‘We cherish diversity as artists’
Designer to the stars Abu Jani on dressing celebrities and bringing the iconic Abu Sandeep brand to Dubai
sandhya@khaleejtimes.com
When was the last time you wanted to wear an Abu Jani-sandeep Khosla creation and flaunt it? Perhaps every time you came across their breathtaking creations! One half of the famous designer duo, Abu Jani, will be attending a one-day exhibition showcasing the label’s stunning creations at Taj Dubai, hosted by Kamu Vachani and Simran Shroff. The Abu Jani-sandeep Khosla label has been patronised by the likes of industrialist Mukesh Ambani and his family, as well as both veteran and contemporary Bollywood stars - youngsters Sara and Ibrahim Ali Khan recently flaunted Abu Janisandeep Khosla designs on a magazine cover. Socialite and Bollywood producer and director, Karan Johar, and many other celebrities are fans of this famous designer duo.
In an exclusive interview with City Times ahead of his visit, Abu Jani said: “The UAE is already a delightful and diverse meld of fashion and lifestyle. We cherish diversity as artists and humans because it frees the imagination and allows people to dream bigger. Inclusivity is a principle we are committed to. It builds more beautiful communities. There is no place in the 21st century for exclusion and fashion will reflect that too. As we include, as we infuse our minds with diverse and multi-cultural influences, our expression will only grow and evolve to greater beauty.”
The designer duo will bring their label Gulabo to town tomorrow. Many who flaunt the brand consider it a social status too. However, Abu Jani adds: “We would like to think of our brand as representing excellence and original beauty and that beauty being appreciated by audiences across the globe. We don’t believe in status symbols as we believe in fashioning beauty.”
The one-day exhibition hopes to entice buyers with wide and varied options. “Our label Gulabo has fabulous separates and ensembles at great price points. And we have also designed footwear with Needledust - beautifully embroidered juttis (shoes) which stand out with our signature style. Couture and diffusion are by definition, limited edition. The level of craftsmanship means they are luxury. With our pret label and our footwear, we have expanded our creative expression to reach and include a far wider audience in the UAE,” adds Jani.
Currently the glamorous brand is working with four labels and collaborations, coupled with projects in interior design. The duo have four stores in Mumbai, three in New Delhi and one in Goa. Abu Jani says that the label is uniquely blessed in India since they witness a diverse and multi-cultural legacy whether it comes to language, faith, food, customs or culture. “And our fashion too is similarly infused with eclectic influences. Be it craft techniques or silhouettes, diversity creates beauty. It allows multiple and multi-layered expressions of