In his entry into the beauty industry alongside Estée Lauder (EL), Sabyasachi Mukherjee articulates his aspiration to develop the most exceptional lipstick globally. Today signifies the unveiling of their exclusive lipstick collection, which was previously a mere aspiration till 2019.
“From the outset, I communicated to EL that our conversation would happen gradually but ultimately be gratifying.” The complex nature of the development process for 10 satin matte and ultra matte formulas in various hues that encapsulate the color narrative of India cannot be underestimated.
the designer explores the concept of expressing one’s personality via beauty. He explains how he incorporated the three essential elements of excellence, transparency, and vibrancy, which he inherited from his prestigious luxury brand, into the collection, among other factors. Prior to the interview, peruse selected passages.
Sonakshi Sharma: Indian Fashion Icon Dives into Beauty with Estée Lauder Partnership
Sonakshi Sharma: As the trailblazer of Indian fashion on a worldwide scale, what motivated your venture into the realm of beauty? Please elucidate the underlying motivation for your partnership with Estée Lauder.
This is Sabyasachi Mukherjee. I aspired to design an enduring and timeless item that one would purchase again throughout their lifetime, to the extent that it became an integral part of their identity. Similar to Anna Wintour’s lifelong habit of wearing sunglasses or Frida Kahlo’s distinctive unibrow.
It took four years to develop these 10 colors, aiming to establish a diverse color palette that represents a range of skin tones in India and beyond. The prolonged duration of this process stems from the need for several iterations to refine the current hues.
There is a Bombay Berry option available for those who like a deeper shade, while a Devi Pink is available for those who prefer a softer shade of pink.
Determining the optimal color necessitates the consideration of numerous elements. One aspect to consider is the olfactory experience. No one desires a formula that has a strong and unpleasant odor.
Regarding olfactory perception, we engaged in a six-month argument regarding whether the lipsticks should have a scent reminiscent of roses or cinnamon. The latter emerged as the unequivocal victor due to its greater exoticism while also being less invasive throughout the day.
SS: What sets this collection apart in a crowded beauty market?
SM: I adhere to the principles of quality, clarity, and color, which are also upheld in my label. The composition of these bottles, like the karigari in my lehengas, is what is truly important.
To create the package, we extensively explored their prestigious archives, which had a plethora of inspiration boards and objects from the brand’s whole history. When thinking about early Bollywood and Hollywood movies, I saw that the materials used were mostly Bakelite and gold.
This is evident in the gilded boxes that were decorated with 24K gold plated accents and displayed the Bengal tiger, which is Sabyasachi’s symbol.
This series explores a historical period when beauty symbolized idealistic ideals, where you align yourself with the underlying concept rather than simply following the most recent social media trend.
SS: What Inspired Your Inclusive Lipstick Line? Did You Achieve Your Goals?
SM: My first objective was to establish a musical ensemble of generally adored hues. Some individuals may observe them and express, “Oh, there is no value for us as he has not worn navy blue or emerald green,” but they need to understand that this brand is not suitable for such attire.
Regarding self-expression, there are two methods to employ—either embracing a current trend or adopting a more universal approach.
The present compilation intends for the latter.If a single woman expresses to me, “This is the lipstick I desire to wear indefinitely.” I will consider that a commendable accomplishment.
