On a charming block in New York City’s West Village, deliveries arrived all day bearing copious amounts of champagne, lobster, and caviar. The occasion? Designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s opulent cocktail reception marking 25 years of his eponymous brand—a silver jubilee fêted by a fabulous set of fashionable friends.
Sabyasachi—the Indian luxury fashion house—is no stranger to New York. Its downtown boutique is a treasure trove of artwork, accessories, and ready-to-wear. The clothing is artful, ranging from embroidered gowns to embellished outerwear to magnificent fine jewelry. The space reflects the brand’s signature interior language: intricate Indian art, cut glass, carved wood, carpets, and mother-of-pearl-inlaid furniture.
Sabyasachi’s latest collection, shown in Mumbai earlier this year in a spectacular runway show featuring Christy Turlington and Deepika Padukone, is now available in the New York boutique. On the occasion of New York Fashion Week and the brand’s 25th anniversary, the shop shimmered extra bright.
The evening’s guest of honor was His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, who traveled from India for the occasion. “For me, Sabyasachi the brand is Sabyasachi Mukherjee the person,” Singh told Vogue. “We need people like him to remind us why we are here, that we’ve created beauty always, and we need somebody like him to remind the world of the beauty that exists in our country.”
Reflecting on his life and career, Mukherjee shared with Vogue, “I grew up middle class in Calcutta. I was the black sheep of the family because I come from a family of educators and doctors. I never thought that I would get this far.”
Sabyasachi spared no expense for the regal occasion, creating a New York night fit for Indian royalty. He personally welcomed each guest as they arrived, including Avantika, Jessel Taank, Kelly Cutrone, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Amy Fine Collins, and Fern Mallis. Guests were treated to a lavish banquet—Dom Pérignon champagne, Petrossian caviar, king crab, smoked salmon, and foie gras—a feast for the eyes and palate.
A particular highlight was the fantastical dessert tablescape, densely laden with ambrosial confections: towering croquembouche, chocolate-covered fruits, candied hazelnuts, macarons, coconut cake, coffee mousse, plum torte, chocolate bonbons, and sugar-dusted fruits.
Other fashion designers turned out in droves to take part in the decadence, including Bibhu Mohapatra, Georgina Chapman, Prabal Gurung, Adam Lippes, and Peter Som. Anna Wintour also stopped by to congratulate the designer.
“I hope to create India’s first global luxury super brand. I think the country deserves it. India was the seat of luxury before luxury even started anywhere else in the world many centuries ago,” Mukherjee told Vogue. With his exquisite vision, artistry, and opulent parties, Sabyasachi is well on his way.
