In fashion, Sabyasachi Mukherjee is a name that resonates with grandeur, tradition, and a deep-rooted appreciation for Indian heritage. In a new reveal, the allure of his design philosophy has blended with the world of beauty. This is no longer a figment of imagination but a reality, thanks to the Estée Lauder X Sabyasachi luxury lipstick collection.
“I wanted to create the best lipstick in the world,” said Sabyasachi in an interview with Vogue India. What started as a lofty aspiration in 2019 has finally culminated into a tangible collection of ten gorgeous shades in collaboration with Estée Lauder. The collaboration is a testament to the colour story of India – from the rich browns of the earth to the vibrant reds of traditional attire. Each shade retails for around ₹5400 on the Estée Lauder website; you can shop for the collection here.
This collection, therefore, is an ode to the diverse beauty of Indian women – recognizing and celebrating the myriad of skin tones with a palette that includes shades like Bombay Berry and Devi Pink. It celebrates diversity, acknowledging that beauty in India is not monochromatic but a spectrum of colours. “From muslin tea to tropical tangerine and rouge Bengal thrown in—we have new pinks, beiges, and reds. There is one iconic colour for everybody.”
The Making Of The Collection
Creating this range wasn’t a sprint but a marathon, taking four and a half years of careful formulation and iteration. The collaboration with Estée Lauder leveraged their expertise in formulation and manufacturing, while Sabyasachi brought his vision of packaging and colour to life. The meticulously crafted formula aims to provide hydration while ensuring a vibrant payoff, a nod to Sabyasachi’s vision of combining heritage with modernity.
“In many ways, the packaging was inspired by Calcutta, Estée Lauder’s archives, my obsessive love with old Bollywood and Hollywood, the era of the 1920s and 50s, the Indian Renaissance, and the Bengal Renaissance. In the end, all of these elements were put together in the packaging,” he says in another interview with Elle India.
Upon first glance, the packaging reminded us of the Pat McGrath lipsticks.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the collection is its olfactory experience. After months of deliberation, cinnamon was chosen over roses for its exotic yet unobtrusive scent, enhancing the lipstick experience without overwhelming the senses. “Nobody wants a formula with a heady waft under their nose. So, when it came to smell, we debated for six months whether the lipsticks should smell of roses or cinnamon. The latter was the clear winner because it’s more exotic, but it’s also less intrusive throughout the day,” he said.
Sabyasachi’s foray into beauty with Estée Lauder is more than just a collaboration; it’s a legacy being written. It underscores India’s burgeoning influence in the global beauty market, promising a future where Indian colours, textures, and fragrances stand shoulder-to-shoulder with international giants.
As Mr. Mukherjee puts it, there’s no turning back now. The Estée Lauder X Sabyasachi lipstick collection is a cultural statement, celebrating the richness of Indian heritage while embracing the future of beauty. The goal was clear from the start – to position Indian beauty alongside the world’s best.
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