I've always been off-centre: Sabyasachi

As philosophical as he is fun, as boyishly charming as he is mature, Sabyasachi Mukherjee's personality elicits a second look just like his inimitable designs.
As he complains about too much milk in his coffee, Sabyasachi, in the most unassuming way, explains, "Do you know why people buy my clothes? Because they're basically wearing my mind." Most of us would definitely leap at the chance of draping ourselves with this designer's grey matter, especially since he brings affordable vogue to Elah�����s racks in the city!
Drawing creative ideas from Frida Kahlo's evocative paintings to poetic lyrics of Rufus Wainwright and Leonardo Cohen, Sabyasachi's brilliant eccentricity and rationality are better understood from the horse's mouth!
Excerpts from the interview:
Tell us about the personal and business aspect of launching your collection in Hyderabad.
n Over the years, the market for designer wear has boomed and prices have skyrocketed. This created a dichotomy because a section of society either couldn't afford designer wear or thought that they couldn���t. So, I came up with a range which still had the Sabyasachi feel but was meant for everyone.
What style have you chosen to highlight in your collection? Is it for everyday wear since it���s meant for everyone?
Well, it's definitely not completely casual. I want to give people dressier options at affordable prices. For example, my saris used to be Rs 35,000-40,000 but the range in the current collection is Rs 8,000-10,000.
You've been known to endorse simplicity in clothing. Do you think that gels with today's fashion consciousness where everyone wants to stand out?
Anybody who goes for the simple approach actually stands out in this world of complexity!
What would you say is your signature style?
I'd say that the mix of patterns, colours and fabrics is my forte. That and creating unity in diversity!
Do you use masculine elements in feminine costumes because women who are considered beautiful, especially on the international ramp, have unusually boyish figures?
Well, I only include undertones of masculinity in supremely feminine designs because I love studies in contrast. I always been off-centre and I think that an intermingling of contrast creates great design.
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