Deepika Padukone’s ivory wedding reception sari; Priyanka Chopra’s kaleidoscopic mehendi outfit – a skirt-cum-lehenga hybrid; Sonam Kapoor’s fabled off-white panelled lehenga and backless blouse, inundated with every type of embroidery under the sun that took artisans 18 months to make. If these don’t ring a bell, then Kareena Kapoor’s on-screen wedding ensemble in Veere Di Wedding will. Featuring an off-shoulder blouse and pearl fringes instead of sleeves, the 25-year-old archival piece made headlines when it was rejigged for the movie. All these bridal outfits that have achieved cult status in pop culture history have one thing in common – all of them bear the fingerprints of the designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla whose Midas touch has made them iconic.
In the 36 years since opening their first boutique Mata Hari in Mumbai in November 1986 and designing their first collection of the same name, the two have designed outfits that have inspired a barrage of designers that have come after them. They have also heralded trends, started multiple brands – Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, ASAL by Abu Sandeep, MARD by Abu Sandeep, and Gulabo by Abu Sandeep, been quintessential in establishing the sartorial identity of several celebrities, and even designed weddings. As if creating couture were not enough, they started a new production company La Filmi Compania, where they showcase it via fashion films. To better understand the wondrous minds of these multi-hyphenates, we speak with the master couturiers to chronicle the highlights of their 35-plus-year career.
For the uninitiated: How did the label come to be? What prompted you to aspire to a career in fashion, especially since neither of you is from a design school?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE GOODNESS OF GHEE
What: The Pure Cow Ghee range for babies with sensitive skin from Himalaya Babycare
Hello Hyderabad!
The Kaftan Company makes its debut in Hyderabad with a physical store
A COSMIC CULINARY JOURNEY
Located in the vibrant heart of Kolkata, That Place Bowl & Bar aims to be something out of the ordinary
BIG ON THE SCREEN
Writer-director INDIRA DHAR is no newcomer to international film festivals, but a standing ovation at Cannes for her latest film was an unforgettable experience. She talks to Shraddha Kamdar about the inspiration, her love for films and more
COMMAND RESPECT EFFORTLESSLY
Try these strategies if you hate not being taken seriously.
FIND CALM IN CHAOS
Deal with difficult situations using the principles of stoicism.
GREENER IN THE CUP
Samiksha Bhowmik details why a cup of matcha needs to be part of your diet
THE BEST OF TWO VIBRANT WORLDS
LYLA, in Mumbai's BKC, seamlessly blends Central American vibrancy with Californian flair
A Melange Of the Middle East & Indian Spices
Bringing contemporary twists to tradition, MERCHANT & ME is a youthful urban space for cuisine and cocktails in Pune
10 REASONS WHY SEYCHELLES COULD BE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION
Seychelles hits all the high notes on the romance roster whether you're on honeymoon or a love break.