Exclusive: Shantanu and Nikhil Talk About Their Design Philosophy and Millennial Muses

Being able to take what’s classic and nostalgic and sculpting it on a fresh, modern palette is what designer duo Shantanu & Nikhil are known for. The brand is a conscious choice for brides who want to reinvent quintessential styles for a more contemporary look, and Shantanu and Nikhil sit down with BRIDES TODAY to give us an insider’s look into their world of neo-bridal norms.

How has the brand Shantanu & Nikhil evolved since you started?

As a brand, more so in the recent past, we have constantly challenged ourselves by finding ways of disruption and innovation. Our new SS’18 line is nothing but a reiteration of our vision of belonging to something that is bigger than ourselves and its underlying spirit that symbolises egalitarianism and distinctiveness. We have, in the last year, made some radical shifts in our designs by conceptually introducing strong, modern Indian structures and drapes. This has, in fact, generated a lot of interest amongst millennials who want to feel strong, and yet be Indian in its most contemporary form of minimalism; so everything is noticeably S&N when it comes to silhouettes, drapes, and structure with this new line, only that it has become more patriotic chic in every step we have taken.

How do you describe Shantanu & Nikhil’s design philosophy?

The brand Shantanu & Nikhil has always believed in reinventing Indian history with a hint of nostalgia through the art of the cloth. We are constantly breaking the myriad stereotypical notions of tradition and fashion and instead, breeding a new minimalistic culture of refined and progressive design that depicts the modern independent India and the values of egalitarianism and austerity. What emerges is the powerful, the strong, the fearless, and the determined millennial ready to fight the fight. Our silhouettes and colours do not represent the India of yore or the India of the Raj, but is a take from the decadent past to write the future, an ideology that breeds on the grounds of reinforcing our belief to go beyond just the façade. It is the dawn of a new era, an era that will act as a catalyst for new changes that will weave the whole country together. It is time to revisit those attributes that make our modern Indian civilian forces inimitable and rare.

Who do you look up to for inspiration?

As a brand that has been in existence for almost 18 years, we are now on a path of rediscovery. We’re looking at a more refined and cleaner second innings where a modern independent India, nostalgia, egalitarianism, and pride takes centrestage in our design philosophy. A heroic reappropriation of the male presence through the female form where feminine/masculine, hard/soft, defend/protect is the new brand direction for Shantanu & Nikhil. This is our anti-trend take on couture in India where minimalism, austerity, and defined drape forms challenge the trends of maximalism associated with tradition. The sartorial representation of India in its most contemporary avatar has become the cornerstone of the Shantanu & Nikhil DNA.

Tell us about your latest collection.

Our SS’18 collection, ‘Tribe-The India Story’, is an echo of the emerging new voice of the millennials. They believe in the #IndiaOnTheMove ideology, where young individuals are continuously crossing and defying borders, physical, social, and psychological, becoming #CitizensOfTheRoad. The inspiration of the SS’18 collection stems from the multi-tribal shades of the streets of Rajasthan. The final showcase is a monochromatic presentation, an amalgamation of the tribal with the urban, which mirrors the essence of the aspirational—yet non-conformist—India, #TheYuvaMarch. Each piece of this stylish yet elegant collection is a compelling narrative of fashion and fortitude, represented by an earthy palette of warm hues, sharp tailoring, and dramatic accents. Influences of the tailoring techniques of India can be seen through layered pleating, bold colour blocking, long line cape structures, reinterpreted drapes, and aged textures. Coherent jewellery surfaces with elements of tassels and tape are interwoven to break away from any rigid categorisation of gender.

Who is the perfect Shantanu & Nikhil bride?

The Shantanu & Nikhil bride is the new voice of a strong, independent India, who doesn’t limit herself to quintessential traditions but instead, is always on the quest to redefine stereotypical patterns of occasion wear. She is unique in her own way and stands out in a crowd with her new-age Indian sensibilities.

What was working with Zoya and Zinia like?

Twins Zinia and Zoya are very passionate, energetic, and true to themselves. They believe in cultures through art, fashion, design, and creativity.

What’s next for Shantanu & Nikhil?

We aim to make India proud, in a world where fashion meets indigenous chic—more inclusive, desirable, and exotic through our eyes to the outside world. Just being relevant is what’s next for us.