“My preference is for deeply ingrained, genuine design aesthetics,” says Abhisek Roy

Like jewelry designer Sayak Chakraborty, whose extraordinary silver pieces are trailblazing statements, Abhisek Roy’s tribute to ethical and sustainable fashion, conceptualising multifaceted attire that is an amalgamation of both the ancient and the contemporary, is what draws his clients to his couture. Abhisek Roy and Sayak Chakraborty, the owner of the bijoux label Jalsaghar_Calcutta, were interviewed by The Statesman over this Christmas season at Abhisek Roy’s Bohurupi Shantiniketan shop on Graham’s Land in Tollygunge. They provided the best Christmas dressing advice along with insights into their most recent collections.

Your label is called Bohurupi Shantiniketan; in what ways has Shantiniketan influenced your development as a designer?
This location is the reason for who I am. Since Shantiniketan is where I was raised, all of my designs and aesthetics are influenced by this place. It is my origin and the place from where I have grown the most in my development as a stylist and designer.

What are your favorite materials to utilize in your designs? Abhisek Roy is known for ethical and sustainable fashion.
My first ideas while creating are always drawn to eco-friendly textiles and natural materials like organic cotton and silk. My interest in sustainable textiles has always existed since I studied textiles at Shantiniketan’s Kala Bhavan, and my work reflects this.

What’s popular during this holiday season, in your opinion?
During this joyful season, royal colors like pink, purple, and blue are very fashionable. In addition, I’ve seen that co-ords, in both Indian and Western styles, have really made a name for themselves in the fashion industry this holiday season.

What would you say about your perfect holiday ensemble?
My preference is for deeply ingrained, genuine design aesthetics. As a result, whenever I create anything, I always want to include tradition without sacrificing modern cutting or aesthetics, which updates the classic touch with a fresh style.

Any advice?
The colors and joyous moments that characterize celebrations should be represented in your attire. Thus, stay away from anything that can go against your personality and dress in what makes you feel comfortable. Strive to keep your outfit and the accessories you are wearing in harmony.

How thrilled were you when we saw on Instagram that you had created Diwali outfits for Saif Ali Khan?
One of my greatest chances to date was this one. It took me a while to seize the chance since I really admire his sense of style and the way he presents himself and wears. Everything occurred so quickly; after calling me, we came up with his Diwali appearance in less than ten minutes. After our wonderful trial, he made many additional purchases for his regular and party attire since he was so pleased with the Diwali outfits I had created for him. He also wanted to discover and reconnect with his Bengali origins, which is another reason he went with a Bengali designer.

Could you briefly describe your most recent collection and the inspiration behind it?
“Alpona,” my most recent collection, honors my Shantiniketan heritage and includes both celebratory and wedding styles.

Asking Sayak Chakraborty questions
Your brand, Jalsaghar_Calcutta, is known for creating exceptional silver items that honor history while incorporating contemporary elements. What gives you the inspiration to create these designs?
While traveling, the notion of Jalsaghar_Calcutta suddenly occurred to me. I’ve always leant toward the traditional, but I’ve also attempted to see things from a modern perspective. When I observed a few hoardings while traveling, the concept for my label remained with me since I felt that the intricate details of jewelry would be a much better way to depict it.

What’s popular this holiday season, in your opinion? Any advice?
Subtle jewelry, such as our ‘Makara Motif,’ has been really popular this season, in my opinion. Both Western and traditional clothing may be accessorised with the fish motif lockets from our collections and the ‘Shakti Haat Phool’ design.

Take us through your most recent acquisition.
We are celebrating Shakti, the feminine power, and the five facets of divinity—”Shakti Rupena” (strength), “Buddhi Rupena” (intelligence), “Tusti Rupena” (contentment), “Lakshmi Rupena” (prosperity), and “Matri Rupena” (motherly affection)—with the launch of our newest collection, “Daivi,” in time for the holidays. We have shown with this collection that each and every person have a heavenly touch.