People Are Disappointed, I Profoundly Apologise: Sabyasachi On Response To H&M Collection

Sabyasachi statement on H&M collection: In an attempt to make his designs affordable, popular Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee collaborated with H&M. However, this much anticipated collab received mixed reactions. Some claimed the sarees look exactly like something he picked from a grandmother’s closet and many felt that the collection was "overpriced" as a cotton saree worth Rs 9,999 particularly caught netizen’s attention. Despite the criticism, the collection was sold out in no time. Reacting to the responses, the designer recently issued a statement saying that he received thousands of emails and messages overnight and they are not just “overwhelming” but “plain baffling”.

Mukherjee wrote that his idea with H&M collaboration- themed "Wanderlust", was to finally "reach out to the massive Sabyasachi tribe worldwide, even if it was just this once". Claiming that the designs represent rich textiles in modern and classic Indian silhouettes, he said he was very clear that there would be no "VIP previews and no exceptions" as everybody would get access to the collection in a democratic manner. "What better way than online?”

He went on address the issue of how quickly his collection sold out in India and across the globe. "I know a lot of people are disappointed, and I profoundly apologise for it. I’m sure I will be able to create a future business model that will address this need,” he extended apologies to those who couldn't grab the deals.

Many pointed out that a printed saree which can be found in most Indian grandmas’ wardrobes can't possibly be sold for Rs 9999! And then, they dug up another outfit, a brown shirt for Rs 2,999 and trousers for Rs 3,499, which look very similar to what "autowale bhaiya" wear.

Sabhyasachi X Nahi Jayega pic.twitter.com/uzOyC7bPIw

— pop smoke🧋 (@joeybiryaani) August 13, 2021

Mukherjee added, “My pet peeve was that globally we were considered a manufacturing country." He went on to stress that he always wanted to break that glass ceiling, but on his own terms. He advised, "There is a market-ready for every single one of us, and there is only one secret to unlock it–just be yourself. Whoever you are. Shamelessly.”

Feature Image Credit: Sabyasachi/Instagram