The House of Sabyasachi Turns 25

Sabyasachi framed amidst his maximalist celebration

Stepping into Sabyasachi’s 25th-anniversary celebration felt like walking through a living postcard of an old mini Calcutta – nostalgic & steeped in storytelling. At the entrance, a grand fountain, reminiscent of the Victoria Memorial stood in quiet majesty, its waters watched over by Bengal tiger sculptures, a nod to the designer’s signature emblem. The venue, drenched in otherworldly charm, radiated vintage colonial elegance through antique wooden doors, carpets, handwoven tapestries & candle-lit chandeliers casting a warm, inviting glow. The scent of jasmine mingled with sandalwood, while the soft strains of Bengali classical music painted the air – every corner a sensory ode to heritage & elegance.

An opulent fountain echoed the grandeur of the Victoria Memorial

Where maximalism met majesty, an unforgettable vision of art and opulence

The night of timeless glamour unfolded as 700 impeccably dressed guests arrived, all embracing the “strictly black” dress code. The atmosphere shimmered with sophistication as celebrities, draped in Sabyasachi’s artistry, redefined grandeur – Alia Bhatt embodied quiet luxury in a black sari paired with a miniature bejeweled blouse. Sonam Kapoor brought drama with feathered finesse, while newlyweds Aditi Rao Hydari & Siddharth Suryanarayan channelled effortless opulence. Rani Mukerji was the picture of restrained elegance in an inky-hued dress & Bipasha Basu turned heads in a sari that danced with light. With the Ambanis, Birlas & an elite guest list in tow, it was an evening where fashion met power.

Alia Bhatt & Sonam Kapoor stun in Sabyasachi

Ananya Birla in Sabyasachi

Colonial pillars gave way to a setting reminiscent of a bygone era, where moss-covered homes lined the path to a runway designed like a traditional Indian salon. While the guests settled into antique chairs, each seat was adorned with a note that read: “My grandmothers had a profound influence on me. One taught me the power of minimalism, while the other showed me the dominance of maximalism.” With these words, it was certain that as the collection was set to come alive, bold & subtle, old & new would intertwine effortlessly.

Two moss-covered houses stand timeless, connected by clotheslines of memories

An Indian salon scene steeped in old-world allure

A moment came when the lights dimmed, the whispers hushed – & then she appeared. Deepika Padukone, draped in a monochrome ensemble, punctuated by hoop earrings, a layered necklace cascading into a striking ruby & diamond choker & a cross pendant. A stack of bracelets played in stark contrast to her black leather gloves, setting the tone for a night steeped in visual poetry. What followed was a parade of icons – Laxmi Menon, Indrani Dasgupta Paul & more – each stride a tribute to fashion’s golden era, evoking runway nostalgia at its finest. Every look played with dualities – intellectual yet indulgent, seductive yet considered. Frida Kahlo florals, Madonna crucifixes, Coco Chanel pearls & Gayatri Devi’s regal grace all found harmony in silhouettes echoing the elegance of Chowringhee’s women. As the models glided with quiet authority, the runway transformed – not into a stage, but a living art gallery.

Deepika Padukone opens the show in an all-white power suit

A luxe look: A faux fur overcoat paired with an embroidered mini dress

Sabyasachi’s latest collection arrives not with a whisper but a resounding sonnet – where heritage meets the rhythm of modern desire. In a pivot from bridal splendour to global glamour, the designer reimagines luxury through a cosmopolitan lens. The runway? A 157- look crescendo of stories: slouchy bouclé separates, embroidered minis edged in fantasy & brocade overcoats steeped in old-world decadence. Faux fur & heirloom-style stones dialled up the drama, while sequinned slogans, “Where Has Love Gone” & “Please Stay” added wit. Menswear strode in velvet pants, gilded jackets & oversized tees. Showstoppers like the fuchsia “Dog Dad” jumper & “Table For One” shift dress sparked applause. Velvet gowns swept, saris shimmered in candlelit reverie & zardozi bombers radiated grandeur. Accessories took no prisoners: chunky chokers, sculptural earrings, dramatic bows, vintage eyewear & polished satchels. Unapologetically lavish – this wasn’t just a show. It was Sabyasachi in full spectacle.

A green slogan shift dress shimmering with sequin embellishments

Sabyasachi’s 25th anniversary collection takes over the runway

The show reached its grand finale as the crowd erupted in applause for the unexpected showstopper – Christy Turlington, effortlessly poised in a black turtleneck & voluminous cream pants, adorned with luxurious multi-jeweled cuffs, pearl necklaces & statement crosses. Sabyasachi Mukherjee took his bow alongside Deepika & Christy, bringing the spectacular evening to a perfect close.

Christy Turlington stuns in layers of shimmering jewels

Deepika and Christy lead the models towards a breathtaking finale

So what’s next for the man who’s done it all, you ask? For Sabyasachi, this show marked a defining chapter in his journey to establish his label as India’s first global luxury brand. Expanding beyond couture, his vision now embraces ready-to-wear separates, luxe accessories & most notably, high jewellery. Think sculptural chokers, layered necklaces, oversized earrings & vibrant bracelets – crafted in 18k gold & encrusted with rare gemstones & brilliant diamonds, marrying India’s centuries-old craftsmanship with a modern heirloom sensibility. The brand has also quietly perfected its take on denim, crafted in small batches from Japanese fabric, yet deeply rooted in Kolkata’s artisanal legacy. As he continues to make waves in Western markets, Sabyasachi is steadily cementing his place in the luxury world, with his collections available at Aashni + Co’s London, Mumbai & online stores.