Sabyasachi Collaborates With H&M For His First-Ever Pret Collection

Like millions who have been wishing to own a Sabyasachi creation in one's wardrobe, that wish is soon about to come true as the much-awaited Sabyasachi x H&M collaboration is launching, bringing a ready-to-wear collection called Wanderlust from the iconic Indian brand. While the collaboration was earlier to be launched in April 2020, the pandemic led to it being put on hold. Cut to 2021 and Sabyasachi's pret collection is finally all set to go live, presenting rich textiles in modern as well as classic Indian silhouettes that resonate with the modern global nomad mindset.

In continuation with H&M's collaboration with iconic brands across the globe (Karl Lagerfeld, Comme des Garcons and Versace), it's the brand's first with an Indian designer. "At a time like this, we believe people value the use of homegrown crafts and textiles more than ever and that's something no one can do better than Sabyasachi. We look forward to taking this stunning collection to as many people across the globe as we can," said Maria Gemzell, Head of New Development, H&M.

For designer Sabyasachi, this collaboration came as a great opportunity to further the Indian narrative and make affordable clothing to reach out to a larger audience.

Tell us about your collaboration with H&M. What made you do so?

Sabyasachi: "There's a saying by Rumi that what you seek is seeking you. I have wanted to work on a pret collection but never been able to do so before because of logistics and other factors. So when H&M reached out for this collaboration, I thought it was too good to be true. It really came at the right time, just as the brand completed 20 years. It was a great opportunity to reach out to a larger audience with an affordable collection that is timeless, gender fluid and chic.

Also read: Manish Malhotra On The Pandemic Changing His Creative Process And Evolution Of Celebrity Style

^{A co-ord set with signature floral prints from the Wanderlust collection}

Tell us about Wanderlust and what we can expect from this ready-to-wear range?

Sabyasachi: "The youth today believe in travelling the world and leading a good lifestyle. Keeping that in mind, this collection is resort meets high street meets travel chic. The pieces are all fuss free, easy and interchangeable. You can mix and match them and have a lot of fun by using your own imagination."

"You will see beautiful Sanganeri prints from Rajasthan as well as embroidery that are meticulously crafted on rich Indian textiles. Our signature floral prints had to be included. These designs have been hand-painted and then digitally recreated."

The Sabyasachi x H&M collection will offer a complete fashion wardrobe for both women and men, including accessories like jewellery, footwear, sunglasses, belts and bags at accessible price points. Some highlight pieces include long flowy dresses, tunics, blouses, breezy shirts, wide pants and more. It will also offer a first of its kind collaboration saree, which is exclusively designed for customers in India.

^{Striped co-ord with accessories from the collection}

Let's talk about gender fluidity in the Wanderlust collection

Sabyasachi: "My parents have always taught me that men and women are equal. I remember during beach vacations back in the days, my mother and aunts would borrow their husband's trousers and wear them stylishly with belts and other accessories. I think in today's time it's very important to spread the message of gender fluidity and sustainability in fashion. Wanderlust includes relaxed styles that can easily be inter picked by men and women. I want men to wear the women's pyjamas and women to wear the men's tunic. These pieces are all timeless yet affordable."

After this collaboration, do you plan to introduce more pret collections?

Sabyasachi: "I do have plans to make Sabyasachi accessories more accessible to the customers, as well as our beauty line. Our clothing however will remain couture and exclusive. In the future, I could introduce a home collection and probably even foray into hospitality with Sabyasachi hotels. Who knows? Just wait and watch!"

^{A printed saree from the collection}

What's your favourite pick from the Wanderlust collection?

Sabyasachi: "It's the Bengal tiger logo printed t-shirt. The craze for logo printed clothing has always been huge and I hope with this, people start seeking logo printed t-shirts of more Indian fashion brands."

The Sabyasachi x H&M collection will be live on August 12 at selected H&M stores in India and 17 other countries, including the US and Britain. It will also e-tail on Myntra and 48 international markets on the brand's online platform. Wanderlust is priced between Rs 799 and 9,999.