WALLS OF FAME
Designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee creates a new line of hue heavy wallpapers
Unabashedly Indian. That’s the Sabyasachi Mukherjee aesthetic we know and love. Be it in his quaint and charming home, much sought-after clothes or wallpapers that he created in collaboration with Asian Paint’s Nilaya, the couturier’s flair for the dramatic is arresting. Titled Chapter II: India Revival Project, this marks his second stint with Asian Paints. The collection reiterates his love for India and draws inspiration from his life. From the Royal Bengal tiger he spotted as a child to the Taj Mahal, an icon of love, and his home in north Kolkata, they are all represented in the most exquisite shades and patterns.
Tell us about the collection
Our first collaboration was beautiful, but it still had a commercial intent. However, it was very well received. It made it into very important hotels and homes across the country. We realised from last time that our trophy wallpapers did the best. So this time the entire collection is a series of trophy wallpapers which are strong, bold, arrogant and very India proud. Luxury always comes from a point of arrogance, not from subjugation. There are a lot of floral elements done in a very classical Indian style. The collection also has Portuguese, Dutch, French and Chinese influences.
How is it different from designing clothes?
Design is design; there is no real difference. When you are a designer the horizontal mobility of design is very easy. It starts with the same inspiration which is translated into a product.
A wallpaper you love
I have two. The Sunderban wallpaper that celebrates the Royal Bengal tiger and the India Moghol, where we have done a surreal pink Taj Mahal against a bottle green backdrop.
How long did it take?
It took 11 months with 43 artists, who hand rendered everything. They were then digitally mastered in UK and created into wallpapers. AT www.nilaya.asianpaints.com