The runway at Lakmē Fashion Week took a turn towards France on Day 1, as renowned label Abraham & Thakore teamed up with French lifestyle label L’Atelier 1664 to present Sari’torial, a collection that brings together a seamless confluence of cultures.

Envisioned as a dialogue between continents, it bridges Parisian sensibilities with modern Indian design through craft, storytelling, and a shared appreciation for heritage. Rooted in exchange and reinterpretation, the collection reflects a thoughtful meeting of traditions. 

We caught up with the designers to delve deeper into the vision and how this cross-cultural narrative came to life.

FL: Sari’torial brings together two distinct design philosophies. How did you find common ground between French elegance and Indian craft?

A&T: At the heart of this collaboration was a shared sensibility rather than a contrast. L’Atelier 1664 draws deeply from history and tradition while expressing it through a modern, refined lens – something that closely aligns with our own approach at Abraham & Thakore.

The common ground emerged organically in the idea of reinterpretation. Both brands value heritage, but neither treats it as static. By bringing together French elegance and Indian craft, we explored a space where restraint meets richness, where a classic, tailored idea can coexist with the tactile, nuanced beauty of hand processes. It became less about blending two identities and more about creating a dialogue between them.

“Sari’torial is where restraint meets richness, and tradition finds a modern dialogue.”

FL: Your byline speaks of dressing for “all the days you’re not getting married.” How does this collection redefine occasion wear for the modern wardrobe?

A&T: We have always believed that occasion wear need not be confined to weddings or grand celebrations. With Sari’torial, we wanted to expand the idea of dressing up, making it relevant to everyday moments that still deserve a sense of occasion.

The collection introduces pieces that carry the ease of daily wear but are elevated through thoughtful detailing, craft, and structure. It is about subtle drama rather than overt opulence, clothes that transition seamlessly from day to evening, allowing the wearer to feel considered without feeling overdone. In that sense, occasion wear becomes more personal, more wearable, and far more versatile.

FL: This collection brings together stitched and unstitched, and masculine and feminine codes. What does this fluidity represent in today’s fashion landscape?

A&T: Fluidity today is less of a trend and more of a reflection of how people want to engage with clothing, without rigid definitions. With Sari’torial, we were interested in exploring the space between binaries: tailored yet draped, structured yet relaxed, masculine yet feminine.

This interplay allows for greater individuality. A garment does not prescribe how it should be worn or who it is for; it adapts to the wearer. In many ways, this mirrors contemporary fashion’s shift towards inclusivity and personal expression, where boundaries are softened, and style becomes more intuitive.

FL: Handwoven fabrics, silk, and handspun cotton form the base of the collection. How important was it to ground this cross-cultural narrative in Indian textiles?

A&T: It was essential. While the collaboration brings in a cross-cultural perspective, the foundation had to remain rooted in Indian textiles and craftsmanship. These materials carry a certain authenticity and depth that cannot be replicated.

Using handwoven fabrics, silk, and handspun cotton allowed us to anchor the collection in a tactile, lived-in reality, even as the silhouettes and inspirations travel across geographies. The textiles bring warmth and soul to the garments, ensuring that even within a global narrative, the voice remains distinctly Indian.

FL: If you had to define the collection in three words, what would they be?

A&T: Refined, fluid, playful – these words capture the essence of Sari’torial. The collection balances elegance with ease, structure with movement, and tradition with a quiet sense of wit.