Bond Street, London, wore Indian colours at the launch of Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s book – India Fantastique . The book celebrates the couturier’s incredible 25-year long journey, diving into their beautiful world of luxury and bringing to surface their many eclectic creations. Abu and Sandeep have dressed a number of celebrities, including Sophie Marceau, Maggie Smith and Sarah Brown, swathing them in rich Indian traditions.

India Fantastique was launched by Dame Judi Dench – an unwavering fan of the duo – and Amitabh Bachchan at Sotheby’s, London. Also present were A-listers like steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal and wife Usha, Anil and Kiran Agarwal, Gurinder Chadha, Tony Morgan and Robin Woodhead. While Dame Dench was first introduced to the boys on the sets of World is Not Enough , Bachchan’s wife, Jaya, brought the boys into their lives. Abu and Sandeep have since dressed the Dame for almost every one of her red carpet appearances and are probably the official couturiers for the Bachchan khandan .

An exhibition of the designers’ works was also held at Sotheby’s from September 3 to September 5. Designed to bring the volumes to life, the exhibition was a 3D showcase of their 25-year-old career, featuring masterworks of couture, craft, textiles and art, juxtaposed with sumptuous photographic highlights from the books.

Published on November 27, 2012