The Zardozi lining

Indian fashion industry,it is time for celebrations. Besides creating some of the most memorable trousseaus worn by the rich and famous of India,Abu-Sandeep have been consistently committed to craft revival. They elevated chickankari and zardozi to fine luxury,becoming synonymous with intricately embroidered garments in soft colours,draped on the high and mighty of the glamour world.

The party hosted by Moet & Chandon at Mumbai’s Grand Hyatt,two days back,was also a commentary on their clientele and why it has remained consistent. Yet,Abu feels that they started out “just yesterday”. “It hasn’t sunk in yet; these years flew by too quickly,”

he says.

Sandeep,however,points out how things have changed. “Today,the Indian fashion industry has grown multifold,with a lot more competition. There’s also the influx of new money into the market,which is a huge plus,” he notes,adding that they believe that multiple fashion weeks are ruining the industry and encourage derivative fashion with designers without any signature style of their own.

Not everyone might know that Abu-Sandeep are behind exclusive shawls sold under the Shakira Caine mark at Harvey Nichols and Harrods in London and Neiman Marcus and Bergdof Goodman in New York. Many might

remember their stunning ensembles worn by Academy Award winner Judi Dench and actor Sophie Marceau on the red carpet. “Had we branched out,we would have been a global brand today. We are now working towards that goal. We will promote our competitively priced diffusion line and take on more interiors projects,” reveals Sandeep,while Abu adds that they are both “bad businessmen”. They do have creative differences like all other working teams. “We fight it out amongst ourselves,sometimes Abu wins and sometimes it’s me,” smiles Sandeep.

The Bachchan family has been their muse,showstopper and close friends.

It was for their show that Big B (also the most stylish man of India) walked the fashion ramp for the first time; their website opens with a photograph of Shweta Nanda and even the heavily pregnant Aishwarya attended their Tuesday bash. Yet,they are wary of

designing for films. Unless a project like Devdas comes their way. “We are not stylists,we have better things to do,” says Abu.

At the party,Jaya Bachchan spoke about how she chanced upon one of their creations at a Mumbai store and went on to become a lifelong fan.

Dimple Kapadia also raised a toast to their success.

Interwoven with the good memories are those of their low periods. “There were times we were in debt and once a fire destroyed our workshop-cum-store in Juhu,Mumbai. It affected us very badly,but the word ‘quitting’ has no place in our dictionary,” they sign off.