Sabyasachi and Christian Louboutin: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Whimsical Men!

What happens when Sabyasachi and Christian Louboutin dramatically transpire to unveil a bespoke collection, blending their signature sensibilities? Delve in more to understand this whimsical connection!

Men have eternally wondered on “What Do Women Want?” Well, we won’t be coy here and admit to being complex and beautiful creatures! While most men would simply scratch their heads, wonder, and shrug off, few have figured out the million dollar question. These unconventional men are Sabyasachi and Christian Louboutin. The prodigious Indian designer, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, and the world-renowned footwear designer Christian Louboutin have effortlessly and seamlessly deciphered the workings of the female mind and their perennially parched wardrobes! Sabyasachi, with his ethereal collection of bridal wear and Christian Louboutin with his ornate range of footwear, are an alliance conspired in heaven! The Autumn/Winter Couture show of 2015 called Bater or Birds of Prey- witnessed the dark and predatory nature of this duo’s haunting collection replete with traditional hand weaved sarees with intricate embroidered details, bandhgalas, Nehru jackets, sherwanis and modern separates. The mavericks have collaborated again and the culmination is this year’s Fall/Winter couture collection called ‘Firdaus”.

A tale of two cities, Kolkata and Paris synonymous with Sabyasachi and Louboutin both extensively employ embellishment and intricate hand embroidery to weave a befitting tale. Sabyasachi narrated this tale with music, décor, and ambiance. Louboutin frequently travels to Chennai, India to work with the embroidery firm, Vastrakala that’s run by Frenchmen Jean-Francois Lesage and Patrick Savouret and Indian Malvika Shivakumar. The chances of their paths crossing were only in South Mumbai where their flagship stores are located in close proximity. Speaking on their association, Sabyasachi reminisces their camaraderie and their collaboration being a natural consequence. Building such empires independently was also a binding factor for the two doyens.

“This is a lot more whimsical and quite mad. We have everything in it. It has a little bit of everything,” Sabyasachi said on this second collaboration. To that, Louboutin said: “It is more of a candy store.”

Firdaus, an Arabic connotation of “paradise” was showcased in Sabyasachi’s opulent Mehrauli store with overtones of conspicuous chandeliers, lanterns, vintage frames and mirrors, bottles of itr, vases suffused with fresh flowers and wooden benches in the garden that leads to the two wings of the of his sprawling 13,500 square feet store. Add to this magnificence, a crisp cold Delhi night and we have an amalgamation of Sabyasachi’s grandeur and Louboutin’s flamboyance called “Firdaus”. The extravaganza witnessed models sashaying in ensembles like Velvet lehengas, kaftans, flapper dresses, sherwanis, high-waisted skirts and coats in absolute tandem with chunky Louboutin heels and handbags consummated by a flawless rendition of Ali Maula Ali Dum Mast Kalandar by the Manganiars of Barmer and Gaurav Raina of the Midival Punditz in the backdrop. Sabyasachi has dabbled and imbibed his signature intricate like tilla, zardozi, appliqué and Parsi needle work.

The show predominantly showcased bridal wear but also included men’s wear to cater to the sensibilities of conservative as well as the experimental man. Each look was accentuated with a classically crafted Louboutin. Whether you are the bride or her bestie or a groom or the best man, Sabyasachi’s collection is dazzling and beckons our credit cards for that must have designer ensemble splurge while the Louboutin collection makes us want to hit the gym with a vengeance, tone up those calves and sexily flaunt the exquisitely crafted shoes.

Sabyasachi x Louboutin Fall/Winter Collection 2016 resonates with the spirit of blending quirky materials like cork, leather, spikes, raffia, pony hair and varied embroidery sourced from all over India with fabrics. Louboutin has spelled magic with his signature red soles and embellishments; the range includes flats and very high heels. Also crafted with this duo’s dynamic sensibilities are the opulent handbags and clutches. The models towering in their crafty Louboutins and sashaying in their quirk-intricate Sabyasachi ensembles were grinning from ear to ear, calling for numerous selfies and shoefies! Jewelry, an integral part of this show was By Kishandas Jewellery.

Christian Louboutin says India continues to fascinate people from foreign shores with its indigenous content because designers here are forever exploring the “re-attachment to roots”. Thus, “the things that you see in India, you see nowhere else”, he feels. In a tete-a-tete with IANS, Louboutin discussed his latest collaboration with Indian couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee and steered the conversation to how Indian fashion is painting a story that is making waves worldwide.

Following this buzz, it is the perfect time to splurge on this amazing collection and adorn your wardrobe with these timeless and classic ensembles.