Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s New Curiosity Shop

India’s premier couturier, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, revives his Curiosity, Art and Antiquity project, aiming to preserve rare materials, techniques, and the artisans behind them. Initially launched in 2018, the project underscores sustainable luxury by reviving exquisite textiles and craftsmanship threatened by mechanization and mass-market demands.

Mukherjee, who transformed a ₹20,000 family loan into a ₹100 crore fashion empire, continues to blend tradition with modernity. His label, Sabyasachi Couture, emphasizes dynamic cultural relevance, aiming to make heritage accessible and engaging for contemporary consumers. This philosophy is evident in the Curiosity, Art and Antiquity project, which features limited-edition garments, jewellery, and ornamental handbags crafted from rare materials like Kashmiri pashmina and Peruvian alpaca cashmere. These pieces, in rich earthy tones, showcase intricate techniques such as zardozi embroidery, reflecting India’s rich heritage.

The project’s ethos revolves around preserving and empowering the delicate ecosystem of craftspeople. Sabyasachi Couture has employed over 3,900 artisans, from weavers to goldsmiths, highlighting the critical need for economic support to sustain traditional crafts. Mukherjee’s commitment to preserving artisanal skills is evident in his support for rare techniques like ek taar chikankari and hand-twisted silk Banarasi saris. These complex, labor-intensive processes, passed down through generations, form the backbone of the label’s commitment to authenticity and heritage.

Sabyasachi Couture also supports multigenerational artisan communities across India, bringing traditional crafts like meenakari and Parsi gara into the spotlight of high-end fashion. The revival of these crafts, once sidelined, demonstrates their potential to thrive when provided with the right platform. Mukherjee believes modernity lies in thought, not appearance, and the project seeks to help individuals reconnect with their cultural roots through unique, handcrafted pieces.

In an era dominated by digital design, the preservation of Indian craftsmanship remains crucial. Mukherjee emphasizes the importance of educated consumers who value quality and provenance, thereby creating economic opportunities for artisans. The Curiosity, Art and Antiquity project targets collectors who appreciate the time and skill required to craft pieces that narrate South Asian cultural history. Available at Sabyasachi’s flagship stores, the project invites those who recognize the irreplaceable value of the past to engage with and preserve it for future generations.