'WE ARE THE ORIGINAL KINGS OF DRAMA!'

Veteran designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla share their views on the evolution of Indian fashion, and their love for art and culture.

- SHIVPRIYA BAJPAI

The splendorous world of designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla defies the obvious. The profound legacy of the foremost couturiers of our country is emblematic of resurrecting the past in all its glory, and fashioning it for the future. The ultimate style connoisseurs have invested more than three decades in loving, living and breathing India, crafting path-breaking designs and timeless styles. Known for dressing the stars, near and far, the duo’s eternally evolving vision is one for the books. Take for instance, it’s only January, and they have unveiled a new logo, ‘Aikyam’, launched a fashion-inspired music video with the supermodel muses of the house ‘Jogi’, and have announced a behind-the-scenes documentary, The Return of The Muse to be launched later this year with the supermodels. Clearly, Abu and Sandeep are on top of their game! In an earnest quest to decode the method to their madness, I get on a no-holds-barred chat with Sandeep.

Starting with the new logo, ‘Aikyam’, Sandeep shares, “we always wanted to have a symbol for the brand. ‘Aikyam’, a Sanskrit word, recognises the sacred cow, ‘Kamdhenu’ as the profound source of nourishment, abundance and luck. We commissioned the Jaipur-based artists and couple, Wolf to create ‘Kamdhenu’ on a long piece of fabric. Abu sketched it out as the yin and the yang. It’s a testament to our creative partnership, long-standing beliefs and a hint towards a new movement. We are expanding and moving forward, there will be category expansions— from jewellery, accessories, bags, to candles, perfumes, and make-up.”