The inaugural chapter of the collaboration will see Mukherjee’s label, Sabyasachi, unveil a high jewellery collection inspired by the art of the Byzantine Empire at a runway presentation during New York Fashion Week on September 15, according to a press release.

The collection draws on Byzantium’s history as a major centre of commerce, culture and artistic exchange. The eastern continuation of the Roman Empire was centred in Constantinople, modern-day Istanbul, from the fourth through the 15th centuries. Its visual language was shaped by influences from Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Persia and civilisations of the Far East connected through the Silk Route via India.

Mukherjee has drawn from objects, motifs and techniques represented across The Met’s departments of Greek and Roman, Medieval and Islamic Art. Imperial medallions, architectural adornments, ancient statuary and stonework, religious iconography and other objects of antiquity serve as starting points for the contemporary jewellery collection.

Stephen Mannello, Head of Retail and Global Licensing at The Met, said the collaboration would offer a contemporary perspective on works from antiquity.

“Engaging with Sabyasachi and his team allows us to view works from antiquity through a new lens, shining a spotlight on stories of the past through his creative viewpoint,” Mannello said.

Mukherjee said the partnership presented an opportunity to reinterpret centuries of creativity while exploring the cultural exchanges that shaped the Byzantine world.

“This collaboration is about engaging with one of the world's great collections of art and the opportunity to reinterpret centuries of creativity through contemporary design,” he said.

The designer said what particularly fascinated him was the interaction between different civilisations through trade.

“The Byzantine world was not defined by a single geography. It was shaped by the movement of people, ideas, and craftsmanship across continents including India,” Mukherjee added.

Mukherjee also found parallels between Byzantium’s history as a commercial and cultural hub and his hometown Kolkata.

“I find similarities to my home, Calcutta, itself a commercial hub influenced by trade and exchange,” he said.

“Through this collaboration, we are able to transform historic inspiration into modern interpretations that feel relevant, beautiful, and desirable today,” he added.

Every piece in the collection will be conceived, developed and handcrafted in India by Mukherjee’s network of master artisans.

Future collections developed under the partnership will continue to draw inspiration from The Met’s collection, spanning jewellery, accessories and clothing.

The inaugural collection will be available at Sabyasachi’s flagship store at 160 Christopher Street in New York City’s West Village, other global Sabyasachi stores and select specialty retailers worldwide.


Pic credit: Sabyasachi's Instagram