Arjun, Parineeti turn showstoppers for Shantanu and Nikhil
Designer duo Shantanu & Nikhil’s new collection, Independence, was a spectacular affair, and the grand presentation received a standing ovation from spectators
Master couturiers Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra showcased their autumn/ winter’18 collection titled Independence in the capital on July 21. Bollywood actors Parineeti Chopra and Arjun Kapoor walked the ramp for the designer duo. While Parineeti looked resplendent in a voluminous floral gown made with textured pleated satin stretch fabric, Arjun cut a dapper figure in a black floral bandhgala.
Sharing their thoughts on why the duo chose Arjun and Parineeti as the showstoppers, Shantanu says, “Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra have certain indie chic values. They are fearless in their own ways. Parineeti has done roles that speak the language of the new-age India. She is bindaas and talks the way she wants to. And as for Arjun, he has never shied away from breaking stereotypes.”
Sameness is overrated; we’re trying to bring about newness with our collection that is antitrend and blurs the line between gender,” said designer Shantanu Mehra before the unveiling of his and Nikhil Mehra’s autumn/winter ’18 collection, Independence, at Bikaner House in Delhi on Saturday. And, the duo stood true to their words.
Fine cuts, neat textures and leather detailing stood out, as Shantanu & Nikhil displayed 60 avant-garde pieces on the runway, including both menswear and womenswear.
The collection was high on pinstripes, textured pleated satin stretch fabric, Japanese cape and exaggerated sleeves. The leather detailing, harnesses used in styling made for a visual delight. The designer duo also made a case for wearing socks with heels, as seen on their models.
“Our collection establishes an array of nostalgia amidst contemporary values. It caters to the millennials and how they perceive couture. From the last three years, we’ve been decoding our own language of what couture is. We are going to be anti-trend. And for us, couture is the language of minimalism, the language of telling stories. ‘Independence’ is also an extension of our older collection, The Regiment,” says Shantanu Mehra.
The show turned out to be one of the most happening nights in the Capital, and the who’s who of the fashion fraternity was present to cheer for the brothers. Designers JJ Valaya, Namrata Joshipura, Rahul Mishra, Varun Bahl, Rohit Gandhi and Rohit Bal showed up. Among others who made their presence felt were former Indian cricketer Murali Kartik and his wife Shweta Kartik, musician Ayaan Ali Bangash with wife Neema, musician Amaan Ali Bangash, actor Kubbra Sait, restaurateur AD Singh and designer Siddartha Tytler.