Last Updated:
Sabyasachi’s 25th anniversary was celebrated at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre with stunning fashion, elite guests, and a grand atmosphere. Deepika Padukone opened the show.
The event marking 25 Years Of Sabyasachi was attended by the likes of Ananya Panday and Alia Bhatt.
Last night, we had one of those “pinch me, is this real?” moments as we got to attend THE event of the season – 25 years of Sabyasachi. Spoiler: it was spectacular! Floor-sweeping velvet gowns, tailored tuxedos with razor-sharp lapels and embellished saris that shimmered like constellations – it wasn’t just a fashion show; it was a celebration so grandiose it flirted with fantasy. Marking the silver jubilee of ace designer Sabyasachi, the event was held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. The venue started filling up with celebrities influencers and other guests as soon as the clock struck 6:30 pm.
Now, for those wanting to score a ticket to the hottest shows, we have bad news – you can’t. The entry is not sold but given to only those who play some role in the fashion industry. Hence, you can imagine the elite crowd that lined up the standing queue outside while the event managers struggled behind the desk to find everyone a seat. Everyone was dressed to their very best, it was like seeing another fashion show. One of the celebrity guests who arrived way before time was socialite Shalini Passi, who patiently waited for her turn to enter. She made her way to the red carpet meanwhile and spoke to everyone with a smile who shook hands with her.
Once the seatings were sorted and you were handed the ‘white card’ (the one that had the number of your seat to the main fashion show), you finally stepped into the cocktail venue and got enveloped in a world that felt otherworldly. Imagine your royal fantasy transform into reality – the walls were dripping with flowers so exotic we’re pretty sure they don’t exist in nature, the chandeliers so sparkly they probably made the moon jealous and enough gold accents to make a Maharaja blush. The packed space looked like it had just come out from the pages of a Mughal folktale. Indeed, everything screamed Sabya magic because budget? What’s that?
Now, the theme of the night? The dress code was strict! The attendees – celebrities, socialites and connoisseurs alike – had to wear black or no entry. It was the chicest funeral for boring fashion events. The room looked like a glossy editorial come to life. Suits, saris, gowns, everyone was dressed like they had a personal stylist on speed dial. This crowd had understood the assignment. You’d see more diamonds and designer heels in one night than you’d probably have in your whole life.
At the cocktail evening (just before the fashion show), Ananya Panday and Aditi Rao Hydari stole everyone’s glances as they hugged and gossiped. The duo candidly chatted with everyone and even praised the outfits of those around them. Sharvari, meanwhile, hung out with the influencers and had a jolly time.
Ananya Panday dazzled in a dreamy black minidress with golden polka dots. Her half-updo and soft smoky eyes was the perfect example of Gen Z fashionista. Aditi Rao Hydari wore a regal black anarkali and looked elegant.
Other celebs who attended the event were Sonam Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Sobhita Dhulipala and others. However, they were seated far from the eyes of the audience and didn’t mingle with the guests.
At about 10 pm, the gates to the fashion show finally opened and walking in, it felt like we’d accidentally wandered into a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie, minus the background dancers. The ceiling was decorated with clothes hanging in the air, giving a very rural vibe.
See for yourself below:
The atmosphere of the ramp walk, the music, the audience and the scale of a set justifies what a designer is trying to communicate. And Sabyasachi managed to bring it across perfectly.
Then came the runway. Everyone got seated, the lights dimmed and the energy was electric. When Deepika Padukone walked out to open the show, the collective gasp of the audience was almost audible. The chandeliers probably gasped too! It was that moment. Deepika didn’t just walk the runway; she commanded it. Sabyasachi dressed the actress in a loose cream shirt, matching trousers, and a trench coat. The new mommy’s hair was tied in a high bun and she completed her look with glasses.
Check it out:
One by one, the models floated down the runway in signature Sabyasachi masterpieces. Every outfit worn by the models was bold but somehow subtle, over-the-top yet totally wearable. Each piece told stories older than the runway itself. And the atmosphere was one of hushed awe!
Here’s a glimpse:
By the time Deepika Padukone and Sabyasachi walked the runway together in the end, the applause was deafening!
And with this, the event came to an end and everyone walked out to fill their bellies with wine and cheese.
Sabya didn’t just put on a show—he gave us a memory. We’re already counting down to his 50th now.
