Sarah Blinco steps out in style exploring the rise to fortune of this famed fashion duo
Films (Umrao Jaan, Devdas, Lajja, and Khoon Bhari Maang to name a few), celebrity clientele (think Dame Maggie Smith, Darcey Bussell and Sophie Marceau), fashion weeks and high street store openings – Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, or ‘the boys’ as they are affectionately known in industry circles, are renowned the world over for their beautiful designs and innovative creations.
From Bollywood to Hollywood, the pair have carved a reputable name for themselves in the extremely competitive high-end fashion market where their point of difference is utilizing authentic and ethnic materials to create a modern style. Dame Judy Dench was even reported as calling her Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla outfit worn to the Oscars in 1999 (the year she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress), “the most exquisitely feminine clothes I have ever worn.”
Originally this designing pair launched into the global market with a range of shawls under the brand name of Shakira Caine that sold in Harvey Nichols and Harrods in London, and Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in New York. They went on to design the label Jashan (1989) which was showcased at a star-studded Save the Children Charity fundraising ball in London that same year.
In 2003, they won another prestigious award for designing some of the fabulous costumes for the film Devdas, and in the space of a mere nine years they have won numerous more accolades and Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have established their first exclusive London store. In 2007, they appeared in BusinessWeek’s list of the 50 most powerful Indians. They are indeed the Indian designing force to be reckoned with.
For years now, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have captivated the world of fashion with their unique creations, pioneering along the way many ground-breaking haute couture styles. In fact, late last year, ‘the boys’ celebrated 25 years in the business with a glamorous event hosted at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai, and attended by an array of India’s best dressed; all the women in Abu-Sandeep designs and sipping on Moët & Chandon! An amazing story from two strangers who happened to meet by chance in 1986.
Apart from creating apparels, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla recently ventured into the world of interiors, having redesigned homes for high profile clients like Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, Dimple Kapadia and Nikhil and Shweta Bachchan-Nanda.
Expect ever more parties, fashion shows and gala balls from the pair in 2012, as well as some exciting new design collections that promise the utmost in contemporary luxe, yet inspired by traditional colour and form.
For more on all their stunning designs, visit www.abusandeep.com.
