A three-day workshop was held in 1991 at the Conclave, by the name ‘Purono Kolkata’, meaning ‘Old Kolkata’, introducing colour and creativity to the otherwise dull and much neglected industry of ethnic menswear. Sharbari Datta became an overnight sensation in the world of men’s fashion. In 1992, owing to popular demand, the brand Sharbari started its operations with a humble garage setup in the ba
ckyard to the family residence. The formal company was, however, floated in 1993, when a proprietorship entity was formed in the name of “Sharbari Studio”, with Kanaklata Datta as the sole proprietor. With the gaining popularity of the brand, the production setup had to be expanded and moved to a production studio in the Kasba Industrial Estate, which now has around 60 skilled dressmaker working on the designs made by Sharbari Datta and breathing life into the artistic poems created on the fabric by stitching them in various forms of ethnic and indo-western menswear. The company’s growth story continued at the same pace and soon a partnership firm was formed between Sharbari Datta, Kanaklata Datta and Amalin Datta, under the name of Sharbari since 1991. Expansion has been a constant need to cater to the high demand. Another studio at Amtala got added to ensure that production and delivery deadlines were always met. As, has been the philosophy of the brand, the roots are never forgotten. The first garage unit still exists, doing minor alterations required for customers coming in for trials.
