Sabyasachi issues 'response to open letter' by artisans over his collaboration with H&M

Sabyasachi Mukherjee became a talking point for various reasons after his recent collaboration with H&M. t only did his collection spark memes over its designs, and a section was disappointed over it being sold in minutes, but Indian artisans also expressed ir displeasure over digitally printed designs having connection with Indian craft. designer w issued a statement in response to open letter, stating that his Wanderlust collection was 'distinctly Indian' and that he continued to be a champion of Indian 'karigar' (craftspeople).   

Sabyasachi issues response to open letter by Indian artisans on H&M collection

Sabyasachi started his statement by conveying his gratitude and appreciation towards open letter on concerns of crafts and craftspeople. designer stated that his collaboration with H&M was a 'capsule collection', where an international brand in invited and collection caters to a wider customer base across world. He added that it also offered a chance for designers to make creations more accessible to larger high street market.  

He stated that while he championed craftspeople and great herit of textiles and crafts, 'Wanderlust' was t meant to be a substitute for couture or artisanal. Highlighting that his bridal wear and collaborations with Christian Louboutin and Bergdorf Goodman were all craft-based and artisanal, he stated that his mission was to elevate Indian craft into luxury, believing that mechanised will ''upgrade' to artisanal and consumer will also 'rise up to covert it for its real value'.   

He highlighted that Wanderlust had a 'different mission' and shared that it was a big win for India as collection put India on global map.  He stated that it stood in its own sector and was meant to reach out to more people.

Stating that 'Designed in India' should also be encourd like 'Make in India, he called it as a 'wake-up call to potential of India's entrepreneurship, design sensibilities and incredible scope of work and talent.'.

Sabyasachi n stated that he had three conditions for Wanderlust collection with H&M. One was that it would be 'distinctly India' since that was who he and his brand was, second that majority of his collection would be 'made in India' by H& M a third, that H&M's first sari would be a part of this collection. 

He added that his inspirations for his design for collection included travel, ancient cultures of word, and th rich herit of Indian crafts and textiles. But, giving an example, he stated that re was replication of Sanganeri hand block prints, and only inspiration was taken from it, along with French toile and chintz prints. He stated that it was t marketed or sold as a Sanganeri print or artisanal product since he was aware and 'deeply respectful of Indian crafts, Geographical Indication representation and rights of our artisans'. 

He asserted that collection was a mess to Indian designer on potential of where fashion was heading. Stating that it was about celebrating one's individuality, he added that re was for all of m in India and abroad for artisanal, designer, scale and boutique.  

Indian artisans' open letter to Sabyasachi 

A national body of craftspersons, Dastkari Haat Samit, had written an open letter asking why Indian artisan had been involved with project. y highlighted missed opportunity for artisans, who were struggling to earn a living. It stated that publicity material seemed to hint at it being associated with Indian craft, but re was 'visible benefit' for artisans.

Previously, posts on Sabysachi x H&M collection being a common design seen in Bengali households and memes like Arshad Warsi in Golmaal wearing it first had made headlines. Its price Rs. 9999 too had attracted strong comments.

However, Sabyasachi issued a statement and apologised only on disappointment of customers, including himself, being unable to buy products due to its heavy demand and technical issues.