Amitabh Bachchan & Judi Dench at the launch of India Fantastique

Bond Street, London wore all the coloursof India with the launch of Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla's book- IndiaFantastique.

The book premiered at an exclusive, byinvitation only, event at Sotheby's, London. Dame Judi Dench and Mr.Amitabh Bachchan were the Guests of Honours and released the book at this muchanticipated evening.

Said Dame Judi Dench, (who has worn AbuSandeep creations at the Oscars and the BAFTAS), "I first noticed SophieMarceau wearing an Abu Sandeep creation on the sets of the Bond movie TheWorld is Not Enough. when i asked Lindy Hemming (Oscar winning costumedesigner) she put me in touch with the Boys and the association has continuedto date I am happy to say."

"They walked into my house one morning, years ago,a shy smile on their faces and a world of expectation in their yes. Jaya introduced them to me as Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, young men stepping into the world of couture , in the city of opportunity, Mumbai. They were very talented, my wifeJaya had gushed, an opinion he often takes ample time over before passing. I recognized immediately that they were destined to be our favou ites, and I was not wrong." said Amitabh Bachchan .

The spectacular evening had a guest listnaturally comprising of A-listers such as Lakshmi and Usha Mittal, Anil andKiran Agarwal, Gurinder Chadha, Tony Morgan, Robin Woodhead etc.

Prior to this, an exhibition of the designers’work was held at Sotheby’s, 34-35 New Bond Street, London W1, from 3rd to 5thSeptember, to coincide with the launch of India Fantastique. (pixattached)

Designed to literally bring the volumes tolife, the exhibition was a 3-D showcase of their 25-year careers, featuringmasterworks of couture, craft, textiles and art, juxtaposed with sumptuousphotographic highlights from the books.

India Fantastique is a beautiful insight into the world of AbuJani and Sandeep Khosla, India’s most celebrated couturiers, showcasingtheir creativity in all its myriad forms, from fashion to furniture, andcelebrates their twenty-fifth anniversary year.

Together, they have built a 25-yearpartnership that has included designing for leading actors and actresses,working with directors on costumes for epic Bollywood films, and building abrand that exudes luxury, artistry and Indian tradition. Their worldunites India’s ancient cultural heritage with original contemporarydesign.

“Abu and I thought long and hard about how wewanted to celebrate our milestone, and also about how we would use thiscelebration to set the vision for our creativity and ourselves in the nexttwenty-five years. It soon became clear that a book, or rather two as it turnedout to be, was the ideal vehicle. ”

Sandeep Khosla

The first volume of India Fantastique displaysdozens of the duo’s impossibly elegant designs created over the past 25 years,including close- ups of exquisitely crafted details. The second volume focuseson their extensive work in interior design. Their hallmark maximalism runs riotin privately commissioned interiors, which incorporate art, artifacts, antiquesand vintage textiles.