Guzaarish – Rewind into the vintage world of Sabyasachi

India’s most celebrated designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee has taken great initiative in reviving certain types of embroideries and textiles in India. What makes his designs set one’s heart on is his unique blend of colours and fabrics creating a certain aura of old world charm. Sabyasachi has always surprised us with his thoughts and compelled us to believe that anything is achievable with his final product. He seamlessly blends traditional techniques with the modern design making it desirable. The use of antique fabrics, textiles, and embroideries gets alluringly crafted in a saree, lehenga, or kurta which are his areas of expertise, appealing to a global audience.

12 years ago, on November 19, 2010, Sanjay Leela Bhansali gave us Guzaarish. Revivify decodes the looks donned by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and mastered by Sabyasachi. Creating gorgeous vintage romance on screen with each ensemble, the costumes brought out his love for old-world aesthetics. Sophia from the movie spoke volumes in fewer words, dark hues, heavy voluminous dresses with net sleeves, deep necklines, panelled skirts, scarves, quirky glasses, aprons, and embroidered corset- fabric belts. He styles them with red roses in braided long hair, stark red lipstick, winged eyeliner, and sometimes a neat bun throughout the film.

A lot of Indian charms like owls and parrots embroidered in a bronzed thread, gota work, and hand-placed sequins could be seen in the motifs and techniques used throughout the collection. The design is described as international styling with an Indian soul.

 

Vintage Olive green velvet Anarkali with intricately embroidered sheer sleeves and textured velvet bodice by SabyasachiImperial times translated into this Sabyasachi anarkali featuring embroidery on the panels

His layered Spanish volumized maxi dresses are in deep red and black hues with sheer sleeves, which, in his own words, are “a longer version of Anarkalis that reveal nothing”. The maxi dresses are anything but forgettable.

The dual-toned maxi dress with ghera and embroidery detailing with sheer long sleeves, and border highlights, crafted in textured velvet, and sheer fabrics was undeniably breath-taking. And it still reminds one of the actor’s much-loved looks on screen.

Since the film’s release, Sabyasachi stores were ringing with queries for Guzaarish clothes which Aishwarya was wearing in the film. Some of Sabyasachi’s pieces from his collection that we offer at Revivify are evidence of how inspired he was when creating costumes for the film.