Sabyasachi on creating ‘Namaste Mickey’, a masterpiece that marries India’s rich heritage with the iconic Disney character

It is not every day that you come across a collaboration that transcends borders. Enter Sabyasachi Mukherjee, a man who needs no introduction. His recent collaboration with Disney for its 100th anniversary—in support of the Make-A-Wish foundation—has led him to create ‘Namaste Mickey’, a masterpiece that marries India’s rich heritage with the iconic Disney character, Mickey Mouse. “I wanted to bring our two worlds together through ‘Namaste Mickey’.

The inspiration came from India’s miniature paintings and heritage crafts and one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The piece is painted by the Sabyasachi Art Foundation (an organisation that provides a safe space for underprivileged artists to practise their art and make a living through it as well) and embroidered by the artisans from Sabyasachi’s ateliers. In the artwork, Mickey Mouse is portrayed in traditional Indian attire and jewellery, against the backdrop of the iconic Taj Mahal, surrounded by tropical flora and fauna—a coming together of the east and west,” says Sabyasachi.

These characters, he explains, were his childhood companions, inspiring him to envision a world beyond his immediate surroundings. His vision was elegant but simple: to encapsulate a touch of the enchantment that Disney has crafted over the years, imbibing it with distinctive elements of his own brand. To him, the work is more than just a piece of art...it symbolises India’s creative talent. “I like to think ‘Namaste Mickey’ brings a bit of India into this incredible initiative. It is about sparking magic, nostalgia, and joy, even as it contributes to a worthy cause. It is an absolute honour to represent India amongst such an eclectic and accomplished group of creatives from all across the world. I always say, for culture to be relevant it needs to be dynamic. And for me, initiatives like this don’t just celebrate Disney’s incredible legacy of creativity and art, but also champion so many creatives,” he shares.

As a designer, Sabyasachi has blurred the lines between couture and ready-to-wear with his new A/W 2023 collection. The collection is made with a single purpose—using fine craftsmanship to craft modern heirlooms that stand the test of time. “I started out as a ready-to-wear designer back in the early 2000s when I was active at the New York Fashion Week, Milan, and so on. Over the years, I kept bringing back elements of the clothes I made back then. But it is only over the last two years that I have been able to share my larger vision for ready-to-wear. I believe today’s consumers want to buy less but buy better. This collection is about bringing in the dynamism of easy dressing with heirloom quality products. It is a very personal one for me; it truly reflects my mission for Indian crafts and how it fits into global wardrobes.”

Sabyasachi says that the deconstructed tweed that he created using Indian embroidery and patchwork techniques with heritage zardozi, recycled nylons, and tulles with the finest of wools is one of his favourites. “I think the pieces that feature this hybrid craft are definitely some of my favourites, where I have really pushed the envelope—using ancient heritage crafts with fabrics made with cutting-edge modern technology.”

Lastly, he says that having spent a substantial part of the last two decades in New York, strolling through Times Square, he couldn’t help but notice that none of the gleaming screens showcased India. The realisation that India, with such a rich history of luxury, had not yet made a substantial mark in the global luxury markets was a source of concern for him and a narrative he aims to change.