
Mukherjee has also designed for movies like “Black”(2005) – for which he received a National Award – and “Laaga Chunri Mein Daag” (2007). He will also churn out costumes for Mani Ratnam’s upcoming movie “Raavana” that stars Abhishek Bachchan and his wife Aishwarya.
“Apart from ‘Raavana’, there are two more projects in my hand but till now nothing is final, so I cannot reveal the names,” he concluded.