Sandeep Khosla and Abu Jani


In Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, they have established a stronghold in a field where ostentation is frequently mistaken for elegance. They are known for their unmistakable chikankari, their attention to detail, and their emphasis on an opulent lifestyle. Khosla sneers, “Luxury is not a new word for us.” “We regard it as holistic, but it’s become a terribly exploited term.”

The namesake design label is most recognized for its restoration of Indian embroidery designs like Chikankari, Zardozi, and Tharad, made specifically for the contemporary Indian woman. A−level stars from Bollywood, nobility, and well−known politicians are among the duo’s impressive list of clients.

The Services they Provide

It includes −

  • Wedding Gowns

  • Gowns

  • Dresses

  • Tunics

  • Suits

  • Sarees

  • Jackets

  • Grooms attire

History

They’ve made great strides. Jani’s first employment was handing out anti−corrosion flyers at a neighborhood gas station when he was 17 years old, and his first professional high point was working for designer Xerxes Bhatena, who was also one of Khosla’s first employers in Bombay. One of the first stores of its kind in Mumbai was opened by them in 1986 under the name Mata Hari. Soon after, they were among the five designers whom Tarun Tahiliani first contacted for his multi−brand boutique Ensemble. They were also one of the five designers who appeared on the front of the prominent Bombay magazine shortly after.

Their first famous customer was Dimple Kapadia. Eminent women like Parmeshwar Godrej and Jaya Bachchan followed her. Our customers have changed alongside us as a label in numerous ways. According to Jani, we create for women who enjoy being pampered.

They just required one trip to Amritsar to design a profitable line for Harrods in the late 1980s, when their woolen shawls with zardozi embroidery became an immediate hit. Shakira, the wife of Michael Caine, and their standalone store in London’s Beauchamp Place are two other prominent international enterprises. They also enjoy performing interior design. At Bombay’s Bajaj Gallery, their furniture line made its debut in 1993. With its exquisite silverware, fragrant flowers, and detailed embellishments, their house is a delight to behold.

Background

Abu Jani, a Mumbai native, teamed up with Sandeep Khosla in 1986, the same year that their first boutique business, Mata Hari, was founded. Their subsequent exposure to worldwide venues included partnerships with other well−known figures in the sector, like Tarun Tahiliani. Their very own label, “Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla,” first gained notoriety in 1989. (AJSK).

In the early years of their firm, an individual Indian art form was chosen to be the topic for their products throughout that year. For instance, in 1991 they concentrated on producing works that were inspired by the Old Fort or Purana Quila in New Delhi, and in 1994 their chikankari works gained popularity. While they initially established their first AJSK brand store in Delhi, they have now expanded their reach to other significant metropolises.

Their Sources of Inspiration

Everything in India, from architecture to the extinct arts, inspires Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. A major source of inspiration for them, outside fashion itself, is architecture. They clearly have a passion for interior design, which is evident in this. A tribute to Jaipur’s Pink City and a piece that was motivated by Delhi’s historically significant Purana Quila Mughal fort are among the ensembles that make up their most memorable collection. Their vast collections, however, contain motifs and patterns from other cultures as well. Various components have served as the inspiration for a variety of collections, such as the Wearable Art series of clothing, which was inspired by African culture.

It's Making

The best fabrics available are typically used in Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s designs, which also frequently feature hand embroidery, also known as hath ki karhaai. In particular, since those are the duo’s areas of expertise, they have hired a number of highly trained artisans who are also very educated in indigenous craft styles. Additionally, they have combined machine embroidery with hand detailing, most recently with the introduction of their newest label, Abu Sandeep.

A Variety of Styles

In addition to comprehensive and lavish collections for women, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have also created collections for men. The lavish needlework that is done on their outfits is the focal point of the garment without appearing excessive because of their keen aesthetic sense. They use a variety of embroidery techniques to embellish each of their products in meticulous detail. Their collections hardly ever include the idea of minimalism.

Global Influence and the Situation Today

Movie stars, statesmen, and celebrities from both domestic and foreign countries have worn Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s ensembles due to their extreme popularity. On Lakme India Fashion Week’s top runway, these names are among the most well−known. Brett Lee, who plays cricket, as well as the ladies, Maggie Smith and Frieda Pinto, are a few of the most well−known people to have worn their clothing.

Innovations

Due to their invention of the “double saree” concept, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have become recognized as innovators in the Indian fashion business. In keeping with the name, it entails flawlessly draping two sarees at once. The effect that is created by the double−saree drape is wonderful since it not only makes use of the complementary colors of the two sarees but also gives the wearer an entirely new silhouette. The team is also known for a collection of inventions known as "Miniature," which has been credited with the duo’s name. This line of clothing included necklace−style embroidery on the garments.

Comparisons and Fascinating Facts

  • In the James Bond film “The World Is Not Enough,” Sophie Marceau donned outfits by Sandeep Khosla and Abu Jani.

  • During her state visit to India, Sarah Brown, the wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, selected AJSK clothing for every piece of her wardrobe.

  • Helping individuals with HIV and AIDS ranks among Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s charitable endeavors.

  • After another fashion designer stole the concept of embroideries in the form of a necklace, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s original idea for the collection “Miniature” sparked a debate.

  • The pair published “India Fantastique,” a two−volume chronicle of fashion details and interiors, on the occasion of their 25th anniversary of working together.

Conclusion

Two of the top fashion designers in the nation are Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, widely known as the dynamic duo on the runway. Their style objective is to exhibit India to the world in a way that has never been seen before on the runway after showcasing their designs in both domestically and internationally renowned venues.

Updated on: 27-Oct-2022

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