Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla recently celebrated 33 years of their flagship label with a zestful fashion show that saw Deepika Padukone close the extravaganza. It was a runway party — grand, larger than life, and full of drama…much like the brand itself. Truth be told, the Indian couturiers have always forged ahead with forward-thinking innovations that have shaped the Indian fashion industry, rightly earning them their ‘veterans’ title.
Ahead of the festive season, we’re bringing you an Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla trunk show featuring three labels from the stalwart house — ASAL by Abu Sandeep, Gulabo by Abu Sandeep and Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla by Saboo. Ask them about their association with Aashni + Co, and they say: “It’s imperative to showcase one’s work with those who share a vision for excellence, a love for luxury and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards. Aashni + Co is the perfect fit for us.”
We speak to the designer duo about what you can expect at our upcoming London trunk show and their top tips for the season.
Jacqueline Fernandez in ASAL
You are bringing three labels to the A+CO trunk show. Why do you think they are the best picks for your UK patrons?
We have chosen these labels and ranges because they are perfect for the festive season. An entire spectrum of ensembles which take you from poojas and Diwali parties to wedding wear. This season calls for celebration and that means dressing fabulously too. Gulabo is about having fun.
Kareena Kapoor khan in Gulabo
The ASAL collection boasts occasion wear which includes understated, thread work in off-white, delicious brights and glamorous sequin and mirror work. Our jewellery is something we always wanted to showcase to a London audience. It’s precious, unique and made for those who value the exceptional.
Asal by Abu Sandeep
Tell us a little about the collections you will showcase at the A+CO trunk show.
The collections are deliciously diverse. There is something for every woman and man, and their many moods. We’re carrying some fabulous menswear too. We have played with the traditional and tweaked classical silhouettes to make them relevant for the 21st century. The sari becomes ever more glamorous with concept blouses. Ghararas join anarkalis and kurtas as a silhouette for festive wear. Find them all at the trunk show.
ASAL by Abu Sandeep
How would you sum up the AJSK sensibility?
It’s highly original, fabulously crafted and high impact. A passion for beauty, a commitment to creating the finest. A reverence for craftsmanship be it embroideries or tailoring or use of fabrics and drapes. God is in the detail and our work is always layered and finished to exacting standards. A refusal to follow external trends and instead set them. Timeless elegance which is both absolutely current and forever. To be original, to always hone and reinvent one’s expression. A tireless mission to keep growing and evolving. One’s sensibilities remain written in stone, one’s expression must always be fluid.
Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla by Saboo
What prompted you to launch ASAL and Gulabo?
As artists we love to challenge ourselves, to expand our expression. Asal by Abu Sandeep is a diffusion line. We are natural born couturiers but wanted to diversify into diffusion and pret-a-porter to create for wider audiences, to experiment with our own work beyond couture. Asal bears all the hallmarks of our couture. It is younger, edgier and appeals to a wider demographic.
Gulabo by Abu Sandeep explores our love for whites, for cotton and khadi. It is a feast of fun. Separates which feature delicious detailing in embroideries, mirror and gota. It has a resort vibe with a punch of luxe style.
Why did you decide to venture into fine jewellery with Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla by Saboo?
Fine jewels are a personal passion. This collection is born from that. We wanted to reinvent the classical using heritage techniques and cutting edge design. Rich with romance, deeply glamorous and intricately detailed, it is a fantasy expression. We have worked with natural pearls, rose-cut diamonds, polkis and coloured stones.
Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla by Saboo
How have you seen the Indian bride evolve in the past couple of years?
She has become more adventurous, with a desire to write her own rules. There is a huge curiosity to explore western silhouettes and incorporate them into her wardrobe. Most Indian weddings now have a function which is about cocktail dresses and gowns. The traditional colour palettes have also changed with many brides opting for nudes, beiges and pastels rather than the traditional red, fuchsia and orange.
Your top tips for shopping this festive season?
Less is more. Buy quality and buy classics. Ditch the gimmicky because beauty must outlive a season. Have a lot of fun with silhouettes. Go for a gharara. Start wearing saris. They are glam central and as sensuous as it gets.
Shop the brand on aashniandco.com here.
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