“Passage To India”: Collection designed by brother’s duo of the fashion world, Shantanu And Nikhil
Invoking the rich culture of the country, Shantanu & Nikhil’s Fall/Winter 2018 Bridal Collection aims to take us on a “Passage to India”. That’s what the show notes say. Looking at the runway, that is certainly true: timeless, graceful and dramatic silhouettes in emerald green, ruby red, ivory, antique gold and dusky rose to hark back to an age of famous gemstones and majestic grandeur that is the county’s proud heritage. Looking a little closer, though, a sophisticated modern edge insinuates itself in subtle yet exquisite ways. Diva Dia Mirza was the show-stopper for their show.
It is a brand for strong men & women who represent a mentality of fighting for what they believe in, a sentiment which is relevant to both India and the world. As the brand owners both the designers believe in nostalgically re-inventing Indian history through the art of the cloth by constantly breaking the myriad stereotypical notions of tradition & fashion and instead of breeding a new minimalistic culture of refined and progressive design depicting gender equality and cross-cultural expression.
Among the beautiful cutting, drapery and pleating, the talented duo has scattered, encrusted and dotted Swarovski crystals in a variety of contemporary cuts. Among them the iconic Edelweiss crystal and the punky Spike bead. The effect is one of striking beauty: a deep hymn to a great culture, one rich in art and textiles, but with a resonant high note that looks towards an exciting future.