Inside Sabyasachi’s ‘museum of memories’ in Delhi: 120 chandeliers, 300 paintings and a love of the past

Sabyasachi, the renowned designer, has created a unique space in Delhi, aptly named his 'museum of memories.' This expansive store, spanning over 26,000 square feet at One Style Mile, just behind Qutb Minar, is a sensory journey through history. Inside, visitors are greeted by 120 chandeliers, 300 original paintings, nearly 200 antique carpets, 300 original paintings, and over 100 antique textiles, mirrors, and decorative objects.

The walls are adorned with textiles and carpets, lined by glass cabinets filled with curios, enamel boxes, jewelry, accessories, and knick-knacks, blending European baroque with Indian excess. The store offers a Gen Z connection as well, as it provides young people with a sensory experience to better understand their past.

Sabyasachi's collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has resulted in a high jewellery collection inspired by Byzantine art. The first chapter of this collaboration will be unveiled during New York Fashion Week in September, featuring chunky neckpieces that blend European, Egyptian, and Indian influences.

The designer's passion for preserving history and authentic crafting is evident in his store, which serves as both a commercial space and a cultural institution. He believes that museums and creative ecosystems are crucial in the preservation of history and the sustenance of traditional craftsmanship. The collaboration with the Met is just one example of this, as the designer seeks to reinterpret works of art through Indian craftsmanship for a contemporary audience.